The Phillies concluded their 3 game series against the Braves by edging Atlanta by a 3 - 2 score last night on National TV. In their last six games (against the Braves and the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates) the Phils are playing .500 ball (3 wins, 3 losses). This performance has enabled them to keep their lead in the NL East. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley have been key players this past week.

While the Phils may be able to coast to the NL East crown (and I believe they will), I do have some concerns about how they will fare in post-season play. Can Howard and Utley continue to carry the team? What about the rest of the offense? They have shown a lack of discipline at the plate, and poor situational hitting. The Phils have been leaving far too many runners in scoring position.

Another concern is how Charley Manual handles the pitchers. I have often disagreed with his adherence to ALWAYS wanting Madson to pitch the 8th inning and Lidge to pitch the 9th inning. I say, if the man pitching the seventh inning is doing well and isn't tired or injured, let him keep going. Both Madson and Lidge (Especially Lidge!) have had problems this year. Lidge is very unpredictable this year; he may still have great "stuff", but who knows how he's doing psychologically? And all this stuff about pitch counts! Hey, when it's crunch time in October I say forget about it! I'd rather have Cliff Lee or J. A. Happ keep their shutout going into the 8th and 9th innings then risk having one of the relievers blow sky high...

Anyway, I still think the Phillies have to talent to repeat as World Series champions. I just hope they don't blow it because of questonable managerial moves in the late innings...