Wild Card Team

Entering play today, June 11, the Philadelphia Phillies hold the National League Wild Card spot. Yes, it is rediculous to be thinking about the Wild Card, especially a month before the All-Star game, but just think about that for a second. This team has played so well since having it handed to them in Florida a couple of weeks ago that if the season ended today, they would be the Wild Card team. How many of the Philly Phaithful had given up on this team after that game (if not sooner)?

Of course, the season doesn't end today, and the Phillies have another 100 games to play, starting tonight against the Brew Crew. And, who wants to take the Wild Card when the National League East division title is up for grabs. Does anyone believe the Nationals are a strong enough team to hold the lead? Probably not many takers outside the beltway. Most would probably be picking the Marlins at this point, and the Phillies hold a 2 game lead over them. That's a 9.5 game swing over 2 weeks of play. Simply amazing.


Recent Observations
This streak the Phillies are on is the streak that so many in the media kept predicting last year, which never came. The whole time the Phillies were 5-7 games out, everyone was expecting them to string together 8-10 wins and get back in the race. This year, it was the same situation, albeit much earlier in the season and without the media prognosticators. So finally the winning streak is here, hopefully we get a second one since we were denied last year.

Jim Thome is showing signs of coming out of his funk. He's hit 2 home runs the last 2 days and 4 since May 27th. As described in a previous post, June is Thome's month to shine. Look for another 6 or 7 from Thome this month, and for him to carry the team at times.

Oogey, Oogey, Oogey. There's a new set-up man in town. Ugueth Urbina is now a Philly and comes in at a crucial time to save the tired bullpen arms. Urbina is a rock solid relief pitcher (despite his first outing), and should make closing the door on teams a much easier task. His signing really saves the arms up-and-down the staff. Wagner can get the occasional day off, and Madson and Cormier don't have to shoulder as much of a load in the late innings. This also allows the starters to come out a bit earlier if needed.

Worrell is back! Almost that is. Tim Worrell, as reported on MLB.com, is back with the team. He claims his personal issues are behind him and he is looking forward to pitching again. The goal is to have him get in condition, think a short spring training, and start a rehab assignment by June 20th. That could put Worell back in the Phillies bullpen just before July. This would be perfect timing, as the bullpen may need a boost by that time. This could set up a great situation for the stretch run, as a healthy (mentally or otherwise) Worrell makes this a scary relief staff.