Why the 2010 Playoffs Will Be Awesome
Posted by Michael Baumann, Thu, September 16, 2010 02:00 AM | Comments: 0
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Coolstandings.com gives the Phillies a 96.5 percent chance of making the playoffs. The Phillies, with 15 games to go, are three games up on the division and 3 1/2 up in the Wild Card. I feel comfortable talking playoffs without fear of jinxng the works. And when I talk about them, I feel something I haven’t felt in a long time–genuine, unbridled excitement.
When I was younger, I had this notion that falling in love would be about the emotional highs. That what keeps you coming back is the feeling that you can’t exist without the object of your affection, that he/she makes you feel a way that no one or nothing else ever could. I wouldn’t say that I’ve been disabused of this notion, but after I left middle school and stopped watching so many Hugh Grant movies, I will say that there’s more to it than that, and that while the movie-worthy moments of euphoria exist and are important, that’s not what defines love.
I’ve compared romantic love to being a Phillies fan before, but rather than repeat myself, I’ll just tell you that I’ve had four moments, as a Phillies fan, that fall under the category of euphoria: the Brett Myers glove toss at the end of the 2007 season, the Victorino-and-Stairs home runs in the 2008 NLCS, and the last out of the World Series that same year.
As great a ride as the 2007 and 2008 playoffs were, 2009, at least for me, was almost completely joyless. Maybe winning a World Series took the shine off the whole thing, or maybe starting to write about the Phillies on a regular basis reduced the sheer wonder of the experience. But I have another theory.
This year started with the acquisition of a new star, Roy Halladay, who generated more buzz than any new player I can remember (including Cliff Lee–I don’t seem to recall anyone wanting to go to the zoo with him). Then there was Domonic Brown, by my estimation the most-hyped prospect in Philly sports since Eric Lindros. Cole Hamels and, to a certain degree, Brad Lidge rediscovered themselves. Roy Oswalt showed up, almost out of nowhere, and immediately started kicking ass and taking names.
Not only were there energizing new faces, but this team had to overcome obstacles neither the 2008 nor 2009 team had to face. Every single starter has battled injuries, a hellacious slump, or both. The Braves, long dormant, turned back into a dominant force and a legitimate threat to retake the division. Given all that’s happened, standing here, on September16, with a 96.5 percent chance of making the playoffs is a minor miracle.
But it’s not just the fresh faces and adversity overcome that make this team more compelling. The Phillies have played the third-most extra-inning games in baseball. They’re 26-15 in one-run games, best in the majors. Halladay pitched a perfect game. They came back from seven runs down in the ninth inning against the Dodgers. All of you know these things. They are, in short, dramatic.
Our emotional reactions–humor, fear, anger, excitement–come from a discrepancy between our expectations and the true state of the world. I couldn’t get worked up about last year’s team because in 2009, the Phillies met expectations exactly.
In 2009, the Phillies were the defending division champion, and de facto favorites to repeat. They did. They were the best team in the NL on paper, and as such, expected to get back to the World Series. They did. And once they got back to the World Series, they were a decided underdog, expected to lose to New York. And they did. There was no mystery, no drama. Just an inexorable march toward a predictable destiny–successful defense of the NL pennant and a loss to a superior team in the World Series.
This year is not like that. With all we’ve been through as fans, and all they’ve been through as a team this year, good and bad, any playoff run exceeds expectations. And going into this October, anything could happen. The Phillies could get swept by the Reds and their wood-chipper of a pitching staff in the first round. Or they could take out the Yankees in a thrilling seven-game World Series. Or anything in between–I honestly couldn’t tell you.
This October, there are no expectations. This October, all bets are off. This October brings the promise of the unknown and the allure of the unexpected. And win or lose, I’m expecting one hell of a ride.
Posts: 0 Keegan
Beautiful.
Why am I still up?
Posted: 02:32 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Jim
Great post.
Not to be the thorn in your side but Victorinos and Stairs homers werent back to back. A man named chooch scored a hit in between.
Posted: 05:57 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Brooks
No Expectations?
Really? I see nothing but red – The Phils to their 3rd consecutive WS appearance and their 2nd WS title in 3 years.
This team has at least 2 more seasons deep into the post season.
Go Phlis
Posted: 06:31 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Dan
Sorry…I agree that this season has not been short on drama, but I can’t dismiss the 2009 season as joyless.
I will always have Brad Lidgés implosion on my mind!
