The last time the Phillies went to the World Series was 1993 when they lost in six games to Toronto. This team has a striking resemblance to that 1993 team. After Brett Myers last two starts he is back to form. With Brett Myers and Cole Hamels you have two aces on your staff. The 1993 Phillies had Terry Mulholland, Tommy Green and Curt Schilling but Brett Myers and Cole Hamels are better and younger. Adam Eaton is giving this team quality starts. Jamie Moyer resembles Danny Jackson, an older pitcher that won't hurt you. Kyle Kendrick is still a bit of an unknown but he has pitched well at times.
The team has the bats that can intiimidate any pitcher in the league. Rollins, Utley, Howard can hurt you on any given night. The team is playing great defense and their bullpen is best in the league. The biggest flaw in the 1993 team was the bullpen. You always held your breath when Mitch Williams came in to pitch. You barely break a sweat when Brad Lidge takes the mound. With this lineup, quality pitching and the best bullpen in baseball this team has the look of a World Series team.
I've been critical of Charlie Manuel in the past for being too soft. But his decision to pull Rollins was bold and the right decision. He wants his players to play hard and will even pull his team leader if necessary to send a message. He is definitely not too soft. The players love playing for him and though he makes questionable decisions at times let us not forget that Jim Fergosi was no baseball genius.
Let's sit back and enjoy the ride. It's been a long time since the Phillies have been in first place this early in the season. Things can only get better. I've said that the Flyers will be the first team to break the 25 year drought but after following this team I think this could be the year the drought ends. With the Flyers and Sixers on the way up this could be a city of winners again as it was in the early eighties when three out of four teams were in finals and one team won it all, the Phillies.
The team has the bats that can intiimidate any pitcher in the league. Rollins, Utley, Howard can hurt you on any given night. The team is playing great defense and their bullpen is best in the league. The biggest flaw in the 1993 team was the bullpen. You always held your breath when Mitch Williams came in to pitch. You barely break a sweat when Brad Lidge takes the mound. With this lineup, quality pitching and the best bullpen in baseball this team has the look of a World Series team.
I've been critical of Charlie Manuel in the past for being too soft. But his decision to pull Rollins was bold and the right decision. He wants his players to play hard and will even pull his team leader if necessary to send a message. He is definitely not too soft. The players love playing for him and though he makes questionable decisions at times let us not forget that Jim Fergosi was no baseball genius.
Let's sit back and enjoy the ride. It's been a long time since the Phillies have been in first place this early in the season. Things can only get better. I've said that the Flyers will be the first team to break the 25 year drought but after following this team I think this could be the year the drought ends. With the Flyers and Sixers on the way up this could be a city of winners again as it was in the early eighties when three out of four teams were in finals and one team won it all, the Phillies.
