All-Star Spotlight: Brandon Phillips

For the last few seasons, Brandon Phillips has been one of the best players in the National League to not make the All-Star team. In 2007, he had a 30-30 season (30 home runs, 32 stolen bases) and won the Gold Glove Award. Last year, he and Florida’s Hanley Ramirez were the only Major League players to produce 20 doubles, 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in three consecutive seasons.

So far in 2010, Phillips is having the best season of his career. He is hitting .294 with 12 home runs and 30 runs batted in. He has flourished since being moved up in the batting order. Hitting leadoff or second seems to suit Phillips much better than the middle of the order.

In the past, Phillips has been accused of not hustling. He has even been publicly chastised by Dusty Baker. Those instances seem to be in the rear view mirror and, hopefully, will fade further and further into the distance.

This should be the first of many All-Star appearances for Phillips.