A Phillies Thread!!!!!!

[DAKustodial]

Tough couple of games against Florida so far this series. Last night was really tough but you can't get on Gordon's case too much...yet. It was just a shame that the offense didn't get Cole more than a couple of runs.

Anyway, hopefully tonight they'll get back in the win column. Gotta get as big of a lead as possible over those Mets!

[mitchsfan]

THEY ARE A TEAM OF DESTINY this year.

There is nothing else to say.

They came out with a winning April and May. Since Memorial Day they have won 75 percent of their games.

They have the past 2 reigning MVPs. They have this year's MVP.

Rollins goes down and Bruntlett plays out of his mind.

Victorino goes down and Jayson is werth every penny.

The bullpen is playing out of their mind. The closer has an ERA of under 1 and has yet to blow one.

But the most important thing they have going for them right now is the fact they don't have Billy Whiner closing their games anymore. How sweet it is to watch him blow game after game after game (and that is just this week)

My perdiction from Day 1 was that the NL EAST will be wrapped up by September 15. They still are the team to Beat!

[Ian]

I'm enjoying the run, but I'll remind everyone of two things:

1. It's only June. Talk to me in September about how they're playing then.

2. Pitching wins championships and, well, we saw last night how good the Phils pitching can be.

I think they'll most likely win the division, but I can't see them doing much more than that. I just don't think they're pitching is good enough. When their bats go cold they get beat.

[Ian]

Okay, to be fair I just checked stats on MLB.com and the Phils do have the 7th best team ERA in baseball right now.

So maybe their pitching has been better than it looks like it should be on paper.

[PirateLover]

The pitching has been the surprise story of the season actually. Myers has been the only inconsistant pitcher. Even Eaton has had quality starts. Heck, Moyer was taking a no hitter into the 6th inning yesterday. Cole has pitched 2 shutouts, and Kendrick has been holding his own.

On another note, if anyone plays instant lottery tickets, I recommend getting the Phillies/Pirates scratch off tickets. If you save 3 losing tickets you can mail them in for a second chance drawing. 2 people a month win season tickets and 600 some win prize packages. I won a prize package of official MLB liscensed Phillies goods including a jersey (choice of Utley, Rollins, or Howard), embroidered jacket, windshirt, cap, duffel bag with water bottle and t-shirt. Very exciting

[DAKustodial]

The Phils statistically have the best bullpen in all of the major leagues so far this year, not just the NL. Now, whether or not they can keep this up is the question.

The starting pitching has been pretty consistently good except for Myers, which is completely surprising. He's been brutal so far; really difficult to watch. I really think he should be traded before it gets even more out of hand...he doesn't have the mental toughness to get through this and I can see his bad attitude hurting the team in the long run.

Anyway, absolutely loved watching them beat up on the World Series Champs last night. It will be interesting to see what our 45 year old number three does tonight...looking forward to it!

[Stickey]

The Phillies need to continue to take advantage of the unexpected struggles by both the Mets and Braves. The Marlins do not have the pitching to stay in the race for the entire season. I am not sold on the Phils pitching, but the lack of quality in the league is a big help.

The Phillies need to watch out for Flash Gordon's tendency to wear down as the season progresses. More rest now will avoid costly home runs allowed in September.