Phillies Beast (and Least) of the Week

Beast: Tom Gordon

What a season for Tom Gordon. After letting up 5 runs on opening day, Gordon has let up only 2 since. This week Gordon lived up to numbers he’s been putting up.

Tuesday, Gordon came in replacing JC Romero, who walked one batter to load the bases after relieving Cole Hamels. Gordon pitched two ground balls outs, letting up 1 run, but getting out of a very tough spot to finish up the inning securing the Phils’ 3-2 lead. This performance was a microcosm of Gordon’s season. He’s been put in tough spots all year and he continues to thrive. His performance has been essential to the Phillies.

On Thursday, Gordon pitched 1-2-3 8th inning against the Padres, and on Friday he got out of a tough spot against the Giants. Gordon’s 8th inning role is perfect for him. He’s a former closer with a rediscovered curve ball and the experience of playing on a contender. Flash is back. Let’s hope it continues.

Runners Up: Pat Burrell (PTB), Chase Utley (NL Player of the Month)

Least: Ryan Madson

Ryan Madson has struggled all season long and it’s looking more and more like he’ll never regain the form of his initial foray into the league. Despite his new beefed up stature, he’s failing to perform well and is usually only seeing action in games that look like a lost cause. Madson’s line on the week (4 GP, 3.2 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 HR, 2 BB, 7 SO). There are worse lines, but he has not shown any promise thus far, and this week just exemplified that feeling.

Runners Down: So Taguchi (you’re lucky we don’t do the same players two weeks in a row), Ryan Howard (patience is a virtue)