Warming Up

It's no secret that Carlos Santana got off to a slow start this season. With winter holding an icy grip over the northeast throughout April, the Phillies 1st baseman's bat remained in the deep freeze. But things have been looking up since the calendar flipped to May.
Thursday, the free agent acquisition crushed a three-run homer. It was the game-changing blow in a 6-3 victory over the Giants that capped the Phils first four game sweep of the Giants since 1962.
It was a team effort. Starting pitcher Vince Velasquez struck out 12 batters, while centerfielder Odubel Herrera had three hits and drove in a pair -- while reaching base safely for the 39th consecutive game.
The spotlight shines on the former Indian who was hitting a puny .153 at the end of April. But you know his bat would eventually thaw. Now, Santana is flat out scorching, with 15 RBIs in nine games durng May -- with homers in four of his last seven games.
At 22-15, the Phils trail the Braves by just a half-game in the NL East. As the season approaches the one-quarter mark, it's clear the Phillies -- under new manager Gave Kapler -- don't plan to be pushovers any more.
(These images of Carlos Santana are from the Phillies/Orioles exhibition game in Sarasota on March 11th.)

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