We Like Maik

How about that? A year after we basically gave up on him, Maikel Franco is finally playing well for the Phillies.

He and Odubel Herrera are tied for highest average of the starting lineup, he's cracked 18 home runs, and he's actually an integral member of this surging Phillies squad. Yes, having standouts like Aaron Nola, Rhys Hoskins and Cesar Hernandez certainly helps, but the Phils are getting by on just efficiency alone. The roster is tight- even guys like Scott Kingery are doing well enough. Adding Asdrubal Cabrera was a smart idea, even if his average hasn't especially come alive yet.

Plus, the core pitching five of Nola-Arrieta-Pivetta-Velazquez-Elfin is...surprisingly brilliant this year. Not a single weak spot. Even Vince has been fighting back the last month or so, getting his ERA back down and throwing strikeouts like it's nothing. This positive behavior is something we've only dreamed of from Vince, so seeing him play as well as the ace is nice.

And then...Seranthony Dominguez, Adam Morgan, Victor Arano, Edubray Ramos...and of course, Pat Neshek, are all doing a brilliant job relieving games. I saw this team last year, and the bullpen was atrocious- all the guys who were tanking then are out, and all the guys who were killing it, like Neshek, have more power (and money). Dominguez is a heck of a closer, too.

This is just a solid team. The Braves may be a bit more outwardly dangerous, but the Phillies are just hella strong, and an inoffensive choice to get far in the playoffs. With the Braves coming from behind them, it could be a tricky last 2 months, but...Maikel Franco being on certainly helps the Phillies' case.

Coming Tomorrow- He was a surprising survivor of the trade deadline, but now the 2017 World Series winner needs to work for his current team, even if the waiver deadline might end up severing the ties anyway.