Today, I'm looking to recapture one as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Toronto Blue Jays.The Phillies are proving that a manager can make a difference.Maybe this turnaround would've happened even if the team did nothing.
After a disastrous start, the team changed leadership and they have run their record to 35-30.While that isn't the most impressive mark, it is strong.
Philadelphia is still far behind in the divisional race, but that isn't important.Getting into the postseason is all that will matter, and they've at least positioned themselves to do that heading into the summer months.Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Christopher Sanchez delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field.
(Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports)I can't imagine anyone would want to face the Phillies in the postseason.The Dodgers, for example, are beatable, and I think the Phillies behind Zack Wheeler, and tonight's starter, Christopher Sanchez, would be a combo that can do it.
Sanchez recently set the MLB record for scoreless innings by a left-hander.He is first in the majors with a 1.46 ERA, second with 103 strikeouts, and a 1.09 WHIP, but that sits at 21st.His May month was ridiculous.
He threw more innings (39) than he allowed hits and walks (28).He also struck out 45 hitters.
He is as reliable as anyone to turn in six innings of one- or two-run ball.Blue Jays hitters are batting just .204 against him.The Blue Jays are a team that still has some work to do if they want to get back to where they were last season.
They are two games below .500 at the moment, which is still in a manageable situation for them.The problem really lies in the fact that the division is probably the hardest in baseball, so they will need to fight all of the other teams for a wild card spot.
To the Blue Jays' credit, they are doing all of their work right now with multiple injuries to their pitching staff.If they can regain health, they should regain the form from last year...