Written by Mike Mariano | 20 October 2009

Think back for a second to two seasons ago.  The Phillies snuck into the playoffs after the Great Mets Collapse, only to get swept by the Rockies in the NLDS.  Did you think that just two seasons after we'd have fought our way to a World Series title and then all the way back to being on the verge of defending it in the Series the very next season?  I don't know about you, but I sure as hell didn't.  Sitting at Game 4 last night, I couldn't help but think back to the journey that has been and be amazed at where it has lead us.  In the last two years I've been to three of the most exciting Phillies games in, I don't know, decades.  The Shane Victorino grand slam game of Sabathia last playoffs where Brett Myers pitched a gem and working incredible at-bats.  The continuation of game five where the Phillies clinched the World Series title and we stormed City Hall from the field.  And last night, the Jimmy Rollins walk-off in what was a fantastic see-saw game from start to finish.  How did we get here?

Obviously, the additions of Cliff Lee and Raul Ibanez helped ease the road in '09 and Matt Stairs and Joe Blanton (to a smaller degree) in '08.  Charlie Manuel transformed from a potential senial old man to a super player's coach who has his finger permanently on the pulse of the team (okay, maybe we changed more than he did).  Ryan Howard & Chase Utley showed their star potential has staying power (in Howard's case, ungodly power).  Cole Hamels put together one of the greatest postseason pitching performances in recent memory - that Cliff Lee is currently trying to rival.  Greg Dobbs was the best pinch hitter in the league in '08.  Matt Stairs came through at exactly the right time and made his presence felt with a mammoth homer run against Broxton - wihch also aided his walk and the tying run last night against Broxton.  Carlos Ruiz transforms from mendoza guy to all-star slugger in the playoffs.  Brad Lidge was flawless in '08 and has been great in the '09 playoffs.  The bullpen as a whole was incredible in '08 (a little shakier in now in '09).  The Mets fell apart (okay, that one was just icing on the cake).

As far as last night went, you can't ask for a more exciting finish.  Jonathon Broxton, the best closer in the NL, up against former MVP Jimmy Rollins.  The game and the series momentum on the line.  99 mph heat vs. a speedy switch hitter.  J-Roll's double sent the stadium into the a frenzy and now we lead 3-1 with one more game at home to try and clinch.  The best part of the moment as a Phillies fan was how unexpected it was.  If Chase or Ryan Howard had been up, there would have been a sense of knowing or expecting them to produce.  With the season that Jimmy had in '09, it was almost a pleasant surprise to have him knock home those runs.  The madness in the stadium reached another level because of that added level on surprise.  Unlike a closer saving a game or your best player getting it done, I'm willing to bet that a lot of people were doubting Rollins deep down.  If I had to bet my life on a win or loss, I'd be dead today.  Regardless of what we were expecting, it was an incredible night and the dream run continues with the possible NLCS clincher on Wednesday.

Written by Mike Mariano | 16 October 2009

Last night's game saw great contributions from every facet of the team.  The offense mashed eight runs on three homers, Cole Hamels pitched well enough, the bullpen was solid, as was the defense.  There were a few miscues obviously, namely the Rollins-Utley DP and the Manny home run, however the team played great.  The game was heart-poundingly intense from start to finish.  You've got to love playoff baseball, every pitch is exciting.  Honestly, I don't remember being this nervous last year.  Last year there was a huge "happy to be here" effect so no matter what happened I was just excited.  Now that I know what the team is capable of, it's like living and dying with every pitch.

How about Chooch Ruiz?  The guy is just a good playoff baseball player.  He has transformed from a Mendoza-type hitter into a legitamite threat with a knack for clutch home runs and hits.  That three run homer he hit last night was a bomb, he turned on 95 mph high and inside and blasted it into the bleachers.  It seems like he's going to get on base every time he comes up and it makes no sense if you've watched him play all season.

Talking about guys turning it up right now, Ryan Howard is another who is absolutely locked in at the plate.  He's taking pitches, working counts, and punishing baseballs.  Broxton may have his number, but he's dominating anybody else.  Tack on Raul's three run home run and it was a tour de force offensively.

I know you Mets fans loved it when Shane Victorino was jarring with Russell Martin and tried to intentionally run into another fielder when in a rundown.  When he does stuff like that, I get so happy because I can hear Mets fans cursing and yelling at their tv in angst... that makes me smile.

You can't write a recap without talking bullpen and wouldn't you know that Brad Lidge picked up another save.  Not only that, it was pretty low intensity compared to some of the other three-walk or two men on jams he's gotten himself into.  Ryan Madson didn't look so good, but his play just follows no pattern so he'll probably strike out the side tonight.  And Chan Ho Park was dominant in his inning.  The guy has become a great bullpen guy this year and the beard is only icing on the cake

Weird start time today at 4, but that just means you have to go to the bar in the day time.