The Game winners from Howard & Rollins against the Rockies & Dodgers! Plus Pedro martinez out of nowhere pitching for the Phillies in the World Series! And Gm 1 in NY which is perhaps the single greatest pitching performance in WS history!
Not only did 2009 validate that this team was not a bunch of one -hit wonders…but it set up all necessary off-season drama/expectations for this year!
Posted: 06:32 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Brooks
How about the best game of 2009 according to PN? The Rollins walk off hit in the playoffs?
Posted: 06:58 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 The Dipsy
“A Man Named Chooch”. I love that. Thats not his actual name but who cares? I’m calling him that. Its like the Richard Harris (who?) movie, “A Man Called Horse”. And Brooks…”Seeing Red”? Another good one. The whole season has me “seeing red”….ye-ssssssss. And of course, we are in “The Hunt for Red October” right now. Go caffeine go.
The Dipsy
p.s. Is Halliday slipping just a tad?
Posted: 07:57 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Phillistein
Two weeks ago coolstandings.com gave the Braves a 95% chance of making the playoffs.
In retrospect – the kiss of death. If I was a betting man, which I’m not, I’d bet the Phillies make the playoffs. However, I’m too old and have seen too much down through the years to not relax until it’s done.
Saw most of the game last night. They coasted no doubt. Freaking fish didn’t even have a starting pitcher available – too phunny.
I was actually hoping Cholly would take Doc out after the 5th – get him the win and send him to the showers.
And I was sorry to see Madson come in. I know he was on the DL this year so he doesn’t have a zillion innings. But he’s also pitched in, I think, 27 of the last 42 games – yikes.
All in all – they took care of bithness – which is what good teams do.
Doc is tired!!!!!
Posted: 08:16 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 The Dipsy
I was hoping Doc would come out after 5 too. Blow the game open, Herndon for two, Baez for one, Bastardo for one. I guess these games are just too important. Thank god we have A Man Called Chooch behind the plate (insert ‘Good, Bad and the Ugly” theme here).
The Dipsy
Posted: 08:28 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Kate
How can any season that included Jimmy Rollins’ walk-off double against the Dodgers be joyless?
And the Phillies DID make it back to the World Series last year, which for some reason some “fans” want to dismiss as a failed season because they didn’t take the trophy? Complete bullsh*t. Two teams make the World Series each year. One from each league. One team takes it all.
I can’t stand people dismissing the 2009 season. Yeah, it’s not in the same league as ’08 or ’10, but other teams’ fans would KILL for the sort of season we were privileged enough to see out of the Phillies in 2009.
Attitudes like these make me understand why some people think Philadelphia fans don’t deserve more championships.
Posted: 09:09 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
Yeah, I don’t understand why Doc stayed in when he didn’t really have to. Is it a “pride” thing?…you know….can’t come out after just five?? Anyway, great win.
As for the jinxing element….I really don’t want to talk too much about the postseason. I have see waaaayyyyy too much weird stuff over the years to be that comfortable just yet. There are still 15 games to go and still 6 with the Braves. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!! I like our chances a lot but I’m holding out on the playoff talk for now.
And because “this team had to overcome obstacles neither the 2008 not the 2009 team had to face” …..this year had been a HUGE success and thrill for me…..no matter what happens. These guys are awesome!!!!
Posted: 09:14 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 bfo_33
Nice post, except I disagree with 2009. Even in the bad days (late 80′s), there as always something from each season which made it worth following, utimately brought more joy than not following at all, even if the end result wasn’t favorable.
Chooch evolving to an all around solid player, Ibanez tearing up the 1st half of the season, Werth becoming a star, JA Happ coming out of nowhere for rookie of the year contention, not even counting all the walk off hits, come from behind games,… 2009 was a great year for the Phils, just ended with the wrong result.
It was the middle book/movie of a trilogy – essential to build the drama (defeat a lesser evil in book 1, succumb to a greater evil in book 2, all hope looks lost in book 3, than a miraculous recovery). Basically, it’s the Lord of the Rings (which I probably read way too many times as a youth).
Regardless of how the season finishes (although I’m betting on the Phils), 2010 has certainly has the drama of Return of the King.
With a night off tonight, Braves losing, understood bringing in Madson. We needed to take advantage of the BRaves loss. With a lousy away record and a falterign pitching staff, the Braves could be 5 out by Monday, Doc probably has only one more critical start left. Get him the 20 wins and the Cy Young, let him rest the last week (don’t think the Phils will be playing meaningful baseball after the 1st Braves series). Would also like to see PP get more time off once Jimmy comes back. He hasn’t been hitting the ball hard the last week, elbow may be getting to him.
