Sports Then and Now

Even the best team in baseball can make mistakes.

At 83-45 and seven games ahead on the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies are looking to make a long run and win the World Series. Here’s what they can’t afford to do if they plan on winning it all:

1. Being Overconfident: Winning 100 games and annihilating your division doesn’t get you anything. The Phillies need to play like a Wild Card team, and get the job done. It’s still ways to go, and Atlanta is not a terrible team. Here in Philadelphia, fans laugh when the Detroit Tigers or Cleveland Indians come up in baseball arguments or discussions. “Well, if Detroit makes it to the World Series, their going to get destroyed!”. Philly fans have always been too confident in their teams when they are on a roll, and this season is no different. I hope the players are less confident than the fans, or the Phillies’ run to a title may end in a letdown.

2. Not having a consistent bullpen: The Bullpen for the Phillies has been extraordinary this season. But, with Ryan Madson and Michael Stutes struggling, the ‘Pen could be in jeopardy. The Phils’ have enjoyed their young rookies including Bastardo, and Stutes for the time being. The real question is, will they need veteran bullpen pitchers to win a title? As for now, there aren’t alot on the roster…

3. Injury Plagued: This goes to every team, in every sport, but with Polanco, Victorino, Hamels, Ruiz, Ibanez, Contreras and Utley all having recent injuries, it may be a huge block in their path to winning it all. Contreras is out for the year, which goes along with not having veteran relief pitchers, and Hamels is out for at least 15 days. However, the Phillies are one of the deepest teams in the league, so rookie Vance Worley (9-1) can always take Hamels’ place.

4.  Not Reserve Your Players: When you’re the best team in the league, you usually rest your players for the final games and get them ready for the postseason. This comes into play even more for Philadelphia, because of the recent injuries to starters. If the Phillies don’t rest their players, it might come back to haunt them in the playoffs.

5. Relying On Young Players: Sure, Vance Worley, Michael Martinez, Antonio Bastardo, Michael Stutes and David Herndon have played fantastic, you need to have veteran players that have experience to win a title. Granted, many teams have won with young players at the helm of the club, but the Phillies need their veteran players to step up. Howard needs to strike out less, Utley needs to get on base more, and Ibanez needs to get back on the field.

Follow Teddy On Twitter