NL Sweet NL

Phillies return to NL play and whoop the Braves



The Phillies made their return to the NL and Hotlanta last night where they last enjoyed a winning series. Seems so long ago doesn't it?

Aside from the Phillies being back, Chipper Jones made his return as well.

And, wouldn't you know that the first game back in the NL the Phillies won a ballgame? Hell, they didn't just win the game, they whooped the Braves 8-3. Things got a little dicey in the 7th when Kendrick got knocked out of the game, but it was 5-3 at the time.

During his last seven starts, Kendrick boasts a 5-1 record and a 3.86 ERA. Not bad for a number three starter, which he is after Brett Myers got sent down to the Iron Pigs.

The top of the order woke up and it certainly helped they were facing some guy named Craig Morton, going a combined 10 for 23 with 6 runs knocked in.

Weren't we all saying how the Phillies have had trouble against pitchers they don't know-hence the struggles against the AL. You have to call a spade a spade and they destroyed a pitcher they don't know-hell I'm not even sure his name is Craig. Just kidding.

The Phillies are 13 games above .500 (41-28) against the NL. And, they're just 4-11 against the AL.

You'll have the naysayers like a friend of mine who are swearing off the season because the Phillies couldn't beat the AL teams. I say not so fast. Here are a couple "ifs" and let's face it, most of sports is about "if's."

If, they trade for Roy Oswalt they'll greatly improve their chances. And, if they get an offensive player in that lineup on a regular basis who doesn't strike out a ton-they don't even have to play everyday, just a change of pace player like a Chris Coste-it will improve the lineup. And, if Jimmy Rollins can become the Jimmy Rollins of old then they'll be a serious team to deal with in the second half.

Remember, the Cardinals won it all in 2006 against the vaunted Detroit Tigers' pitching staff. The Phillies have to make moves. And, if they get hot at the right time they can beat anybody.