This preseason, almost no national writers predicted the Phillies would win their division, let alone go deep in the playoffs. That’s nothing new. Last year, when the Phils won the World Series (still feels great to write), they had been predicted by almost everyone to end up 3rd or 4th-- in their division. Even after winning the division, not one of ESPN’s 18 “experts” predicted the Phils would make it to the World Series, let alone win it.
Now? The 2009 Phillies have a Major League best 7 game lead in their division, the 5th best record in MLB and – oh, yeah— newly added reigning CY Young winner Cliff Lee. You bet Joe Torre is shaking in his shorts.
Before Lee, the Phils were probably the team to beat in the NL. With Lee, they definitely are. The Dodgers will be the 1st to admit they are without an ace. Chad Billingsley, the closest they have, was roughed up to the tune of 1 win and a 7.52 ERA in July.
Sports Illustrated was the kindest to the Phils in their preseason predicts. 4 of 13 S.I. “experts” said the Phils would win the division. The other 9 took the Mets. History repeats itself. I guess History just isn’t some people’s keenest subject. 0 of 13 "experts" said the Phils would win the World Series in ’09, and while repeat remains a longshot in baseball’s modern era, I think many would now agree the Phils have more than a longshot.
When your #1 dilemma is which pitcher to drop from your starting rotation… it’s safe to say it has been a swell year to-date.
Today’s big news, of course, is that Happ—according to chief Amaro, Jr.—will not be the odd man out, this time. The Phils are finally starting to recognize that this guy can pitch. Better late than never:
"Happ's not going anywhere," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Thursday. "He deserves to stay in the rotation. He's pitched very well. He's probably been our most effective starter."
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