Posted: 09:15 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Brooks
Jeez Kate – blow it off!
I think sometimes a few of these guys say things to get under our skin, you know light the fuse step back and watch what happens.
09 was magical – I was really having some difficulty this year with my Phaith – I’m being honest – the worst fears about injuries were coming true but I knew there was still plenty of wood to go around yet, they were in such a funk for such a long time.. I was distressed.
It’s all better. Bats are tuned in, the pitchers are not letting up – well, even if one is getting a wee gassed, I think once Post season starts we’ll see some revved up magic.
Great season for us Phillies fans – and I would think for the next 2 as well (at least!).
Posted: 09:40 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Phillistein
Hey Kate:
I’m with ya. I LOVED 2009. We were more or less in control all year.
The playoffs were GREAT !!!
My lasting image of 2009 was Cliff Lee, in the first game, catching that little pop up in front of the mound like he couldn’t care less. He was almost rolling his eyes………..too phunny.
And then………
but it was still a fantastic season.
Years ago, when I was just out of college and still living in NYC, the MLB offices was one of my clients.
It’s going back and I don’t remember which team I saw this for, but each league send out this cool, almost like a parchment type document, to the team that wins the pennant.
Says something like:
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs hereby recognizes the “Insert Team” as the its Champion for the year 1984?.
And then it has all the teams listed and it’s signed by the President of the league.
It’s way cool
And last year The Phillies received their 2nd pennant in as many years.
Champions of the oldest recognized sports league in North America.
I’ll take it………..in a heartbeat!!
Posted: 09:47 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Manny
In a sense what Michael is saying is accurate. We grabbed the division lead early in 09 and never let it go. The ups and downs (as in the possibility of NOT making the playoffs) weren’t really there during the regular season. The playoffs, however, were pretty exciting… there was plenty of drama. One of the most euphoric moments for me as a Phillies fan was J-roll’s hit against the Dodgers. Cliff Lee’s Game 1 in the WS was magical and elevated him to Phillie legend status.
The 2009 regular season lacked a lot of the magic that we experienced first-hand during the 2007, 2008, and 2010 seasons…
Posted: 10:34 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Hunter
What’s the big deal? Some guy, who is obviously a fan of the Phillies, didn’t find the 2009 season exciting. Big deal. He still obviously followed the team and rooted for them to win.
Get off his back. Saying people like him is the reason Philly don’t “deserve” championships is hyperbole and homerism.
Posted: 11:10 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Nunzio Scholeri
Dipsy, you and I don’t always see eye to eye, but I agree with you 110% that the theme from “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” is perfect for any appearance of A Man Called Chooch. You have indelibly associated the two in my brain, and I thank you for that.
Posted: 11:12 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 branderson
Good write up.
What I am most excited about is seeing the Cy Young return to Philly. Halladay is looking nice even though he’s been lackluster his past four outings. Whatever.
1st in Wins, Strikeouts, Complete Games, Shutouts, 3rd in ERA, 4th in WHIP
GET AT ME DOC!
Posted: 11:23 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 branderson
What I meant to say is what I am most excited about besides the playoffs
Posted: 11:23 AM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 jeff
The Padres are coming back down to earth. They have no offense. Rockies will cool off. Might be us and the Giants. Doc looks like he is tired.
Posted: 12:06 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
Disagree with the last paragraph… I think that everyone was kind of expecting us to be here, even with the injuries and especially once we went out and nabbed Roy O. Now that we’re here* anything less than a WS appearance would be considered a failure. We are the clear favorites…
Also disagree with your assessment of last year, although I get it. Nothing compares to 2008… I would compare that experience to Tom Hanks’ character in Castaway finding an all you can eat buffet and an airport on the other side of the island. Doubt that we would ever win a championship was certainly there; it had been so long that we didn’t know what a championship tasted like. The thrill of 2008 was tough to match and we were expected to get there again BUT if you could go back to last year, I don’t think you would be saying this. Last year was awesome. It validated our championship and really solidified the reputation of this team. Go back to Rollins’ walk off double in the NLCS… up there with any other moment, in my opinion. Yea, 2009 was pretty awesome and it was probably the climax of Phillies Phever. A lot of casual fans are just starting to tune in saying who the heck is Mike Sweeney or Wilson Valdez? The replacements did a good job but casual fans really want to see Ryan Howard and Utley and with all of those injuries and the lack of fire power, I think a lot of people think that the Phillies haven’t been great this year… but we know how special this year is and you definitely hit the nail on the head with that. What a remarkable season…
Posted: 12:13 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Adam
Great write up. 2009 did have a different feel only because we were in cruise control from May on. The playoffs felt like the Phillies were doing it with smoke and mirrors (bad bench, no reliable starter outside of Lee, shaky Lidge). The playoffs were pretty unreal in terms of moments (Rollins’ hit, Howard’s double in game 4 of NLDS, Lee’s GM 1, Utley’s historic performance, etc.) but 2008 just felt like fate.
