n 2011, my Phillies had an unreal pitching staff and the best record in baseball. Their playoff run ended too soon, with Roy Halladay not getting run support and Ryan Howard injuring his leg on the game’s last play.
Neither player was the same after that, and neither was the team. Who knew it’d be 13 long years until celebrating another division championship?
I don’t think most people who follow me are here for my baseball takes, but in the spirit of Philadelphia Freedom, here they are…
🔹 The team I find the most threatening is San Diego. Best record in the second half. Not only that but they’re an absolute powerhouse in the late innings with the back of their bullpen and guys like Merrill being so clutch.
🔹 On the flip side, LA is the bettors favorite, but we’ve played them really well this season. The Phils have mitigated Shohei about as well as anyone.
🔹 Baltimore’s odds just soared when they let go of Craig Kimbrel.
🔹 The timing of Ranger Suarez’ recovery may be a blessing in disguise as it gives the Phils an obvious reason to slate him 4th in the rotation. But, his pitches are coming around. This means we get one of the best postseason performers in the bullpen for the early rounds where he has also excelled.
🔹 One of the Mets, Braves, and Diamondbacks won’t make it and I can’t decide who I’d most like to have miss out!
To my non-baseball watching friends who read this despite it being total gibberish to you, y’all are real ones!