The Phillies decided to part ways with manager Rob Thomson after the club got off to a disappointing 9-19 start. It was a drastic move considering all the success the ousted skipper had enjoyed.
Whatever realistic expectations the front office had for the new Don Mattingly era have already been met and exceeded as Philadelphia has ripped off a 20-8 record since the change to save their season. Just like that all the handwringing is over. It's not even June and the Phillies have climbed to two games over .500, reduced the Braves' divisional lead to eight games and moved just one game out of the final wild card spot.