I agree with the person that said that 2009 was like the middle book/movie of a trilogy; still great but more of a set up. This season has been frustrating, infuriating, magical, puzzling, fun I have ever followed. I mean if you told me the Phillies on July 21 would be 48-46 and looking like a team completely lost I would have been insanely disspointed and not believed you. However this has been an unreal run (38-15). Leave it to Charlie to just stay the course for this team.
As for the playoffs, you just got to get in. My preference would be to play the Padres/Giants/Rockies (the Rox don’t scare me cause the Phils neutralize them) over the Reds in the first round. The Reds for some reason scare me in a short series in that joke of a ball park they play in and all those thumpers in the middle of their order. Also, Scott Rolen turns into Scott Rolen circa 1999 when he plays the Phils.
Posted: 12:20 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
Wilson Valdez. You mentioned him.
One of my favorite Phillies this year. I LOVE watching that guy fire the baseball to Ryan at first!!
And last night…3 key hits!! Are you KIDDING me?!?!?!
Posted: 12:27 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 bostonkate
Wow wow wow beautifully written!!
I personally LOVED the 2009 season. We were unstoppable. However, I think 2010 is, in all 22 years of being a phillies fan, the best one yet. Big names joined the team, king cole is better than ever. Not to mention it has been one hell of a roller coaster ride. They started off the season fantastically, then for awhile there, they looked like Little Leaguers. Now they’re back on top right where they belong. In my opinion, that is one of the best things about baseball. Its so unpredictable. Even if we don’t make the playoffs (although I think we will) its ok, because this 2010 team is the most solid team yet.
Posted: 12:29 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Lefty
@Chuck- the answer to your question
-posted on PN Sept 11 by Brian Michael
‘Halladay has pitched 6+ innings in the past 53 road games, which is the most since the great Walter Johnson went 82 games beginning in 1911.”
Doc is chasing history and with that big a lead, Charlie was not going to take that away from him, not after all he has done for this team. Could it cost us later? I don’t know the what the future holds, I hope not.
But I know from 40 years of playing and coaching that any time you have a guy who’s name could be included with an immortal like Walter Johnson, you don’t take that opportunity away from him with a six run lead. It is possible that eventually Charlie is going to have to put a stop to it in a close game if he doesn’t have his “A” stuff, but IMO not last night.
Posted: 12:42 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Bob in Bucks
Nice article. True that 2009 season was not dramatic but the playoffs and WS were. What is best about the Phillies 08-10 is peaking going into the playoffs.
For me what is really great is having had the opportunity to be at least at one of each of the home series playoff and WS games. What stands out most to me in all of this is Brett Myer’s at bat vs CC. There was a moment of communal joy, pride, and sense of community as we cheered Myers fouling off pitches to run up CC’s pitch count. Pride in ourselves to know the significance of this, joy in us thinking that we were gettint to CC and the sense of community that the crowd was actually part of the game.
Every playoff game starts like that, there is a special buzz. Actually that starts again tomorrow and I am looking forward to Tuesday when I have tix to see Halladay go for his 20th win against the Braves. I can already see the rally towels and the cheer at Halladay’s first strike.
Is that love?
Posted: 01:14 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 The Dipsy
There was no game like the second half of that bifurcated Rockies game though. That was totally unreal. As for me, I’m Seeing Red right now baby. Bring…on…the…Yankees (jinx off). I have a great idea: Give out reversible shirts at the game that everyone must wear. One side red (for our at bats) and one side blinding white (for the visitors at bats). Turn your shirt inside out every half inning.
The Dipsy
Posted: 01:22 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
The ladies sure will have fun with that idea, Dipsy. Or should I say the guys will have fun WATCHING the ladies.
Posted: 01:38 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Manny
Who was the expert that predicted a Phillies-Rays repeat WS? Was it Verducci, Gammons?
Part of me thinks that the Yankees will not make it to the WS again.. I think the Rays or Rangers have a very good chance of stopping them. As for the Phils, if we make it, I fear the Rockies, Giants, and Braves… in that order.
