<table class="datatable" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><th class="header2">Power Rating Line</th></tr><tr><th align="left">The power rating system is based on recent game results. The section should be used to compare the relative strength of the two teams involved. A power line is calculated using both teams ratings and home field advantage. Where the power line differs significantly from the current line, the team with the edge is indicated.</th></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="matchupHeader" colspan="2"> </td><td class="matchupHeader" colspan="2">Power Line</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupSubHeader">Team</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Pitcher</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Estimate</td><td class="matchupSubHeader">Edge</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">PHILADELPHIA</td><td class="matchupCells Text">PARK</td><td class="matchupCells Text"> +178</td><td class="matchupCells Text">
</td></tr><tr><td class="matchupCells Text">NY METS</td><td class="matchupCells Text">SANTANA</td><td class="matchupCells Text">-178</td></tr></tbody></table>
Jerry Manuel -- who managed against Santana when Manuel was with the White Sox and Santana pitched for the Twins -- marveled yesterday when asked about the pitcher's show of force in April.
"This is the best I've seen him since I faced him in Chicago," Manuel said.
"He was good at the end of last year, but not as dominant as he's been this season. These performances that he has thrown out there have been really, really good. To even have a loss with the stuff that he's had is indicative of our offense, not anything he did."
Manuel isn't exaggerating. Santana allowed just 22 hits, four earned runs and nine walks while striking out 44 in his five April starts. He was touched for no more than two runs in all five outings.
What little confidence the Phillies can carry into tonight's outing comes from their left-heavy lineup, because lefties have been Santana's lone Achilles' heel this season.
Lefties are hitting .308 in 26 at-bats with a homer and all three doubles allowed by Santana this season, as compared to a .151 average with just two extra-base hits by righty batters in 93 at-bats.
"This is the best I've seen him since I faced him in Chicago," Manuel said.
"He was good at the end of last year, but not as dominant as he's been this season. These performances that he has thrown out there have been really, really good. To even have a loss with the stuff that he's had is indicative of our offense, not anything he did."
Manuel isn't exaggerating. Santana allowed just 22 hits, four earned runs and nine walks while striking out 44 in his five April starts. He was touched for no more than two runs in all five outings.
What little confidence the Phillies can carry into tonight's outing comes from their left-heavy lineup, because lefties have been Santana's lone Achilles' heel this season.
Lefties are hitting .308 in 26 at-bats with a homer and all three doubles allowed by Santana this season, as compared to a .151 average with just two extra-base hits by righty batters in 93 at-bats.
