What This Week Really Means
By Seth Everett
The Phillies got a big week off to a great start by simply dominating the Atlanta Braves 9-0 Monday night. Cliff Lee is on an amazing streak, and the path to another NL East Championship got even closer. Let's just not pop champagne just yet.
With the magic number to clinch the NL East approaching single digits, a week against the 2 potential NLCS opponents is a good litmus test, as it will be the last time the Phillies play a contender until October 1st.
October 1st is a date when the National League Playoffs begin. Barring an absolute mircacle, the Phillies will host the Diamondbacks at some point that day. Expect to see Roy Halladay & Ian Kennedy start Game 1.
Since we're talking playoffs, let's sum it up this way. The other NLDS should feature these Braves against this weekends opponent, the Milwaukee Brewers. Let's just guess how many times we will see the face of Hank Aaron, the former Milwaukee Braves who went with the team to Atlanta.
We can break that down when it gets closer, but I will admit, if Jair Jurrgens & Tommy Hanson were healthy, that matchup would be a lot more even. It's still the 1st week of September, but I see the Brewers in Philly's future.
And that leaves us to this weekend. Thursday-Sunday, 4 games at Miller Park. I'm beyond curious as to just where these teams line up against each other.
Prediction: These teams will split, and the drama will be great in October.
I'll be on after all the Phillies games (even the rain-delayed ones) hosting "Extra Innings" on WPHT through the weekend. Reach me on Twitter @seth_everett. And please "Like" my new Facebook page that you can find by searching Seth Everett.
