The Phillies vs. “Good Teams” Myth You Shouldn’t Fall For
I can’t imagine many better months of my sports fandom than October 2022. So many things collided to make it one of the greatest sports memories of my life, and it culminated when the Philadelphia Phillies reached the World Series.
It was like the joy of finding a $20 bill in that suit you wore to that wedding months ago! It was unlikely and that makes it hard to conceive that the stars align like that the very next year. Special seasons like that are unique. I’ve even called it a unicorn run.
I made the claim that the Phillies could be right in the heart of the division race if they had just managed to play better against the Mets and Marlins.
They are 2-4 vs the Mets and 5-5 vs the Marlins. That 7-9 mark stands in contrast to the Atlanta Braves. The NL East leaders are 17-3 vs the same two teams. That is your division gap.
I was then told “Well, concentrate on the Phillies vs. good teams. If they do well, who cares?”
It makes sense to think that if you’re that mediocre in your own division, you must be beating the good teams. I took it at face value. I was wrong to do that. In fact, the Phillies aren’t beating the good teams. If the current standings hold:
Top NL Wild Card Team Plays Braves in NLDS If They Advance
The Phillies are currently 2-4 against the Braves this season. Thankfully, they have seven opportunities to put a different thought in their heads before a potential October clash.
They are 0-2 at home against Atlanta this season, so those four home games are a great chance to flip the script! I love playing Atlanta in a five-game series as opposed to a seven-game series. I do believe the better team wins seven-game series most of the time.
Second NL Wild Card Might Tangle With The Dodgers
You were also 2-4 against the Dodgers this season. You were swept in Los Angeles and won a series at Citizens Bank Park. Facing the Dodgers in a short series would be desirable, but a seven-game series presents a huge challenge vs. the hottest team in MLB.
Brewers Could Be Wild Card Series Opponent
You have already lost a home series to the Brewers. You are currently 1-2 against them with a series coming up on the road. It would be imperative to send a message.
How Have The Phillies Fared Against Division Leaders?
The Phillies were swept in their opening series against the Texas Rangers (0-3). They won a home series vs. the Orioles (2-1). They lost a home series vs. the Twins (1-2). So against the AL “good teams,” they finished 3-6.
Phillies Vs. Good Teams: The Verdict
The Phillies aren’t beating the good teams, but they have time to change that against the Braves and Brewers down the stretch. They are 8-16 vs. the six division leaders. Don’t just assume what people tell you is true. The unicorn is hard to find for a reason!
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