The Zo Zone

Charlie Manuel said Saturday in Cincinnati that he had a point of emphasis during his team meeting:

Relax.

Don't fear failure.

He seemed particularly focused on the offense, which is his specialty. Before the team meeting, which seems to have spurred the Phillies to a five-game winning streak after last night's 9-3 victory over the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies had hit a brutal .190 (30 for 158) with runners in scoring position. They also averaged just 4.2 runs per game after they had averaged 5.3 runs per game last season when they lead the National League in offense.

They have averaged 7.8 runs per game since the streak started and hit .352 (19 for 54) with runners in scoring position.

The Phillies not only have won five straight, but six of their last seven. Their offense has been a big reason why. Here's a look at how the Phillies regulars have hit in the last seven games: Chase Utley (.444, seven doubles, two homers, 10 RBIs, nine runs scored), Aaron Rowand (.393, three homers, five RBIs), Pat Burrell (.353, two RBIs), Carlos Ruiz (.350, four RBIs), Wes Helms (.321, four RBIs), Shane Victorino (.303, four RBIs), Jimmy Rollins (.300, two homers, five RBIs, 10 runs scored) and Ryan Howard (.214, two homers, five RBIs).

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Howard, Utley and Rollins are fun to watch when they're hot. Utley is on fire right now. He went 5 for 5 last night -- his five hits were a career high -- and is hitting .550 (11 for 20) with six doubles, two home runs and 10 RBis since the winning streak started.

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Jon Lieber pitched well last night, but he wasn't happy Manuel pulled him after six innings and 86 pitches. Lieber allowed five hits, two runs, no walks and struck out five.

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Wes Helms has looked much better at third base since spring training. During the spring, it looked like he had trouble making the throw to first -- with the ball often dying right in front of the first baseman.

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I wrote about Matt Smith's struggles in yesterday's paper. In 2/3 inning last night, he walked three. Manuel said afterward that it's a concern. It has to be. Smith is the only lefthander in the bullpen and right now he can't throw strikes. In four innings this season (nine appearances), he has allowed four hits, five walks and walked 11. Eleven walks.

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Howard is featured in the June issue of Vibe, which is available on newsstands May 8. I got a look at an advance copy last night at my house after I got home from the game. Howard had a good line about how often he is recognized in public: "There's been a couple times I've been in airports and somebody has recognized me, but it's nothing out of control. Nothing too Justin Timberlake or boy band-ish yet."