So the trading deadline came and went and as expected the Phillies sat on their thumbs. I guess the deals just weren’t there, Ed because surely there is always room for improvement, just look at the ChiSox and the Cubs (sort of). ESPN did a piece a last week with the top 10 moves at the trading deadline and the Phils were in the top 5 twice. Both as sellers for Rolen and Schilling. So, it begs the question: Are the Phillies ever buyers? Ok, I get it, they haven’t been good for a while and the market was thin this year, but there has been a consistent pattern of not picking up quaility players during the season. Sure a free agent comes our way every once in a while, but Ed Wade must not be a good trader or creative dealmaker – or maybe he’s just gunshy.
Anyway, being an off day we can reflect on the past week and how i has been another roller coaster ride for the Phils. After getting caught in the Houston buzzsaw, the Phils took the next 3 from the Rockies, but hit an iceberg on Sunday with Jon Lieber driving and Charlie Manuel as the first mate. Why Lieber was left in so long is beyond me. Why he was taken out after 9 runs and 2 outs, why not 11, or 15, or perhaps 3?!?
The Cubs are in town and fortunately Nomar and Kerry Wood will still be on the DL. Zambrano and Prior, on the other hand, will be healthy and starting Tuesday and Thursday respectively. Here is another NL Central Wild Card contender with an ace staff. Phils should have a better shot in comparison to last week as Houston does own the best home record in baseball. Though with an albeit less successful a record at home, the Phils thrive at home. Their only real chance to make some noise in this playoff race is to win a lot of home games.
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