PHILADELPHIA _ Nick Williams boarded a New York City subway train three weeks ago after making his major-league debut and pondered his future as the car rumbled back to Manhattan.
Did I make a good impression? How long am I going to stay here? Are the Phillies going to send me back to Triple A?
It's safe to say that Williams _ who drove in three runs in Sunday's 6-3-win over Milwaukee _ no longer needs to worry. He is playing like he belongs. Williams ranks second in the National League with 14 RBIs since the All-Star break. He plays with energy and shows patience at the plate. There's a lot to like about Nick Williams.
Williams put the Phillies ahead with a two-run homer to left in the fourth inning. He then tacked on another run in the fifth as the Phillies rallied for four runs. He has four homers in his first 19 games and each have been to the opposite field.
Jerad Eickhoff struck out six batters in six innings as he possessed a solid curveball. The right-hander allowed two runs on three hits and walked two. The development of Eickhoff and Aaron Nola over the second half will be among the most critical developments for the Phillies. It was a good response from Eickhoff, who allowed five runs in his last start.
Howie Kendrick helped his trade value with two hits, including a two-run single in the fifth. Kendrick has three hits since returning Saturday from the disabled list. Teams will want to see that he is healthy before trading for him. Pat Neshek solidified his value with a 12-pitch seventh inning. The right-hander struck out two of the three batters he faced. Ryan Braun smoked an RBI double in the eighth off Joaquin Benoit, who seems to be losing the bit of trade value he has left.
Aaron Altherr will return this week from the disabled list, perhaps as early as Tuesday. The Phillies will have to keep Howie Kendrick in the lineup to showcase him before the trade deadline. The outfield picture for the rest of July could be crowded. Perhaps Williams' playing time will be limited as the Phillies make some moves. And that is fine because Williams has made his case for a role that extends past just the next 10 days.
