Thursday, September 21, 2006

Sept. 21 -- VIEW FROM THE TOP

So there I was last night, huddled around a friend's cellphone and "watching" Jeff Kent make the final out in the Dodgers-Pirates game. And, with that, it happened: the Phillies moved into a tie for the NL wild card.

Unbelievable, isn't it?

Two months ago, GM Pat Gillick was a trade-deadline seller, swinging deals with the Brewers for David Bell, the Yankees for Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle, the Reds for Rheal Cormier. He was releasing Ryan Franklin and Sal Fasano. And he was declaring that, with a commitment to youth (especially young pitching), the Phillies may not contend for a playoff spot until 2008.

And now, at least until tonight when the Dodgers and Pirates play again, the Phils are tied for the wild-card berth.

As a sports writer, you're always looking to find a good story. Luckily for me, it doesn't get much better than this one. A team that counted itself out is contending for the playoffs, and the way things are going, just might make it.

Unbelievable, isn't it?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

and I'd say this as good of a beat as there is of all the Philly sports teams. Count your blessings, you've got the inside track on something special.

Scott Lauber said...

Anon: Not what I meant. Simply put: It's more interesting to cover games that matter in September. The story is better when the games have meaning. That's all.

Anonymous said...

also unbelievable....looks like Clemens start has been pushed up a day, so Phils wont have to face him.

Stars might be aligning.....

Anonymous said...

Will not make the playoffs. Close, but no cigar in 2006.

Anonymous said...

Hottest team in the NL right now. It can happen.

Anybody notice the attendance last night?