Everybody's reaction Friday when the Phillies announced John Ennis would make his first start in the majors since 2002: Huh?
Everybody's reaction after yesterday's 9-1 victory over Florida: Whew.
Nobody knew much about Ennis, who had made one relief appearance for the Phillies. But he pitched well enough in four-plus innings, whlie the bullpen threw five shutout innings to give the Phillies a much-needed victory. But before anybody gets excited, the Phillies must win today to avoid losing six of their last seven series. Think about that: the Phillies have not won a series, other than the Mets sweep, since they took 2 of 3 from Washington at RFK Stadium on Aug. 14-16. In a sense it's remarkable the Phillies have remained in contention playing like they having, losing 11 of their last 20.
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In case you had not heard: Cole Hamels (strained left elbow) played catch and felt good after making 45 throws from 60 feet.
"We'll see how he feels tomorrow, and if he comes back, we'll play again," pitching coach Rich Dubee said.
If Hamels continues to make progress, Manuel and Dubee said Hamels could be available within 12 or 13 days, which would be around Sept. 20. Hamels would need to return by Sept. 20 to make three more starts. If he returns any later and it's no more than two.
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Jim Leyland basically conceded the AL Central to the Indians. Charlie Manuel has not conceded the NL East to the Mets. That's his choice, but the Mets hold a six-game lead over the Phillies with 21 games to play. If the Mets finished 10-11 (.476), the Phillies would need to play 16-5 (.762) the rest of the way just to finish in a first-place tie.
The Phillies remain three games behind the Padres in the NL wild card race.
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Jim Salisbury writes about the pennant races in the NL Central and AL Central in his Sunday baseball column. The Indians have pulled away in the AL Central, while the Brewers and Cubs continue to turn in circles, allowing the Cardinals in the race. Truly a terrible division.
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Comments (7)
For the last few seasons the Phillies always seem to step up their game when they are on the verge of falling off the map or when everybody has given up on them and have turned their attention to the Iggles. I think they make their move this homestand and will keep in the thick of the wc down to the final weekend.
Posted by Chuck Meehan | September 9, 2007 10:15 AM
Posted on September 9, 2007 10:15
One game at a time...
Posted by John in LA | September 9, 2007 12:12 PM
Posted on September 9, 2007 12:12
The Phillies need to beat out only San Diego or Arizona, who are both deeply flawed teams as well. It's astounding that so many have given up with the team only three games out of a playoff spot, 21 to play.
Posted by Brian | September 9, 2007 12:51 PM
Posted on September 9, 2007 12:51
They'll definitely be mathematically in the race until the end of the season, they always are. But can they go 16-5? It's unlikely. You need decide how invested you want to be on the ride. I hope they make the playoffs, but I don't see how it could happen.
Posted by Josh | September 9, 2007 12:53 PM
Posted on September 9, 2007 12:53
Brian,
Add Colorado and the Dodgers to the mix. Is the post-season possible? Absolutely. But the last few losses have been pretty huge. We'll see. I'd say, overall, the fans have been amazing this year. The Phils need 3 of 4 from the Rockies. I'm still on-board.
Posted by John in LA | September 9, 2007 6:22 PM
Posted on September 9, 2007 18:22
Memo to All Fans: Keep believing!
I agree with John that 3 of 4 is a must this upcoming series.
Hope the day off for Ryan did him some good and that he is ready for Colorado.
Go Phils!
Posted by Murph | September 9, 2007 8:10 PM
Posted on September 9, 2007 20:10
hey it doesn't matter what your precious phillies do,they will never catch the mets and won't even be in the playoffs for the forseeable future.all of your guys with the exception of j-roll(i like his attitude and his hustle)aree overrated windbags.now let us mets fans hear you chant...p...h..i..l...s....suck,suck,suck.....lol
Posted by metsfan | September 10, 2007 7:52 AM
Posted on September 10, 2007 07:52