Now what?

Nice offense from the Phillies last night. Took a Mets fan to the game. He had his first cheese steak and said it was a nice ballpark. He was also glad that we stayed until the end so he could see a couple of Met homers off the absolutely-must-be-sent-to-the-minors-immediately David Herndon (why is he still here? Last year they had to keep him up because he was a Rule 5 pick, but why now?).

One of the reasons I really took to this Phillies team a few years ago is their resilience. They seem capable of overcoming whatever obstacle might come in their way. I think that many of their long-term fans feel similarly, which is the only reason I can think of that people aren't panicking at this point. That and being tied for the best record in baseball.

You have to be impressed that this team that came into the season with maybe even unreasonable expectations can lose their closer, replacement closer, top bullpen lefty, #5 starter, all-star second baseman, catcher and top prospect outfielder to injuries. Plus have their regular number 6, 7 and 8 batters combine for 7 for their last 92 (yes, Raul is not alone- Wilson Valdez is 2/32 while Ibanez is a more robust 2/31).

So it seems to me like this can go one of 3 ways. They can continue to go like this, winning 2 out of every 3 with good pitching and inconsistent offense. They could go in the tank and fall back closer to a .500 record, or (and I think this is most likely), they play .500 ball or slightly better (don't forget, they've played primarily crappy teams so far) until everyone gets back and then go on some kind of tear.