Heart And Soul - Wednesday, August 27, 2008
224 Views :: 1 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   Admit it. When Jamie Moyer exited Tuesday night against the Letsgoes in a 6-0 hole, you started wondering whether the Phils would be able to climb out of a 2 1/2-game second-place mess, especially with Johan Santana scheduled to pitch the final game of the brief series Wednesday night. The math was simple. A loss Tuesday knocked the Phils back 1.5 games, and a Santana gem would push the disadvantage to 2.5, with a four-game series in Chicago looming.

   Yes, it was ugly stuff, to be sure. Ten innings later, all of the doubt was removed, and we were reminded that for all their bluster, star power and salaries, the Mets might just be the same choking bunch we enjoyed seeing fail last year. At the same time, we may have learned that after nearly five months of maddening inconsistency, the Phils might just be ready to start playing some championship ball.

   You'll remember that it was about now last year that Colorado launched its mad run to the National League pennant. The Rockies couldn't lose a game, so they didn't. With five straight wins to their credit and eight of nine, the Phils look like the kind of team capable of putting it together. Last night, just about everybody contributed, from bench players like Eric Bruntlett(!) and Chris Coste to the entire bullpen to Jimmy Rollins, Jason Werth and Ryan Howard. There were, as always, some head-scratching moments, but for the most part, the Phillies looked like a team that refused to be denied.

   It's tempting to make tonight's game a must-win, since beating Santana would drain the Mets of some serious life's-blood. But even if the Phillies lose, they will have proven that nothing is impossible for this bunch, and that it finally is playing with a sense of urgency. In the past three games, the Phils have won two scintillating extra-inning affairs. Sure, they have been at home, but they have demonstrated a character we weren't sure this team had. With 30 games left, the Phils are in a position to control their own destiny. It won't be easy, since road series with the Cubs and Mets remain, and a four-game visit from the Brew Crew won't be light work, either. Still, the team looks like it's ready to play championship ball, and last night proved it.

  Now, let's see what the Phillies can do against Santana. Knock him around, and it may be time to start setting aside money for post-season tickets.