It's decision time for the Phillies.
After spending untold millions putting together a first-rate lineup in the offseason - including depositing $330 million in the bank account of one Bryce Harper - the Phils yesterday actually looked like the team we expected.
They pounded out four homers while getting another solid start - albeit with a shaky final inning - from ace Aaron Nola, and the bullpen held up to salvage one game int his series against the first-place Braves.
The problem is all the days when Nola is not starting.
Yes, pitching still wins championships, and the Phillies don't have nearly enough.
That's the question facing Matt Klentak and Andy Macphail as the trade deadline looms just a few days away.
They can push their chips to the center of the table and get another quality starter, or they can watch as fans turn their attention to the Eagles.
By the way, despite yesterday's win, I stand by my assertion after the Phils got blown out by the Braves in the first two games of this series that for some reason this team comes up very small in big situations.
Every time they face a game or series that could be seen as a turning point in the season, these guys seem to wilt.
That is not a good reflection on the franchise, and no amount of gimmicks - including burgundy uniforms, the Phanatic's antics or other silly promotions - will change what happens on the field.
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