(Philliedelphia/Danielle Wilson)
This year, we decided to keep track of the "Phillies of the Week" or "Game Changers of the Week" as they were later called on Comcast Sports Net. Each week, Tom McCarthy announced which Phillie had been contributing the most at the time, or who was standing out, taking charge, etc;
Here they are in order:
- Charlie Manuel
- Roy Halladay
- Hunter Pence
- Freddy Galvis
- Jonathan Papelbon
- Carlos Ruiz
- Placido Polanco
- Carlos Ruiz
- Carlos Ruiz
- Juan Pierre
- Jim Thome
- Jimmy Rollins
- Carlos Ruiz
- Carlos Ruiz
- Cole Hamels, Carlos Ruiz, Jonathan Papelbon (All-Stars)
- Carlos Ruiz
- Kyle Kendrick
- Cliff Lee
- Erik Kratz
- Domonic Brown
- Cole Hamels
- Kevin Frandsen
- Jimmy Rollins
- Kyle Kendrick
- John Mayberry, Jr.
- Ryan Howard
- The Fans
It's obvious that Carlos Ruiz has been this year's most valuable player on the Phillies. If not for Chooch's injury, he could have had a very serious shot at the MVP title in the National League. Chooch was voted Phillie of the week seven times this season, more than any other player on the team.
In a Twitter and Facebook survey, a majority of the fans voted Chooch for the MVP of the season. Here are his statistics from this season, most of which feature career-highs in their respected categories: 55 Runs, 120 hits, 31 doubles, 16 home runs, .326/.396/.541. Ruiz touched 199 bases, was hit by a pitch 16 times, and was intentionally walked 6 times. Chooch ended this season with 299 RBI's under his belt for his career. Hats off to you, Chooch.
The only Phillies who didn't get the title of Phillie of the week include Vance Worley, Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino, Brian Schneider, Michael Martinez, Pete Orr, Darin Ruf, Chase Utley, Ty Wigginton, Laynce Nix, Nate Schierholtz, and every member of the bullpen throughout the season not named Jonathan Papelbon.
It's been an up and down year, but those who took charge and led their team to a win definitely rubbed off on everyone else. When one Phillie hits, the rest aren't far behind. As one loyalist shouts, everybody hits.
See you in February in Clearwater, Phillies.
