PHOENIX — The Phanatic is funny. Big, green belly. Cylinder nose. Once caused Tommy Lasorda to blow a gasket by making fun of his weight loss.
Get beyond the human watermelon with arms, and there’s little humor in Philadelphia — at least if you’re a team calling the National League home. The Phillies have the best record in baseball and are clear favorites to represent the senior circuit in the World Series. If there’s any doubt, think back to Tuesday’s All-Star Game. I know, it was the lowest-rated in history, but one of the 11 million viewers has to remember the NL pitching order. Roy Halladay started, Cliff Lee followed. Nobody can match that 1-2 punch of talent and clutch.
“We have a deep staff,” said left-hander Cole Hamels, who has been arguably the Phillies’ top starter this year. “And Roy’s been the best pitcher of the last decade.”
The Phillies make it look easy because of pitching. But San Francisco trademarked that blueprint a year ago and thus can’t be dismissed. Neither can the Braves, who are the Giants of the South. And the Brewers might be the most talented team in the league, if they could just stop requiring roadside assistance.
NL West
Told that some college pitchers idolize him, Tim Lincecum understood their reluctance to approach him. When Lincecum was a rookie, he walked into the clubhouse and went silent.
“Matt Cain was right next to me, and I was like, ‘That’s Matt Cain,’ ” Lincecum said. “I couldn’t say a word.”
Speechless is the apt description of the Giants. They leave hitters mumbling while their own offense leaves fans at a loss for words. The Giants are the favorites here because they have the division’s best rotation. Their style has been labeled “Torture.” But as inept as the lineup is at times, it’s a comforting feeling knowing that you only need one or two runs to win. Arizona won’t be able to hang in the second half without a major bullpen addition, and Colorado has been reduced to repeating its 2007 magic to reach the playoffs.
Hot pursuit:
If the Diamondbacks could only acquire Heath Bell, they might track down the Giants. But San Diego owner Jeffrey Moorad isn’t about to help the Snakes. The Rockies need their O’s to become Oh Mys again with CarGo and Tulo repeating last year’s second half and Ubaldo Jimenez channeling April 2010.
Trade front:
Bell will be traded. He’s bracing for it. “You think?” he said. The Phillies make a lot of sense and are no strangers to bold moves. Jimenez’s name will continue to surface in trade talks because so many teams need pitching. But it would have to be beyond a perfect deal for the Rockies to even entertain moving their ace.
Bottom line:
Teams had a chance to apply the sleeper hold to the Giants early on, and let them escape. They are the champs, and barring an injury to a starter, the belt isn’t going anywhere.
NL Central
The Pirates haven’t been this good for this long since 1992. That’s the last time they were relevant. A good measure of credit goes to first-year manager Clint Hurdle. “He’s provided a positive attitude and a lot of enthusiasm,” all-star center fielder Andrew McCutchen said. The Pirates are better because of their rotation — Charlie Morton and Jeff Karstens, reliable? Who knew? While Pittsburgh achieving a winning record would be great for the city, this figures to be a two-man fight between the Brewers and Cardinals (sorry, Reds).
Hot pursuit:
The Cardinals have nearly posted the league’s best record with a worst-case scenario. They lost ace Adam Wainwright for the season, and lost sluggers Matt Holliday and Albert Pujols for long chunks. Pitching coach Dave Duncan worked his magic. But even he doesn’t have enough pixie dust to hold off the Brewers. Milwaukee has the best team in this division and swagger from an owner willing to go for it (see new setup man/closer Francisco Rodriguez).
Trade front:
St. Louis needs another arm. The Cardinals have a valuable trade pawn in center fielder Colby Rasmus. Everyone agrees he would flourish with a change of scenery. But the Cards probably won’t move him. The Reds want a pitcher; that’s why it’s no surprise they would have interest in Jimenez. Could the Brewers bring back shortstop J.J. Hardy? Don’t rule it out.
Bottom line:
The Brewers are feeling it. It reminds me a lot of 2008 when they landed CC Sabathia in a trade. If Zack Greinke even flirts with consistency in the second half, it’s their division to win.
NL East
The Phillies have fangs. They leave bite marks on averages. They demoralize opponents. And yet they aren’t going to run away with this division. The Braves are that strong. Setup man Jonny Venters leaves the bullpen to Jack Nicholson’s frightening “Here’s Johnny!” That’s fitting for a shining bullpen.
Hot pursuit:
If there’s one reason for the Phillies to check their rearview mirror, it’s this: Martin Prado. He’s finally getting healthy and will soon be anchoring the top of the Braves’ lineup. He’s not only a catalytic force but is unselfish. He can hit behind runners and bunt, and plays his best when it matters most.
Trade front:
There’s not a yard sale sign outside of Citi Field. But there are plenty of items available. Need a slugging outfielder? Outfielder Carlos Beltran expects to be dealt, possibly to the Giants. How about a third baseman? Could the Brewers or even the Rockies — a longshot, obviously — make a play for David Wright? The Marlins and Nationals are interesting in their unpredictability. They can get wildly hot and make a deal to stay in the hunt or start shedding parts. If the Marlins shop Hanley Ramirez, they could receive an impressive haul, especially with it looking like Mets shortstop Jose Reyes isn’t going anywhere.
Bottom line:
R2C2 — Roy (Halladay), Roy (Oswalt), Cliff (Lee) and Cole (Hamels) — has lived up to the hype. The difference will be off the field. The Phillies will acquire Bell, giving them a bullpen capable of protecting any lead.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