Posted: 01:44 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
Twins are improved, too. I think any of those AL teams can get past the Yankees. Like I said last week I think….after CC, who do they really have?
Posted: 02:01 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Bart Shart
Anytime the Phils make the post-season is exciting to me. Of course World Championships are the most exciting, but World Series opportunities are also quite enjoyable. This has been a topsy turvy year with so many key injuries and with Rollins still questionable. We have three great starting pitchers. I hope Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels are ready for the post-season and not fatigued. The bullpen has been both inconsistent but has managed better than expected. I hope it continues to hold up. Our offense is really feast or famine and I have no answers for that except suggesting that we keep our bench players warm by giving them game-time exposure. Actually, our bench players have been heros this year beyond expectations. I watch every game, every pitch with the enthusiasm of a kid. Feels great. When they win
Posted: 02:30 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
The best prediction… Olney telling all of his friends to draft Cole Hamels in their fantasy drafts.
Posted: 02:47 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Bob in Bucks
Dipsy – Love the shirt idea except it can get pretty chilly at those games in late October! Make it a sweatshirt and we have a deal!
Posted: 03:20 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 The Original Chuck P
I like the concept but the implementation is difficult… how about red and bright white signs?
The rally towels are pretty effective…
Posted: 03:31 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 The Dipsy
How about when opposing batters come to the plate we just pelt them with rocks and garbage?
The Dipsy
Posted: 03:39 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Bacardipr05
By this time next week we should have our NL Champs I believe. These games are too important to let Baez, Herndon, JC come in. Herndon is basically a Double A pitcher so his flaws are understandable. A seemingly insurmountable 6 run lead can easily be wiped out with ease. As our own Phils have demonstrated. Can you imagine the headlines Phils lose 6 lead in 6th and miss the playoffs…..anything can happen at any give time but why risk a potential disaster…
Posted: 03:43 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 betasigmadeltashag
THere is still 15 games left and I do not care who says what percent chance they have to make the post season. Until their magic number is 0 like 4 games up on the Braves with 3 games left will I expect them to be in the post season.
I will say I do not see why you use Lidge, Madson, or Durbin for that matter. It should have been Bastardo, and or JC, Contrerous, Woorley, Zaguaski, any of them in the 6th and if they did not work then you go to Durbin. Up 9-3/4 you do not use your go to guys, maybe in July or August if they have not work for 3-5 days you throw them out there to get some work. Lidge just had what 5 days off and came in and look pretty good. I would not even like to see him in back to back games.
And do not sleep on the Nats, they have caused us problems this year and this is not the time to let up, I do not think these Phillies will, but as fans nothing is gurenteed until the final pitch is thrown
Posted: 04:35 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Philly Texan
The unbridled optimism on here is amazing.
I’m not complaining. I’m feeling good too these days, like everyone else.
But it’s interesting how bright our outlook is……Are the Phils—dare I say it—the Yankees of the NL?
Posted: 05:11 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Chuck
No. Don’t want to associated with any comparison to the Yankees.
We’re the Phillies.
If the rest of the country hates us or is biased against us because we’re from Philly….so effing what!!
Posted: 05:38 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 JAY-AKA-PHILLYBOY
BOY OH BOY-THE BRAVES FANS ARE MIGHTY UPSET THAT MLB HAS SUSPENDED MORGAN THIS WEEKEND VS US AND LET HIM PLAY VS THEM…………LOL(LIKE IT MATTERS!)
Posted: 06:57 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 Brooks
I hear ya Chuck but there’s no denying the extreme winning tradition that happens to be associated with the Yankees.
No way to even come close to matching that, too much history but, to be domninant in this particular era for this year and at least the next 2, the Phillies of the 2003-2014 era could be the NL standard of excellence. Hints of “Big Red Machine”; “We Are Family” (Pirates in the late 70′s).
We need a name – a name to be remembered for this era. Anyone? Bart? Kate? Anyone?
Posted: 09:19 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 bacardipr05
As much as everyone thinks its Cholly Im sure RAJ is also making decisions and he wants to see Madson, Durbin, Lidge then maybe Contreras even if its a 5 run lead the race is too close….to risk putting Herndon and Baez an blow a 5 run lead at this time….
Posted: 11:52 PM on September 16, 2010
Posts: 0 ActuallyChilled
the turn around for this team, i believe was the acquisition of oswalt. this gave the team confidence, especially the offense, that they could stack up with anyone, and had a solid shot at winning every series – imagine how energizing that is. otherwise, they are fighting with a chink in their armor (one ace and a re-improving cole… who now is demonstrating the ace-like self again). its like having a hard drive copy of your external hard drive. you’re set.
