NLCS 2010 Report Card: Doc Halladay Finds Cure, Philadelphia Phillies Stay Alive
In a game steeped in desperation, the Philadelphia Phillies came alive to send Game 6 of the 2010 NLCS back to Philadelphia, and the good doctor provided the cure for the woeful Phillies at just the right time.
But for the Phillies, the importance was in HOW they won this game.
Miscues in the field, lack of power, nearly zero base stealing: All of these things have plagued the Phillies and prevented them from either closing out a winnable game, or stopping the Giants.
Let's take a look at how Philadelphia fared this time around, as we get ready for Saturday.
1B, Ryan Howard
1 of 8
Howard's bat has steadily been declining. Hopefully for him, he hit rock bottom last night, when he stuck out four times.
His glove, on the other hand, has been pretty solid except for one miscue two nights ago. Howard now has a golden opportunity to set his ship straight at home.
Final Grade: C minus
2B, Chase Utley
2 of 8
Utley sort of atoned for his two ground outs by finally grabbing a hit. And he sort of atoned for his muffed infield scoop with a stolen base.
Still, is it me or has he looked genuinely uncomfortable in the field the last three games?
Coming back to Philly should get him back on track, but last night's performance must not be repeated again.
Final Grade: C minus
3B, Placido Polanco
3 of 8
Last night, it almost seemed as if Tim Lincecum was head hunting every time Polanco came to bat (I know he wasn't). It may have jarred something lose in Polanco's noggin.
An RBI single, a walk and a stolen base were exactly what the Phillies needed from him.
Polanco seems to be heating up at just the right time.
Final Grade: B plus
The Outfield
4 of 8
In my last report card I said in order for the Phillies to win they needed the following:
Hits: Check
Stolen Bases: Check
Consistency: Check
Most of the consistency came from he outfield, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Each outfielder had crucial hits, and crucial plays—including Jason Werth nailing Cody Ross while trying to take third.
Shane Victorino had a two RBI double, Jayson Werth had the put-away homer in the ninth, and Ibanez had two runs and a hit as his bat finally came alive.
All three end the night with a final grade of A.
SS, Jimmy Rollins
5 of 8
His bat is slowly returning, his defense last night was solid as a rock, and oh yeah, he pilfered two bases, putting to rest any concerns about that hamstring.
I don't think Rollins will do this every night—or maybe he will, who knows—but when the Phillies needed him the most, he came through.
Final Grade: A minus
C, Carlos Ruiz
6 of 8
Ruiz continues to chug along and provide as much consistency as any player could possibly give in a game.
Last night, he was methodical, provided a good eye at the plate, and you can bet his bat will come alive even more on Saturday, when he returns to his own digs.
Final Grade: B minus
SP, Roy Halladay
7 of 8
Halladay looked uncomfortable and unsettled despite fanning five. He did manage to finally beat the one team he has never defeated, despite the six walks and two runs he gave up.
Halladay was making adjustments all night long. He still placed a couple of bricks right over the plate and challenged Cody Ross dangerously inside.
Whether that was by design or mistake, I'll never truly know.
He may not have been lights out as usual, but the doctor provided the home remedy the Philadelphia Phillies needed to live another day.
Final Grade: C minus
Relief and Staff
8 of 8
At the start of this game, the crowd literally went into over drive. Things were beginning to get out of control (or so it seemed) and it marked the first time that I can remember when coach Rich Dubee came out to the mound in the first inning to settle Halladay down.
That one act may have saved this game.
But another "save"—sorry, I couldn't resist—was the performance of the bullpen. Jose Contreras, J.C. Romero (his first NLCS appearance), Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge combined to give up just one hit and strike out four.
Final Grade: A plus
In the end, the Phillies may have believed a little too much in their own abilities. Or they simply could've underestimated a very, very good San Francisco Giants team.
But, it was last night that proved the Phillies can still win this series, so long as they hit well, play consistently, steal the bases and reduce errors to a near minimum.
Game 6 is on tap for Saturday, but for the Phillies, it's must-win from here on out.
