I have caught myself saying repeatedly in conversation with friends, “Could you imagine?!” about the Phillies winning another World Series let alone three. Don’t get me wrong, last year it was phenomenal to be a Philadelphia Phillies fan, but let’s get things straight. This is a what have you done for me lately city and personally, I want more. With the addition of Cliff Lee to the lineup the Phillies have a chance of winning two, maybe even three straight World Series Titles…hear me out.
Cole Hamels is currently the Phillies worst starting pitcher…I use the term “worst” loosely. But it’s not fair to call Hamels the “worst” seeing as they picked up the reigning Cy Young winner, a former three time Cy Young winner(who still has it). And they have Joe Blanton who hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs since June, and J.A. Happ, who is the best rookie pitcher in baseball. So to say that Hamels is the Phillies worst pitcher isn’t an insult. The Phillies’ staff is just that good.
The Phillies boast a 4.15 ERA, which is good enough for seventh in the MLB, but that number is very deceiving. Cliff Lee is 5-1 since becoming a Phillie and has a 1.80 ERA even after giving up six earned runs to the Braves. That’s so sick it makes me want to vomit. Also, J.A. Happ has cooled off but still has good stuff that can do well in the postseason. And Joe Blanton is quietly getting it done for the Phils. He has given up 16 earned runs since the All-Star Break in eight games. If he can produce those numbers in the playoffs then there is no doubt the Phillies will go deep. And to think, if Brad Lidge didn’t have nine blown saves and six losses, the Phillies could be 13.5 games up in the East and could rival the Yankees for best record in the league.
The Lidge factor is a rough one. Every Phillies fan holds their breath when he comes in the ninth inning no matter if it’s a one run lead or if it’s seven. He would have another blown save and loss if it weren’t for Eric Bruntlett’s unassisted triple play. Granted, Bruntlett had back-to-back errors but still. Hopefully, Charlie Manuel does something about the embarrassing closing situation. Ryan Madson can not handle the pressure seeing as he blew five of nine opportunities, and Brett Myers is making his way back to the Big’s but who knows if he’ll be in the starting rotation rather than the bullpen. Simply put, the Phillies World Series hopes weigh on the arm of Brad Lidge. ..and they are high apple pie up in the sky hopes.
And the Mets are still awful...just in case you forgot.
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