A three-game sweep of the Braves. Three of four from the tough-to-beat-at-home Brewers. That's just how things are going for the Phillies lately. The 2011 regular season has been a pleasure for fans to watch. But before we get to see if they can use that momentum to translate into the most important three playoff series victories, we've got a couple of weeks of baseball left to see how this team can stack up historically with the best Phillies teams ever.
So while the end result of the final games isn't all that important, we are not without some interesting storylines.
With the Phillies kicking off a three-game set in Houston this evening against the lowly Astros, Roy Oswalt will make his first start as an opposing pitcher at Minute Maid Park. It will also be Hunter Pence's first game against the team that traded him just a few weeks ago.
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But as Roy pointed out, the conditions under which both players departed were a bit different. After ten years in Houston, and the team's future looking bleak, Oswalt wanted a chance to win. Perhaps Astros fans (I'm assuming there are some die hards) could hold that against the affable pitcher, but I'd doubt it.
Pence being dealt, to me, always seemed like a strange move for the Astros. They both saved money and got some quality young talent in return. That is the goal of some teams.
Oswalt seems appreciative of the chance Houston first gave him.
"The team is a little bit different, but it’s still Houston,” Oswalt said. "They gave me a chance coming out of junior college to play, so it’s kind of special to go back."
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And then he tells it like it is.
"The good thing is I think there’ll probably be just as many Phillies fans there in Houston,” Oswalt said. “So hopefully I won’t get booed too much."
As for Hunter Pence, he isn't trying to make a big deal about the homecoming of sorts, but adds that he was beloved in Houston for pretty much the same reason he's been such a hit in Philly.
I think the reason I was appreciated so much by the fans was the way I played on the field,” he said. “I'm going to give you everything I've got. I'm going to continue to do that. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had there in Houston and I'm just going to go enjoy it.”
8:05 start from Houston tonight.
>>Oswalt, Pence return to Minute Maid tonight with Phillies [Houston Chronicle]
>>Oswalt, Pence will have homecoming in Houston [Courier Post]
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As for the historic stuff I eluded to in the beginning of the post, Matt Gelb has some fun numbers to look at, if you're into that sort of thing. Statistically speaking, this really is the best Phillies team ever.
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Also of interest: Brett Myers is starting tonight for the Astros. I kinda miss that guy. Not his pitching per se, just his redneck attitude.