Tag: phillies

Can the Phillies Please Clinch the Division Tonight?

The Philadelphia Phillies clinched a playoff spot yesterday. However, I’d like to call it a muted celebration because the team did not win yesterday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. Instead, they “backed” in by virtue of a loss by the San Francisco Giants. Now the Phils head out on a difficult road trip, visiting the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. It’s real simple: one more victory and Philadelphia repeats as National League East champions.

I expect to see JT Realmuto catching the final out tonight. Credit: Sports Illustrated

For all that is good in the world, and for my sweet daughter Caitlyn, please clinch the division tonight.

Don’t fool around. Don’t drag this out any longer. Hang five runs on Anthony Banda in the first inning and let Ranger Suarez cook. Have Kyle Schwarber boost his MVP credentials with a three run home run in the third inning. Make those notorious Dodger fans leave in the fifth inning instead of the seventh. Let’s have Caitlyn go into school tomorrow in a fabulous mood. If the Phils lose tonight, I will be peppered with things like, “why do we stink” or, “can the Mets catch us” or my personal potential favorite, “we are regressing”. I don’t need such talk at 7: 30 AM and neither does Matthew. I’ll have to play “Dancing on My Own”, the team’s 2022 song, on a loop in order for her to feel better. No offense to the song because I like it but we need to hear it after a win, not a loss.

It’s an hour before first pitch. I’ll make three innings at most. And when I wake up in the morning, I want footage of champagne and beer goggles. It’s not a lot to ask.

The Philadelphia Phillies and Their Big Beautiful Rotation

On Thursday, Cristopher Sanchez tossed eight innings of one run ball, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 victory over the Miami Marlins. The victory allowed Philadelphia to take three out of four games in Miami. The great outing by Sanchez improved his record to 6-2 and lowered his ERA to 2.87. After a rough two week stretch, the Phillies are rolling again with a 45-30 record, and are tied for first place with the New York Mets in the National League East. The team’s place in the standings is not surprising considering they are coming off three consecutive playoff appearances. I’m happy and more importantly, Caitlyn is happy (for now). In my opinion, the best group on this Phillies’ team is its starting rotation.

The ace, Zack Wheeler. Credit: CBS Sports

Notice I did not say the best rotation in baseball. By ERA, that title would belong to the Mets. Philly’s rotation is sixth in ERA at 3.49; New York’s is 3.03. What I love about the Phillies’ rotation is that it feels like one through five (when Aaron Nola is healthy) can go seven innings every time out. Indeed, their rotation leads baseball in innings pitched with 426. Zack Wheeler is the anchor, having finished second in the Cy Young race last year and consistently one of the best pitchers in in the game. He made waves this week by stating that he plans to retire after the 2027 season. Sanchez is a budding star, having tossed two complete games in 2024 and garnering an extension through 2033. Ranger Suarez started 2025 the injured list but has dominated in his return with a 2.20 ERA in nine starts. Jesus Luzardo had two horrendous starts pushing his ERA over 4.00. However, his acquisition ranks as one of the best during the offseason. Mick Abel has a 2.21 ERA in four starts filling in for Nola. Taijuan Walker can make a spot start in a pinch. Top prospect Andrew Painter is on the cusp of a Major League callup.

There is a lot to love about the Phillies’ rotation. That is why I call it “beautiful”. Having their staff work deep into games takes me back to when pitching seven innings was the norm. Though its ERA is sixth, and no starter has not thrown a complete game yet, I would take the Phillies’ rotation over everyone else’s in baseball.