21 Philadelphia Phillies (Nola) @ New York Mets (Carrasco)

xogfog 2021-09-19 05:37:24 UTC #122

As much as I didn't want them to just make the playoffs (mostly by winning the wild card), the division at least would be a more legitimate way to get into the playoffs and your season wouldn't come down to a one game playoff. I just hate the way the tea leaves are laid out. I hate that the last three games of the season are against the Marlins. The Philles have the rotation set up so that Wheeler, Nola and Gibson would pitch against the Braves. I would just like to get out of the Braves series two games up, so that at least winning one against the Marlins might be enough.

zambonir 2021-09-19 06:55:27 UTC #123

I'm not sure winning this division is any more honorable than winning this second wild card, but the latter is still looking like a harder task. Obviously the former gives you a much better chance, as well as three guaranteed games instead of one (and against a team we've beaten five times out of seven instead of the Dodgers or Giants).

I hate that we can't beat the Marlins, but that doesn't mean it would be easier if our last three were against the Mets. Just get there. Four days ago the season seemed over so if our biggest problem is a bullpen game against the Marlins in October, I'll take it.

I'm not expecting us to be leading the division before or after the Braves series, so it's all gravy. Would love to be proven wrong over the next 10 days but Atlanta will probably right themselves again in Phoenix and San Diego. Question is what will the Phillies do with their seven at home?

LoneStarPhan 2021-09-19 07:21:39 UTC #124

I confess that I have thrown in the towel several times this month. Yet this team bounces back. Really, they are in position to win the NL East but of course, they can also blow several games in the upcoming home stand and essentially destroy their chances. At least it looks like we will see meaningful games in the coming weeks.

EDmuch 2021-09-19 10:36:43 UTC #125

One game back.

julio 2021-09-19 13:47:49 UTC #126

Reverse black cat, Harry?

phillychuck 2021-09-19 14:14:10 UTC #127

Ah, but now we have a double reversal since we have been posting about it...re-jinxing the un-jinxed jinx?

Sabin 2021-09-19 16:48:38 UTC #128

The 2022 Spring Training thread is still waiting in the wings. The 2022 Draft Thread might need to be deployed if it all comes down to the Marlins series.