What to Watch

It’s often been said the baseball season is a marathon and not a sprint. So, as we approach the final month mostly everything has been settled and we should just glide to the finish, right?

Not so fast, while the Phillies have played a lot of baseball yet there are still some things to be worked out. Here is what to watch for in September.

The waiver deadline. Today is the final day. The Phillies traded for John Bowker. Yawn. Ross Gload should be afraid, very very afraid. The Fightins could still use another lefty in the bullpen.

September Call ups. With all the injuries the Phillies have seen, when the rosters expand tomorrow we’ll most likely see some familiar faces. I wouldn’t be surprised if Michael Schwimer is still around tonight because he’ll probably be back; as might Juan Perez, Scott Mathieson, Pete Orr and Mike Zagurski. I’m interested to see what happens with Dom Brown who has struggled since he was sent down. So much so that he is actually getting the business from the Iron Pigs faithful.

Left Field. I don’t see how John Mayberry hasn’t at least earned a platoon spot in Left with Raul Ibanez.

Jimmy Rollins. Will he be healthy?

Joe Blanton. Rich Dubee stated Fat Joe could make a rehab start on Friday and the Phillies hope he can contribute from the bullpen. Where this leaves Kendrick and Blanton, I have no idea. You are going to need someone to start one or two of the doubleheaders as to not over-extend the rotation, but Blanton has been a starter his entire career. I personally would like both to finish the season in the pen. Kendrick will be there for the playoffs but Blanton will need a strong September.

The Postseason Roster. Every year teams must make some crucial decisions as to who will make the postseason roster. Depending on what goes down in September, this could be by far the hardest year to determine the postseason roster. Blanton, Brad Lidge, Ross Gload and Vance Worley all pose question marks. Worley? Yes even the Vanimal. His distain for the bullpen causes a problem as the Phillies only need 4 starters in the playoffs. Unless of course he bumps Oswalt, but do you think the Phillies start Vance Worley game 4 of the World Series? I can’t see it.

See ya at the ballpark!

Jay Wrizight

jaywrizight@yahoo.com