For the Phillies, it Feels Like 2007
If it feels like 2007 to you too, that’s because that was the last time the Phillies were this far back in the division. With last night’s loss to the Braves, the Phillies fell to 6 games back- the furthest back they’ve been since September 2007. It’s not insurmountable but it’s not something this team is used to.
That stat explains how good they’ve been over the past 3 years but also how bad (and unlucky) they’ve been this season. I would have to say it’s been an even mix of bad luck and poor play.
Chase Utley, Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz, J.A. Happ, Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, Antonio Bastardo, Jimmy Rollins, Joe Blanton, Brad Lidge, and Brian Schneider are all big time players that have seen the disabled list at least once this season so far. It’s tough to stay competitive with that many key players out for extended periods of time. The biggest blows have been Madson, Rollins, Happ and Utley whos injuries cost them months.
The only bright spot in the near future is the the all-star break. The team hasn’t had a day off since April 22nd and after their short 3 day break, they play 18 straight days. After the break, they’ll have to be as good as they were in the second half of last season.
Back in June 1st, when the Phillies fell from first place in the division, we all figured they would take the lead back in the next few days. We were all wrong. They haven’t seen first place since and have been steadily falling. With every string of losses, it starts to seem more and more like the team just doesn’t have it this year.
There’s still time to turn it around but they have to take advantage of it-and fast.
