It was just last September when the Atlanta Braves rolled into Philadelphia with a chance to wrest away the Phillies' stranglehold on the NL East. Trailing in the standings by three games, the Braves felt pretty good about their chances and were confident that the Phillies' run of divisional crowns had run its course.
Three games later, the Phillies not only had the best record in the majors, but also pushed their lead to six games.
Atlanta had flamed out.
Nevertheless, the Braves now head into Philly for another important three-game series, trailing the Phillies by just three games. Of course it's not September quite yet and the balance of power isn't teetering on the edge yet, but that doesn't mean this weekend's set of games isn't a big deal.
"They are right there with us," manager Charlie Manuel said. "Our division is a lot better than it was and the Braves are right there."
Fresh off a sloppy loss to the Marlins at Sun Life Stadium on Wednesday night, Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee decided to use Thursday's off date to their advantage. The skipper not only got some much-needed rest for a few of his injured players like Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco, but he was also able to line up his pitching so that the Braves can get a good look at three of the National League's All-Star pitchers.
In fact, the best gauge for how important Manuel views this weekend's series against the Braves is to look at how he has his pitching lined up. Better yet, three words will suffice...
MLB
Halladay, Lee, Hamels.
Maybe they should be known as the gas chamber, electric chair and lethal injection.
Friday night's opener will feature Roy Halladay (11-3) up against right-hander Brandon Beachy, a pitcher who made his big-league debut during that series last September. Saturday afternoon's nationally televised affair will see Cliff Lee (9-6) try to rebound from last Sunday's loss in Toronto where the lefty's streak of three straight shutouts and 34 consecutive scoreless innings came to an end. Lee will face Tommy Hanson.
Sunday's finale will feature Cole Hamels (10-4), who was bumped up in the rotation specifically to get in one more start before the break. Better yet, Hamels' appearance against right-hander Derek Lowe means Manuel can probably use his lefty when the second half kicks off in New York next Friday. Yes, Hamels is going to the All-Star Game in Phoenix next week, but because he will pitch on Sunday he will not get into the game against the American Leaguers.
In an interesting twist of fate, Manuel might be able to start the second half by simply reversing his pitching rotation for this weekend. Depending on whether Lee gets into the All-Star Game, the lefty could be on his proper rest for Saturday's game in New York with Halladay seemingly on line to start the All-Star Game with his fifth day set for Sunday.
That option is there, but, of course, it's a long season. Assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said the team will recall rookie right-hander Vance Worley in time for the series in New York, so it appears likely the three All-Stars will get a little extra rest.
In the meantime, there will be no rest this weekend for the Phillies. Better yet, the Braves again appear to be a formidable foe. Since starting the season 8-12, the Braves have the best record in the National League.
The differences in the teams are not so subtle. Though both teams rate No. 1 and 2 in the league, the Braves have done it with their bullpen (2.66 ERA) while the Phillies have done it with starting pitching.
Neither team hits particularly well and both oftentimes fight to scratch out just a couple of runs. However, hitting might be where the Phillies have the advantage. The Braves are batting just .240 on the season. Mix the anemic offenses with the strength of the pitching staffs means runs will be at a premium this weekend.
First team to 10 runs wins the series.
E-mail John R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com