The Phils and the Muts

The Phightin's head for New York today for a three game set with the Muts.  Characteristically, the Muts have been playing badly, and are three games behind the Phillies.  The Phils should, of course, have a five game--thanks for the two consecutive blown saves, Brad Lidge--but a three game cushion is nice.  It's important to remember that last year's world champions never had more than a four game lead over the Muts over the course of the season, so this year's team has a chance to really put some space between the Phils and the Muts with more good baseball this week.

The Muts are not playing good baseball.  They are getting their normal inconsistent hitting, and that bullpen that they spent so much money to try to fix hasn't set the world on fire.  While Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez has been fairly effective, J. J. Putz, the former closer for the Seattle Mariners, has simply stunk out the joint.  Their starting pitching has been inconsistent, and their fielding is always indifferent.  In short, this is a team that never seems able to live up to the high expectations of its fans, which is just fine by me.  

On the other hand, Lidge's blown saves notwithstanding, the Phillies are playing terrific baseball just now, and they will be facing the Muts at a time when pretty much everything but Lidge are working well.  This is a chance for the Phightin's to put some real space between themselves and the Muts, and let's hope that they do so.