Regular Jean

The Phillies...just...won't...die!

First they're leading the division, then they're in fourth behind the Mets, and now they're gunning for the last NL Wild Card spot, 2.5 games behind the Cubs. I'd like to think the Cubs have more of a show to defend themselves, but they're playing the Brewers all week, while the Cardinals play the Pirates and Giants. Unless there's a serious inversion, as much as I want there to be one, this may be the Phils gunning for the Cubs' spot.

The Phils, however, have picked the right time to get hot. They've taken one from the Mets, and one from the Reds, and are only gonna build momentum as they play 3 more Reds games, and a few more Mets games. I want them to get to the point where by the time they play the Braves in a week, they're strong enough that they can be a match for them.

And it's a communal thing. Rhys Hoskins and Bryce Harper are hitting. Eflin and Velasquez have had some nice starts. Blake Parker and Mike Morin have been sharp pickups from Minnesota. Corey Dickerson and Logan Morrison are partying like it's 2017 in Tampa again. Jay Bruce is healthy and getting hotter. Realmuto and Nola are still league standouts. Even if Jean Segura's away for a few days, he's still rocking it whenever he's at the plate.

There's a surprising amount of depth and nuance to this team, and I'm glad we're still talking about them in September. They keep this up, they could sneak right into the Wild Card game. I sincerely hope they do.

Coming Tomorrow- His slow start scared me, and his team, but since July he's been hot as hell on the mound.