There's a misconception out there, that because the Phillies are still playing baseball, there's a shot of this team coming back. It's a misconception because this team is 54-64. It's a misconception because this team has real flaws. It's a misconception because well, it's just not going to happen.
Yes, I know this team came back once, like five years ago. Yes, I know they play 13 games against the Rockies, Marlins, Astros, and Mets in mid-September. That's nice. They're not coming back. This team has had a lot of injuries for any team to endure this year. They've got a weak bullpen, and currently some spots in the line-up being occupied by little more than replacement level players. There is a nice core to build around, for next year, and yes there are some players with something to prove, but the best anyone should really hope for is more than 80 wins as a team achievement.
This is why, for once, I agree with a Philly.com writer about a game. Matt Gelb is spot on- we're not in this race, so why not use Lindblom there? He was, after all, a center-piece of the Victorino trade, and is going to be in next year's bullpen in some role, be it as a primary set-up man or a guy who just eats low-leverage innings. Why not figure out his role now? Why not let him play? Why not try out De Fratus and Aumont, or Cloyd, or others, come September 1st? I feel like the worst thing you could do is to not get a good look at as many guys as you can in actual major league games. So what if the Phillies lost? If you're not playoff bound, does it matter if you win 82 games? I'd like them to. I'm not overly worried about it though.
