No matter how ugly it got earlier in the season, the Phillies never seemed to get overly concerned with their struggles. The message that came from the team was always the same: that when the games matter the most (referring to August and September), they would be ready to meet the challenge.
Nothing that went wrong during the season seemed to sway the team from the belief that it was only a matter of time before they inevitably took control of the National League East from the Braves. No matter what adversity they faced, they kept their heads up and pushed forward.
Losing several four game series to bad teams like the Pirates, Cubs, and Astros never got them down. The Phillies were always able to shake off those embarrassing performances by coming back with strong efforts against quality opponents.
The disabled list seemed to be adding new members every week, but the Phillies were never discouraged. As long as everyone was healthy in time for August and September, they believed they would overcome any losses they suffered.
Now August and September have come and nearly gone. The Phillies have made good on their promises that they would play their best in the critical months of the season. The team is 36-13 since August 1st, with 10 of those 13 losses coming in August. That surge has propeled the Phillies not only to the top of their division, but also to a tie with the Yankees for the best record in all of baseball at 92-61.
There isn’t much to complain about with the way the team is playing right now. The three aces of the pitching staff are giving the team more than just a good chance to win. The offense seems to have finally achieved the consistency that had been absent for most of the season.
Most importantly, the backend of the bullpen has stabilized with Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge looking like reliable options again. The Phillies have become the most complete team in the National League, and ascended past their competition in the standings. Just like they said they would all along.
The Biggest are need going into the PLAyoffs is the Leadoff Batter situation…
Does J-Ro assume that spot, do the keep Victorino there who has been great at times,but needs to be more consistent and put more balls in play..I think they need to keep Victorino at lead-off and put
Rollins at #8 when he returns so he can ease his way in and really have no pressure..
H2O are pitching excellent and eve 4th Starter J Blanton has pitched well down the stretch..
Madson & Lidge have been lights out (need to see improvement from LHP Romero) who needs to win
those battles of Lefty vs Lefty when they come up and Contreras,Baes and Durbin need to remain sharp when called upon
The Phillies have been on fire since August while teams like the Cardinals,Braves and Dodgers all faded. The Padres/Giants will battle to the fdinal game of the Season and the Red are sitting in great shape having won the Central Division rather easlily.. The Phils are the team to beat
One last note,
You have to give it up for Manager Charlie Manuel, who never panicked,freaked out or complained when the the team was playing poorly, along with all the injuries and some shaky Front Office moves.
Manuel is the consummate Professional Manager, He’s a leader by example and trusts his guys,treats them like pros, kicks them in the ass when they needs and always has their backs and when you talk or hear about “putting your players in position to succeed” there is no one more consistent or better than Charlie Manuel… ( I hope Coach AR is watching and learning from him)
SIGN WERTH