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| Mayberry walks them off. Photo by Richard Wilkins Jr. |
The Phillies started the week at 27-30, but they were also entering a month that has tortured them recently, including this past year. June is not a kind time to this group, but if they're going to stay in the race, or for that matter stay together as a team, this time has to be different. The schedule suggests it can be.
Marlins for three, Brewers for four, Twins for three. Then they get three with (pseudo) contender Colorado, three with the hated Nats at home, three with the Mets, and then a California trip for three at San Diego, and four at the highly disappointing Dodgers. Twenty-six games where only Colorado is currently over .500.
They've started off good, with two thrilling wins (for different reasons) over the Marlins. Now sitting at 29-30, they can finally get to .500 tonight. Failure to do so would be a real disappointment, but not unexpected. The struggling Cole Hamels will get the ball for this one, and if they are going to make a run this year, he will have to get right very soon. Twenty-four games from now, how Hamels throws in his next five starts could be a big piece of whether or not they are an above .500 contender heading into July, or a failed team that is getting ready to sell off the heroes of the glory days. Make no mistake, I am not going to be convinced they can contend unless they get red hot here, as a little better than .500 coming out of this will just convince me that they're mediocre, but this is the time for them to show something. I'm not going to get excited about two nice wins against a 16-43 team, but this week is showing some hope so far. If they sustain this three game winning streak, that is great. If not, then it really will be time to wonder. I'm glad to see the heart on a night like this, but let's not buy all in quite yet.
