Phillies: NL East pennant chase
By Tal Venada
For the Phillies, the future has arrived a year earlier than the front office had expected, so general manager Matt Klentak to his credit then surrounded his young charges with veterans to boost the offense.
Finish line:
While Philadelphia Phillies fans scoreboard watch, the view in the clubhouse is different because they realize additional factors are at work. Basically, the opposition is as important as the series. Are they facing a playoff competitor or a spoiler in the final weeks of the campaign?
"IN OTHER WORDS: “The only difference between a winning team and a losing team is one game. The winning team can win two out of three games…the losing team can only win one out of three.” – Vin Scully"
Like the Phils, the Atlanta Braves finished the first half with the possibility of competing for the division crown. And while some players unexpectedly produced despite growing pains, others matured. So, here we are!
As for complementing their roster at the trade deadline, the Braves added right-handed pitchers Kevin Gausman as a fifth starter and Brad Brach for the back end of the bullpen. They also hope new corner outfielder Adam Duvall can show his form from 2016 and 2017.
Meanwhile, Klentak acquired catcher Wilson Ramos, infielder Asdrubal Cabrera and first baseman Justin Bour. They are lengthening the lineup, providing an offensive punch, and strengthening the bench by moving Jorge Alfaro and Scott Kingery to those roles.
Besides the additions of Ramos and Cabrera making the batting order stronger, Bour, Alfaro, Kingery and Roman Quinn will also have playing time to stay sharp. They will keep the regulars fresh in September and for October.
On the other hand, missing pieces can also affect the divisional outcome. But while the hometown nine had no critical loss due to injury, Atlanta has been without their closer Arodys Vizcaino since July 14 due to right shoulder inflammation. An early September return?
Barring the fortunes of the Chicago Cubs or the three teams on the edge of contention, seven franchises are vying for four spots. So, winning the division is better than a Wild Card Game or nothing at all. And home field is also in play.