After a 7-2 start to the season, the Phillies will look to continue their winning ways in Washington D.C. this week against the Nationals. Good to see you again, Jayson.
The Phillies will be bringing their Jayson Werth replacement, Ben Francisco, to the Nation’s Capital on Tuesday. Francisco has started off the year with a bang, popping two home runs and driving in seven runs in nine games. But is he the most surprising of the bunch?
Perhaps you have Ryan Howard tabbed for that? After all, he did struggle mightily at the end of last season after injuring his ankle. Maybe you didn’t think Howard could come out swinging the way he has – to the tune of .361 with two homers and 11 RBI?
Shane Victorino is also on a tear. His .417 average leads the club.
Jimmy Rollins has been no slouch, either. J-Roll has just five strikeouts to go with four walks and a .324 average to kick off the 2011 year. Does his early turnaround surprise you?
The quietest of the bunch certainly has been middle-reliever Antonio Bastardo. Through 4 2/3 innings, “Tony” has not allowed an earned run or a walk and has fanned nine batters. Bastardo’s K/9 ratio is a staggering 17.36. That won’t last, but for now, he’s proving he belongs.
Vote now for the most surprising Phillies to begin the 2011 campaign:
