The HC: Doc Halladay-Baseball Surgeon

It wasn't easy to watch Cliff Lee leave Philadelphia this off-season. The instant folk hero who was the key ingredient to the club's second second straight NL Pennant, was an instant fan favorite due to his blue collar work ethic and knack for success. However when Cliff Lee left, in came Roy Halladay, who is making sure that Lee stays far in the rearview mirror. When Cliff came at last year's deadline Philadelphia hadn't seen a real ace since Curt Schilling left in the early 2000's. When Roy Halladay was signed this off season Philadelphia hadn't seen the league's best pitcher take the mound since Steve Carlton in the 80's; now they have again.

Reuben Amaro's big off-season acquisition has lived up to every single expectation pinned on him. In four starts this season Halladay is 4-0 with a 0.82 ERA, has pitched two complete games including one shut out, and has yet to pitch less than 7 innings in a start this year. His command? Spotless as well. In 33 innings he has given up 26 hits and 3, yes I said 3, walks. With Halladay on the mound Philadelphia is elevated to a whole new level that has them knowing that no team can stand in their way. The only question for Philly is Halladay's fellow staff members. If they begin to pitch at a higher level in the coming stages of the season it won't be long until the city, club, rest of the league are thinking about a new set of rings for the Broad St. Boys.

JD