We have good news and bad news.
The bad news is that there are still 75 games left for the Philadelphia Phillies to torture the fans with sloppy plays, bases-loaded strikeouts and an unreliable bullpen. The good news is that there are still 75 games left for a team that looks strong on paper to make a run for the playoffs.
The Phillies capped off what can only be called a disappointing first half of the 2012 season in typical fashion: a 4-3 loss and three game sweep by the Atlanta Braves.
They enter the All-Star break resting at the bottom of the National League East division with a 37-50 record, 14 games behind the first place Washington Nationals. With 10 games behind Cincinnati and Atlanta for the two National League wild card spots, the Phillies need to win at least 50 more games to stay in playoff contention.
In 2001, the Oakland Athletics ended the first half of the season 39-42 and managed to clinch the American League Wild Card after a 63-18 second half. The 2010 San Francisco Giants held an unimpressive 41-40 record at the All Star Break before dominating the second half, finishing atop the National League West with a 92-70 record and winning the World Series.
As the Phillies take the next few days to rest and regroup, there are plenty of questions the front office needs to confront. How can we turn the season around? Is 2012 salvageable? What do we do with Cole Hamels? How do we fix the bullpen?
But, what about the questions for you, the fans? Are you giving up on the Phillies this year? Is there still enough time for this team to get back on the right track and scrape their way into the playoffs, where anything can happen? Or, is it time to start thinking about the July 22 start of the Eagles' training camp?
Cast your vote in the poll below and either vent about the season so far, or pump up the doubtful for a possible second half comeback.
I agree with Jeff, the season has been an abysmal one given the injuries. But it's been revealing for what the healthy Phillies have lacked in offensive production and bullpen consistency. Players who needed to step up this year, like Pence, Victorino, Mayberry and even Rollins have been a huge disappointment. That being said, there have been a lot of teams that have kick-started their lineup (maybe a trade or two??) in the second half. Remember the Cardinals last year made the playoffs on the last day of the season, With another wildcard spot who knows? But one thing's for sure ... a slow start after the All-Star break and they'll be toast. The bullpen and plate discipline will be key. And no, I wouldn't bet money on it happening.
I agree with Mike that KEY players need to step it up and do what they do BEST! See you all at the playoffs!!
Then again, I'm a sucker for lost causes. :-)
I think the season, even though they could still make it interesting if they are somehow able to turn things around in the second half, is a watershed year. To overtake the teams ahead of them they'd have to count on a complete breakdown by those teams coupled with playing .600+ baseball themselves. Highly unlikely. Plus, these guys don't seem to be dealing all that well with their impending demise brought about by their own mediocre performance. Their clubhouse moodiness seems to extend to their lax and subpar play on the field. Manual seems exasperated. He implied as much Sunday in his post-game. These are not what anyone would consider ingredients for success. People love the Phillies and prefer to ignore their shortcomings. Fact is there are many, and things are unlikely to get back on the right track until some of these players experience a change in scenery.