Hamels Looks To Keep It Going vs. Twins

For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.

The Minnesota Twins (38-31) play versus the Philadelphia Phillies (35-30). Kevin Slowey, RHP (7-4, 3.84 ERA) starts vs. Cole Hamels, LHP (6-5, 3.74 ERA).

Three in a row, Phils. Keep it going!

In last night's victory, there was quite a power display from Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. There's nothing like a little boost in the 'ole slugging percentage, and hopefully the middle of the order can continue to show off their power against Kevin Slowey. Slowey, like Nick Blackburn, is not exactly overpowering, therefore there could be more crooked numbers today.

Cole Hamels will try for his seventh win of the season. His win-loss record does not reflect the way he has pitched because of the lack of run support at times. Hamels has shown signs of returning to his 2008 form, however he still tends to get plagued by the long ball. Hamels has already allowed 14 home runs this year, and the Twins have plenty of hitters who are capable of going yard.

Luckily, Joe Mauer (.271 in June) and Justin Morneau (.204 in June) are not as hot with the bat as they can be. Despite still having great offensive numbers, they are both in a little bit of a funk, compared to some of the numbers they have put up throughout their careers.

Mauer, Pujols, Named MVPs

Joe Mauer and Albert Pujols each won the Most Valuable Player in their respective leagues.

Mauer earned American League honors with a near unanimous vote. Mauer started the year on the disabled list, but that didn't prevent him from receiving 27 of the 28 votes, totaling 387 points.

Mauer, 26, led the majors with a .365 batting average. He had a .444 on-base percentage, .587 slugging percentage, and a 1.031 OPS. He hammered a career high 28 home runs. He had 96 runs batted in.

Mauer becomes a free agent after the 2010 season, but the Twins are hoping to get a long term deal done by this Christmas.

Pujols won his third National League MVP award, and his second in a row. Pujols received a unanimous 32 first place votes totalling 448 points.

Pujols batted .327 and had a .443 on-base percentage. He led the majors with 47 home runs, a .658 slugging percentage, and a 1.101 OPS. He drove in 135 runs and stole 16 bases.

Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter finished second and third respectively in the AL. Hanley Ramirez finished second, and Ryan Howard finished third in the NL. There really was no debating that Mauer and Pujols deserved the awards.