Finish The Job - Monday, August 25, 2008
222 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   When I filled in for Jody Mac last Friday, I issued a challenge to the Phillies for the coming weekend series with the Dodgers. Take at least three out of four. Play the kind of aggressive, passionate baseball needed to withstand the rigors of a pennant race. Show the character against a winning team that had been missing in previous encounters with the species.

   Talk about rising to the occasion. The Phils followed up two easy wins with a resounding, come-from-behind triumph Sunday night, overcoming adversity and getting contributions from all over the lineup. It was the kind of tense, dramatic game we see in the post-season, and although the Dodgers are not the Cubs, beating them three in a row is huge. Better yet, the Phils are now a half-game behind the fetid, odious Mets and in position to take over first place by Wednesday and in the process disappoint the Letsgoes' foul-smelling, ill-mannered, under-intelligent fans.

   But -- there's always one of those -- the Phils need to finish the job tonight. Brett Myers takes the mound with an opportunity to quiet those who have maintained his turnaround is based more on the level of competition he has faced (two starts against the AAA Nationals) than his ability to throw well again. Shut down the Dodgers, and Myers will further establish himself as a top-of-the-rotation guy and keep the Phillies no worse than a half-game behind the Mets, with two to play Tuesday and Wednesday.

   After last Thursday's ugly loss to Washington, the Phillies seem to have shaken off the malaise that has characterized their recent play. Winning three out of four from the Dodgers would be great, but a sweep would be perfect. With the Mets and Cubs looming next week, it would appear as if the team has picked the right time to start playing good ball.

   Not that we should be satisfied. There is still plenty of work to do, and the Phillies have to be sure they close the deal.