Enjoy the Ride

Ok, so there's still not a whole lot going on. But how 'bout those Phillies. Yeah I know they lost two of three from the Dodgers after dropping the final game of the series 5-4 today. But, they continue to prove that they are an exciting young team who is fun to watch.
Granted, I didn't actually watch them during this series; it's much too late for me to really get into these games, but just seeing the highlights and box scores is enough. First, I want to go on record as saying I have come to terms with the fact that the Phillies will not make the post season. And, if they do, it will be one hell of a ride. And even if they don't it should still be fun.
This team never gives up. In just six games after the break they are 3-3. And the scores for those games:
W 13-3, W 10-4, L 2-10, L 3-10, W 15-3, L 4-5.
Those scores tell me one thing: that these games, at the very least have been exciting. And really what can you expect, in terms of wins and losses, when you're trotting names like Durbin, Kendrick, and Eaton up to the mound. And that's just to start the games. But this offense has sure done it's part to keep the Phils in the race. Without going into what they need to do in order to make the playoffs, because that's been thoroughly discussed, I plead with the fans of Philadelphia to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Look at some of the names on this roster, and how they are contributing to the highest scoring offense in the league:
Jimmy Rollins: While not your prototypical lead-off man, J-Roll is a stud. He leads the league in runs scored (and isn't that what you want you're lead-off man to do); is tied for 4th in hits; leads the league in total bases, and his 18 HRs and 57 RBIs are good for top 10 and top 20 status respectively.
Shane Victorino: The Flying Hawaiian gets it done no matter where he is in the lineup. He simply makes things happen when he gets on base. His 28 stolen bases are good for 3rd in the league, and he has only been caught three times (the third time being today).
Chase Utley: Not enough can be said about Utley. But I'll try. He's third in the league in runs; second in the league in hits; third in the league in batting average; Leads the league in doubles and RBIs; and his slugging percentage is good for fifth in the league.
Ryan Howard: The reigning MVP is really beginning to pick up his old form after a slow, injured start to the season. His .264 batting average isn't too impressive, but his 25 HRs, 74 RBIs, 55 BBs and .586 slugging percentage have him right near the top of the league for power hitters, despite the slow start. And he is beginning to hit the ball the other way again.
Aaron Rowand: Not the flashiest of the bunch, but Rowand has certainly done his part. His .333 batting average is impressive, but his average with runners in scoring position, .356 (especially with two outs, .405) is what's been key.
Then there are the other players (even Burrell), who while no having the numbers like above, have had their key hits and big games, and all fill the important roles that every good lineup needs.
When you realize that, with the pitching staff in the shape it is in, this team can not realistically make the postseason, and just sit back enjoy the good times with this team, things go so much better. And the past few Augusts and Septembers, when all seemed hopeless, we've all seen what they can do when the pressure is off.