Hamels has pitched extremely well of late but has been victimized by terrible run support, loosing two straight 1-0 decisions. Most recently, he pitched 7 innings of one run ball against the Mets and also had the Phillies lone hit in the ballgame. Despite the poor run support for Hamels, the Phillies’ bats have been a major reason they are the hottest team in baseball since July. They have won 20 of 25 and improved their home record to 40-20.

Unfortunately for the Phils, the Braves have also caught fire recently, and still hold a 2.5 game lead in the division. But the Phillies offense is starting to show signs of life, and with the return of slugger Ryan Howard on Monday, the sky is the limit for this lineup. If they continue to get even close to the starting pitching they’ve gotten all year, they will have re-taken the division lead by the first week in September. Mark my words.

It’s really incredible the Phils are in such a favorable position heading into the final month of the season. When you think about everything they’ve been through this year–from major injuries, to bullpen woes, to having virtually no offense for a large portion of the year–they’re lucky to still be in it. It’s a true testament not only to the heart and character of this team, but also to how much starting pitching dominates the game today. Even when all else was failing, the strength of their starting five kept the season alive for the Fightins.

While I expect the Phillies offense to get on track because that lineup is just too talented, there has to be a little concern in Philadelphia. Jimmy Rollins has been unable to stay healthy this year and they have not gotten much production from his replacement Juan Castro. If the Phillies are going to make a third straight trip to the World Series this fall, they must get a healthy and productive Jimmy Rollins back into the lineup. He is the catalyst for that offense and sets the table for Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.