Despite their warts, the Phillies believe they can be a tough playoff team. It isn’t a delusional notion. They have two frontline starting pitchers, and well, anything can -- and often does -- happen in a short series.
So, less than a week from the trade deadline, the front office will do what it can, within reason, to improve the team’s odds of getting there.
But Tuesday night brought one more reminder of why the Atlanta Braves are a postseason mainstay, to say nothing of the reigning World Series champion, the National League East rabbit that the Phillies seem to be forever chasing.