Posted: 12:32 AM on September 17, 2010
Posts: 0 bacardipr05
right now im just hoping we get 2 out of 3 from Nats and the Mets can hopefully get 1 out of 3 from the Braves…
Posted: 01:02 AM on September 17, 2010
Posts: 0 ray
Actually it’s too early to say 2009 wasn’t as exciting as this year. What if we go out in the 1st or 2nd round without making the world series? 10 years from now we won’t be talking about how 2010 was better than 09. Of course, I’m not hoping for that, just something to think about
Posted: 01:10 AM on September 17, 2010
Posts: 0 Mazinman
Ah September, what a time of the year it has been over the last few years. The Phils getting red hot and making you dream of what could be once November comes around. I most definitely am looking forward to this. Last year in the playoffs we had the problem of having Cliff Lee and then questions. This year our rotation is rock sold with H2O and Blanton probably getting a start here and there.
As for Halladay, my best case scenario would be for the Phillies to sweep the Braves at home with Halladay getting his 20th win in the process. A sweep should put the Phils close to clinching and Halladay would have reached the 20 win plateau, almost guaranteeing him the Cy Young, so there would be no more need for him to pitch in the regular season. I think that the combination of almost 2 weeks off and the adrenaline of the post season for the first time should bring Doc back to his dominant form.
Posted: 02:08 AM on September 17, 2010
Posts: 0 bacardipr05
I think we can take the Rockies if need be. I also think we can take the Pads on. I say think cause anything can happen. The Rockies are a very dangerous team but we seem to neutralize them as some one has stated. The Giants scare me some since any X-Philly seem to simply destroy us an Pat the Bat is looking good. Course there is always Timmy Boy. I suspect this year path wont be as easy not saying that it was easy in the past 2 years. You have to keep in mind most of the(expected contenders) NL teams now had the Phils in mind. As most AL teams had the Yankees in mind and made the necessary adjustments to take on both of these teams…..
Posted: 02:13 AM on September 17, 2010
Posts: 0 bacardipr05
I retract my Padres statement on second thought and after doing a little thinking they could pose a problem for the Phillies….
Posted: 02:48 AM on September 17, 2010
Posts: 0 Brooks
All year long and it seems season after season, we have been experiencing difficulties beating up on the “slug” teams in our division. One of the results being that we are now in a very tight race at here at the end of the regular season.
That being said, we just kicked some fish tail and wound up 13-5 against a team that perennially gives us fits.
We are presently 8-7 vs the Muts, 7-5 vs the Nats – if we can wreak some havok on those 2 teams, treat them like they are, dust on the road let them see red!
86-61 – keep saying to yourself over and over again, 25 games over .500 -
9-5 the remainder of the season puts us at 95 wins which means Atlanta would have to go at least 12-3 – that ain’t happening. Every stinking game is crucial at this point. Damn I love this stuff.
Posted: 04:54 AM on September 17, 2010
Posts: 0 Kate
I’m expecting to drop one to the Nats. They enjoy making things interesting far too much for a sweep to be assured. Look what they did to the Braves in Atlanta.
As for Nyjer Morgan, that thuggish clown is an absolute disgrace. He belongs in the NFL or NBA with all the other, dare I call them, scumbags. The original fifteen-day suspension should have stood, on the principle of the matter. I’m glad he doesn’t pick a bat up in CBP this series.
(Disclaimer: Not that all the NFL or NBA players are scumbags, far from it. But on average, they seem to have a lot more of them than the MLB.)
I’d like to stay far away from the Rockies if possible. The Phillies CAN beat them, of course, but it’s not a sure thing.
Honestly, I’m just jumping up and down with excitement at where we are right now and I’ll be happy to make the playoffs and have a good showing there. Of course I’m optimistic, looking to the possibility of the Phillies’ third straight WS appearance, but I understand there are a lot of games to be played before then.
Considering what’s already gone on this season, I’ll consider 2010 a big success if we make the playoffs. Anything else is just icing on the cake.
Well played, Ruben. Well played.
Is it 7:05 yet?
Posted: 08:08 AM on September 17, 2010
Posts: 0 mtuske
We swept San Diego in San Diego that team is trash and would be a perfect first round opponent. No offense at all and we have better pitching
Posted: 08:38 AM on September 17, 2010