This weekend series with division rival Florida has all the suspense of May baseball. With the Phillies possessing the largest lead of any 1st place team in MLB, it's no wonder this weekend series with the 2nd place Marlins feels a tad droll. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact the Marlins just got swept by the Washington Nationals (you read that right), allowing 23 runs in 3 games to the absolute worst team in all of baseball. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Cliff Lee has us all thinking about the playoffs.
However you slice it, the Phillies look for a fish fry this weekend in Philly en route to a day off Monday, which will allow them to rest their 6 starting pitchers before making a decision about who gets to start and who moves to the 'pen.
Game #1 pits Joe Blanton-- he of the 1.21 ERA in July, 2.66 ERA since May and 7 inning, 2 run, 0 BB, 5 K August 1st outing-- against Florida's talented Ricky Nolasco: 7-7 with a 5 run ERA, but 5-2 with an ERA around 2 since May.
Sounds like a fair fight, only the Phils pounded Nolasco for 4 runs on 7 hits in 6 inn. on 7/17. Still, he's struck out 118 batters this year, so it should get interesting. If not, there's always the inner rivalry of team home run leader and the daily question, 'How many points can Jimmy Rollins propel his batting average today?'
Ah, ain't these the days to be a Phillies' fan?
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