After last night’s frustrating loss to the Houston Astros and Atlanta’s win over the Marlins, the magic number for the Phillies to clinch their 3rd consecutive National League East crown remained at 3.
Talking to a few other people, there seems to be some confusion as to what exactly the magic number means. In the Phillies’ case, the magic number being 3, any combination of Phillies’ wins and Braves’ losses that equal 3 would clinch the NL East. For example, 2 Phillies’ wins and 1 Atlanta loss, 3 Phillies’ wins, 3 Braves’ losses, 1 Phillies’ win and 2 Braves’ losses would all clinch the NL East for the Phillies.
With all the struggles against the Astros this season, the Phillies are having a tough time nailing down the division. There is concern starting to mount, but the Phillies are all but guaranteed a playoff berth at this point. They are backing themselves into a spot however. The past few years, with the Fightins’ and Mutts battling, the Phillies have entered the playoffs playing good baseball. This season, they are going in playing like they were in June.
With under a week left in the season, there isn’t much time to work on things. J.C. Romero finally came back last night and got some work in. Brett Myers is scheduled to come back this week as well. The bullpen could surely use the help at this point in the season. I know I can’t be the only one who felt bad for Brad Lidge going out there in the 9th being down 6 runs, even with all his struggles this season.
The Phillies still have some time to correct things before the playoffs start, but not much.
It’s going to be an interesting week down at Citizens Bank Park.
