Major League Baseball

As expected, Phillies lead the pack

Published Jul. 13, 2011 6:52 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Philadelphia Phillies are right where they were supposed to be, leading the majors in wins at the All-Star break.

It's proof what excellent pitching can do.

With Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels leading the way, the staff has helped the Phillies overcome a slew of injuries and a mediocre offense.

While the three aces have lived up to all that preseason hype, two young relievers have far exceeded expectations. Antonio Bastardo and Michael Stutes have been vital to Philadelphia's success, especially since the team has been without its three top closers for long stretches.

''Our pitching definitely jumps out at you, not only our starters but also the consistency of our bullpen and the fact we had two kids (Bastardo and Stutes) step in and really pitch good for us,'' manager Charlie Manuel said. ''That became big. Hopefully we can keep going and have a big second half.''

The Phillies are 57-34, 3 1/2 games ahead of Atlanta in their quest for a fifth straight NL East title. They've got a long way to go in a season where only a World Series championship would be considered a success.

''I think it's been good,'' left fielder Raul Ibanez said, assessing the first half. ''We're in a good position. We're in the situation that a lot of teams would like to be in. I think we can do better. The potential is there to be even better than the first half. It's an exciting time, it's a lot of fun.''

Ibanez isn't kidding. The Phillies can be better because they're due to get some key players back. It should only help when starters Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton and relievers Ryan Madson, Jose Contreras and Brad Lidge return from the disabled list.

Oswalt, the fourth ace, started out 3-0. But he hurt his back, struggled and landed on the DL. Madson was outstanding filling in as the closer, converting 15 of 16 save chances, before a hand injury forced him to the bench.

Overall, the Phillies lead the majors with a 3.02 ERA. Hamels (2.32), Halladay (2.45) and Lee (2.82) are among the top seven in the NL.

''After having Roy, Roy and myself and adding Cliff, that was something we expected,'' Hamels said of the dominant pitching. ''I think it's great, but at the same time, it's the first half and not the full season. Try to take the positives and still work as hard as I can and try to get better. That's the nature we have on our pitching staff that we can always get better.''

Offensively, there's certainly room for improvement. The Phillies used to outslug teams, and they mashed their way to the 2008 World Series title. But Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard aren't producing the way they once did. There's still a need for another right-handed bat in the lineup, and their two All-Star regulars, Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco, are hurt.

The Phillies are 20th in the majors in batting average (.250), 14th in runs scored (384) and 18th in homers (78).

''I expect us to score more runs, especially if we can get our team back and get healthy,'' Manuel said. ''When Victorino went into the five-hole, he started showing us some consistency and if we can get Polly well, he's a .300 hitter.''

Despite obvious concerns, Manuel is pleased with the team's performance so far.

''I like our team a lot. I'm proud of our team,'' he said. ''Matter of fact, it's hard for me sometimes. I've always tried to stay positive but it's hard for me to get negative when we're winning games because that sends a terrible message. Winning is what it's all about. That's our No. 1 priority when we come to the ballpark. That's what counts more than anything else, that's what counts for me and a lot of our players. We're trying to get everyone to think that way.''

Winning in October is all that matters for the Phillies.