What Third Place Looks Like

Sigh... a bad loss. It is one game- doesn't mean much in the scheme of things. But you want evidence why the Phillies will finish third, behind Atlanta?

1. We saw both bullpens compete to win the game. What team is going to be more consistently able to get 9-12 outs from its 'pen, game after game, particularly on the road?

2. The Phillies get the pitcher on in the seventh, then 2nd and 3rd w/ no outs, 2-3-4 hitters coming up. And can't get that key extra run. The Phillies just don't hit well situationally- and normally, the Braves do nothing else but play the game with intelligence and saavy.

3. One game into the season- and the Phillies are already reduced to this gimmick approach to protect Howard. And thus the clock again begins rolling on another crucial month where the Phillies organizationally can't protect their best power hitter in a generation without bizarre contortions. The Braves have their best players in positions that play to their talents. Among other line-up flaws, the Phils have a non-lead off hitter leading off, their natural 3/4 hitters flipped backward, two potential problem spots in the bottom of the line up- and we're only one game into the season.