Inside the Box Score: Is Polly Turning It Around?

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Placido Polanco played the role of the hero for the Phillies on Monday night, driving in the game-winning runs with a two-out double to the corner in left field. It was his biggest hit of this young 2012 season, which turns one month old tonight, and according to Reuben Frank, it was Polanco's first multiple-RBI hit since last June. But could it be a sign of things to come?

36 years old and battling injuries for the past two seasons, Polanco often has been cited as an example of exactly what's wrong with the Phils' lineup. However, lately Polly is talking about adjustments he's made at the plate, and it appears they may be beginning to pay dividends.

Placido Polanco's last six games:
8 for 20 (.400), 2 doubles, 3 runs, 3 RBIs, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts, 1 sacrifice

Previous 14 games:
10 for 52 (.192), 1 double, 3 runs, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts, 2 double plays

The numbers don't lie. Polanco has been more productive in the last two series than he was in the previous five combined. He's making more contact, hitting for more power, and getting the job done in the clutch. The obvious question is whether this is just a simple hot streak, or whether this recent trend can become the norm into the summer.

With his recent surge, Polanco is now hitting .250 for the season, with his on-base percentage one point under .300. Those numbers are still a ways off from his .300/.346 career averages, but at this rate, they are climbing fast.

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