Rebuilding Goliath:
This new gang of Phillies began forming the foundation through the pipeline, restructuring trades, and acquisitions. However, a nine-game losing streak before two victories ended 2018 and left the Fightins one win short of .500 at 80-82: the first of two September meltdowns.
Despite $488 million in new commitments, the Phils lost the season finale to finish at .500 and bookend their losing summers from ’13 through ’18. But while the Washington Nationals without Bryce Harper were winning the first wild card, the Fightins lost nine of 10 after being five games over .500 in mid-September again.
For ’20, general manager Matt Klentak inked Zack Wheeler and Didi Gregorius to join Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Andrew McCutchen. Plus pipeline stars will return as well: Aaron Nola, Rhys Hoskins and Scott Kingery. Yes, the wait will end on Feb. 11: pitchers and catchers.
For most 162s and teams, they won’t cruise like the 2011 club and dominate with an 11-3 postseason like the 2008 squad. Granted, it would be stress-free entertainment for the faithful. But have these two achievements clouded fans’ expectations subliminally, or is this merely an annual preference now visualized?
No one should expect a summer or an October without challenges. But reviewing each annual fragment reveals how quickly they dropped to .500 and a divisional fourth place, and how each aging ace lost his effectiveness or health. So, could 90 wins end this six-year winter, or is this a jinx by another name? The four-aces curse?
If you have any questions or opinions regarding the Philadelphia Phillies, please open the comments section.