MLB 2011: Top Players from each team in National League – Part 1
The Philadelphia Phillies have dominated the National League from the onset and their pitching’ staff has been at the core of their success. The Phillies have a significant lead ahead of the second placed Atlanta Braves and this is expected to persist as
the regular season comes to a close.
One player who has impressed for Philadelphia is their ace starter Roy Halladay. The right-handed pitcher has led the Phillies brilliantly from the mound and his sound statistics are a worthy substantiation of his performance. Halladay has the best earned-run
average among his team-mates and is striking-out batters at will.
Halladay has displayed his immense arm strength in six complete-game efforts and an average of more than 110 pitches per start. This figure is far above his career average and depicts that his fitness and form have inflated this season.
Into his 14th professional season, Halladay has the best win-loss record in the NL and is considered by many as the best starting pitcher on the circuit this season. He has lost just one of his last seven decision games and is on a four-game winning
streak. The 34-year-old starter is a strong contender for his third Cy Young Award and it would not be a surprise if he bags yet another appreciation for his epic display from the mound.
Phillies will want Halladay to remain fit as they prepare for a possible shot at the World Series this year.
Atlanta Braves are going strong this season but have failed to top their division chiefly because of the sublime show their counterparts’ Phillies have put up. However, the Braves are still likely to make it through to the postseason with the Wild Card system.
They have a significant lead over all other teams in the standings and their strong teamwork, especially in the depth of the game, has enabled them to achieve this position.
Craig Kimbrel has impressed everyone in his rookie year at MLB and this youngster is set to break many records as he sets foot on the professional stage. The right-handed relief pitcher has recorded the most number of saves in the National League and his
ever-increasing tally suggests that his tally will remain on top of the list when the season ends.
His earned-run average is an inch more than impressive and his rate of striking-out batters is mesmerising. He broke the record for most saves by a Braves’ rookies when he recorded his 31st save this season, surpassing Kerry Ligtenberg who held
this record from 1998 to 2011.
Kimbrel’s performance will be a key to how the postseason develops for the Braves. He has not blown a save since June 8 and the Braves would want him to continue with his exhibition of top-quality pitching when they look to fight out the top teams for supremacy.
The New York Mets have not been able to reach the pinnacle of their game this season but, nonetheless, they have managed to sustain their winning percentage which is an achievement in itself. They are drawn in a tough division featuring the Braves and the
Phillies but a better show was expected from the side which has a long-list of top-quality players in its roster. This season has, however, been a good learning lesson for the Mets.
Continued in Part 2
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