Phillies enter September with High Hopes
By Brad Diamond Sports
Scheduling
Home Games...(16)
Atlanta...(3)
Florida...(4)
Milwaukee...(3)
New York....(3)
Washington...(3)
Away Games...(14)
Atlanta...(3)
Colorado...(1)
Florida...(3)
New York...(3)
Los Angeles...(1)
Washington...(3)
Final Season Projection
Road Outings
Looking at the road engagements, Philadelphia seemingly has a decisive edge with their big three, Halladay, Hamels and Oswalt. Tonight the Dodgers will use Kershaw versus Oswalt, since lefty Kershaw has been inconsistent this season and Oswalt is coming strong over his last few starts, we see a Phillies win. However, the makeup game in Colorado on Thursday is doubtful since the Phillies are traveling overnight, while the Rockies are making their customary late season run.
The three game road set versus the struggling Mets will still be difficult, but Halladay and Oswalt will get calls in that series. We look for 2 of 3 wins for the Phillies . Since the Marlins are 66-65 at this writing, we can ' t see the Fish being much of a chore for the Phillies, 2 of 3 looks promising.
Washington lost hurler Strasburg to surgery, so the task of winning 3 straight in D. C. looks plausible. However, the final three games of the season in early October with Atlanta is in doubt, since the Braves have the advantage in the bullpen and in the dugout.
Projected Road Record...9-5
Home Outings
With the exception of Milwaukee, the Phillies have 13 dates with the National East. Initially, Philadelphia faces the Brewers in a three game set at the Bank that should mark a super 3-0 SWEEP! Florida comes to town and history has shown they play well against the Phillies in Philadelphia, therefore, I will post a 3-1 series. Washington visits at a horrible time, as the call-ups will be taking playing time from some of the vets. I would not discount a 3-0 SWEEP by Philadelphia.
Remember, when the Braves show at the Bank, it will be a playoff type series. With manager Cox and his hot lineup, not discounting their pen, Atlanta looks good in 2 of 3. Finally, New York closes out the regular season home schedule with a three game series. How the Phillies come out of the Atlanta series will indicate the mental state of the home club, especially considering they finish the season in Atlanta later in the week. To be conservative the Mets should notch one game in the set.
Projected Home Record...12-4
Facts and Results
It is highly improbable that Philadelphia will win the East. After all, Atlanta has been the more consistent team and possesses the best home record in the league. Recall, manager Cox of Atlanta is at the end of his career and the Braves would love nothing better than to achieve, at least, a division title in 2010. No doubt manager Charlie Manuel of Philadelphia has done a good job considering the staggering injuries, but the mental part of the race seems to favor Atlanta.
If Philadelphia finishes 21-9 as we forecasted they should surpass the Giants, Rockies and the fading Cardinals for a Wild Card berth. With the Phillies big three starters (Halladay, Hamels and Oswalt) the playoffs could be a magical time once again. So, let the forecast show a Wild Card series win for Philadelphia, but a loss in the run for the Pennant.