Remember about three weeks ago, everyone was talking about how the Phillies ought to think about salary dumping and next year? The Phillies got rid of Shane Victorino and Ricky Blanton to the Dodgers. They traded Hunter Pence to the San Fransisco Giants. They almost traded away Cliff Lee. There are about 20 games left in the season and they Phillies have awaken and no one wants to face them now. Cliff Lee and Roy Halliday have started to be who we thought they were. Jonatan Papelbon is back to being filthy. Jimmy Rollins is playing like an all star. Ryan Howard is hitting homeruns again. They are getting solid games from Kendrick. They are 4 games out of the second wild card position and everyone is taking notice. These veteran players are showing the class and dignity that veterans should when you play professional sports. They are getting paid a ton of money and they are playing like they actually care about the game and their fans. As much as i hate the Phillies, I have to admit that I am impressed. They could have easily thrown in the towel and with all of the injuries and uncertainty that this team has had all season, no one would have criticized them for quitting. They have several significant series left to play in the N.L. east. They could easily supplant the Cardinals who are losing players instead of peaking at this time. Plus the Cardinals have to contend with the fast charging Brewers and red hot Reds. The Pirates have collapsed again. They need to learn from these collapses and bring in players who understand that baseball is a marathon not a sprint or 10k race. I would love the last day of the baseball season to replicate last year when the final two playoff spots were determined on that day. I want to see even extra play in games thus forcing an extra day for the regular season to end. How crazy would that be? An extra playoff game to get into the playoff to one game then play a series against the top seed at home. With Halliday and Lee, the advantage would favor the Phillies. I hope it happens..
The American League is also getting crazy too. The Yankees need one healthy week and they will distance themselves from the Orioles and Rays. Andy Petitte could be back in a week and he gives them toughness that they are going to need. Mark Teixiera in that lineup makes a difference. The Orioles are holding it together with tape and glue. Losing Hammel last night and Markakis recently are huge losses. They can hit homeruns. We know that Mark Reynolds is Dave Kingman. He can have a week where he can hit 9 homeruns but also strike out 30 times. He has been hot lately and with Adam Jones and Matt Wieters this team is scary. The Rays have the best team on paper to complete their comeback attempt like last year. The only problem is that they cannot afford to give away games with poor defensive decisions. They can out pitch anyone. They will have a say in this. The Oakland A's have the second best record in the American League. How they have done it I couldn't tell you. Watching them the last few nights have shown me that they can win ugly, with pitching, or the long ball if necessary. They have buried the Angels with wins the last two nights. Last night was tough to swallow. 1st and 3rd with no one out and not being able to score the tying run is difficult to stomach. Jered Weaver needs to get back on the field. Where was Trumbo last night? Detroit appears to own the White Sox. They have won 5 straight against them and Cabrera's homerun last night might be the blow that gives him the M.V.P. The White Sox must split these next two games or they will be tied for the lead. i guess the only saving grace would be that the White Sox won't have to play the Tigers again. Colud be a wild next two weeks...
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