Can anybody figure out this Phillies team? They are nothing if not confounding.
Just when you thought it might be time to pull the plug - especially after they learned they would be without slugger Ryan Howard for at least 15 days because of persistent pain in his creaky knees - they go out and take two of three in fairly convincing fashion from the NL East-leading Braves.
Next up are the second place Nationals for three games down at a decidedly steamy Citizens Bank Park.
Even after taking the series with the Braves, the Phils remain three games under .500 and seven and half back in the NL East standings.
So, should they be buyers or sellers as the trading deadline looms? My guess is the next seven games leading up to the All-Star break will determine their fate.
Win five and maybe they can climb back into this thing. Anything less than that, in particular struggling against the red-hot Nats, and it might be time for Ruben Amaro Jr. to hang out the 'Yard Sale' signs.
Charlie Manuel is hoping his team can build off series wins over Pittsburgh, the team with the best record in baseball, and the Braves.
"Heck, we just have to keep playing," Manuel drawled after the game. "We have players that definitely know how to win."
But will they still be doing it in red pintstripes at the end of the month?
Comments