Phillies: NL East coast-to-coast bias

Even though coasting to the divisional pennant isn’t realistic, the Phillies faithful have a preference for an easy path to October; however, the franchise hasn’t played one postseason inning since 2011.

Roller coaster:

Granted, a Philadelphia Phillies loss stings more than most victories feel euphoric. But today’s expensive talent and MLB rules to advance parity are producing more teams with a competitive opportunity and the extinction of dynasties.

"IN OTHER WORDS: “Consistent motivation usually comes from a consuming desire to be able to perform at your best under pressure, namely, the pressure produced by tough competition.” – Bill Walsh"

Past the quarter mark seasonwise, the Fightins are in first place despite their shortcomings and divisional competition. That stated, some natives are restless due to finances and rules every organization must negotiate to assemble a contending team. Translation: no easy fixes.

Committing an additional $488 million maxes out even a deep-pocketed organization. Spending-wise, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers combined have won one Fall Classic since 2008. And the Boston Red Sox exceeded the Luxury Tax limit for their title by an unsustainable $40 million for 2018’s top tax rate.

Regarding changes, the MLB instituted the Rule 4 Draft in 1965 for clubs to pick first in inverse order of their record. However, free-agency’s addition led to the competitive-balance threshold in 1997. Plus it has increased many times since. Now, Boston’s tax rate for 2019 has discouraged their spending.

As for the playoffs, the League Championship Series initiated in 1969 meant defeating two franchises, not one. And 1995’s League Division Series added a third team to beat. But because a hot wild-card entrant had frequently appeared in the Fall Classic, the owners instituted the Wild Card Game.

Concerning divisional competition, the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals have roster holes, injuries, replacement players, and underperforming stars. But the four organizations are only a winning or losing streak away from changing the standings.

If the Phils are in first place for the entire 162, it removes the dramatic ups and downs, but hard-fought victories will prepare the players for October’s toughest challenges. In the past, they had experienced peaks and valleys in 1915, 1950, 1980, 1983, 2008 and 2009; but they coasted in 1993 and 2011 (franchise record).