The Stretch Run
As we enter the stretch run of the season, despite having the best record in baseball, one has to wonder whether the Phillies will be able to maintain their lead over the Atlanta Braves. Certainly they have the advantage with a six game lead and pitchers like Halladay, Lee, Hamels, Oswalt and Worley, the surprise of this season for the Phils. However, Atlanta has demonstrated an amazing ability to stay right on their heels with a pretty good pitching staff of their own. Put that together with the fact that Atlanta will play the Phillies six more times before the end of the year, and one can see that they have little room for error. Put that together with losing a series to the Nationals and back to back losses to the Marlins and the Mets and one becomes a bit concerned. The Phillies really need to go on a winning streak and put the division out of reach or they may find themselves in the position of the Mets a few years ago when the Phillies overtook them in the final week of the season.