Big Game

Not to overstate the obvious, but this is a very big game for the Phillies tonight. It's the difference between picking up 3 games on the Mets, or only one. A sizeable difference, but even more so when you are 7 games out of first.

Luckily, we have Cole Hamels pitching tonight.

My friend PK has noted that the genius of Bobby Cox's managing over the years has been his ability to identify the regular season games that mean more than others - i.e., a potential sweep, a division rival, etc. - and manage accordingly. That is, manage as if it is a must win and or a post-season game. Putting the hammer down on a team. Like throwing Smoltz out there in a non-save situation because he doesn't want to even think about jeopardizing a 4 run late inning lead.

So that's, I think, what old Charlie from Mayberry should be doing tonight. Managing as if this is a post-season game, a must win game, and there is no tomorrow.

Of course, with the Phils they'll sweep the Mets and then drop the next three. Just like they did last week in sweeping the Braves and then getting swept by the Diamondbacks.