A Well Deserved Day Off
By Seth Everett
I don't like it when people think you are homer just because there are no negative things to say. Objectively, the accolades cannot stop pouring in for this Phillies team after they completed a franchise-best 9-1 road trip.
It can't be this good, right?
It really can be. Outside of 3 games next week vs. Arizona, the Phillies won't play a contender until Labor Day. They may have a double-digit lead on the Braves for the NL East.
It will not be me, let some other guy mention, the words: Magic Number. Soon, everyone will be looking at it.
It's easy to notice Eagles' pre-season games. I mean, the games that don't count might be more important for fans' psychees than August baseball games that do count. The Phillies have that big of a lead.
There are concerns. First, or should I say, third, the Phillies should hear this weekend about the health status of Placido Polanco. He received an injection to deal with a sports hernia.
I can't imagine he can play, but I'm through doubting this man's ability to play with pain. Still, one thing I'll be focusing on this weekend here will be a potential 3rd baseman that the Phillies can acquire before the August 31st deadline, just in case Polly can't go.
Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee is considering a 6-man rotation, something that we discussed right here on the this blog last week. That still makes sense, and should be implemented.
Shane Victorino will have his hearing to determine if his 3 game suspension will be reduced or upheld. Prediction: he gets 2 games. As unpopular as it may be, baseball got this one right.
Friday, the Phillies will honor John Kruk. I'll be part of WPHT's coverage of the event, hosting "Inside Pitch" at 6:30 p.m. Then, I'll be on after the game coverage with "Extra Innings," also on WPHT.
