Mountain Climbing- Phillies

With 18 games remaining in the 2008 MLB season the Philadelphia Phillies trail the New York Mets by 1.5 games in the NL East and the Milwaukee Brewers by 3 games for the NL Wild Card. 18 games is not a lot, in fact, it's only 11% of the 162 game regular season schedule, and yet it all comes down to this final portion. The rivalry between the Mets and Phils will have to go on the back burner for now because they won't meet again in '08, unless it's in the playoffs. However, the Brew Crew makes a pit stop in Philly Thursday for a crucial 4 game series. It may feel like the Phillies have a mountain to climb, but I think if they dig their spikes in they'll be able to ascend it successfully. Click on URL for full article previewing the rest of the Phils/Marlins series, as well as a stab at Billy Wagner, the greatness of Jayson Werth, the perfection of Brad Lidge, and the mediocrity of Joe Blanton.