Reflections on the Phillies' Season and Post-Season

Most Phillies' fans would have told you two things -- that failing to reach the World Series would be a disappointment and that they had their doubts that the team would get there. As to the former, well, the Phillies and the media pumped out that expectation ever since the team signed Cliff Lee in the off-season. As to the latter, forget the ghosts of Chico Ruiz stealing home against them down the stretch in '64 and the pinch-hitting of ageless wonders Manny Mota and Vic Davalillo in the '77 playoffs against the Dodgers, no these concerns were more real -- inconsistent hitting, a young bullpen, and an aging core of position players. So, was I disappointed that the team lost to the Cardinals? Yes.Was I shocked? No.Will it take me a while to get over it? Thankfully, I have other interests, but it stings a little.But let's go through the roster, the season and the post-season in no great order.1. The Team Paid Cliff Lee the Huge Bucks To Win Game 2 of the NLDS. I hope ...