For the Phils, the Time is Now

For four and a half months, you've heard one statement coming out of Philadelphia more than any other: "The season is still young; we gotta take it one game at a time." Well, that mantra no longer applies. Granted, they still must take things one game at a time, but the season is no longer young. With 39 games remaining, and the team trailing the first place Mets by five games, the Phillies need to make a move. And what better time to start than with the upcoming 10-game homestand against 3 playoff contenders; two of which they are currently chasing (Padres and Mets).
A lot of people don't want to here it, but the Phillies have done a tremendous job just being in this position considering all of the injuries they have suffered. Whoever you want to blame for lack of quality pitching and depth in the field, it can't be denied that the players have played to their utmost potential. Unfortunately there comes a time when "close but no cigar," doesn't work anymore.
The Phillies have been in this position before. Last season, they hung around in August and September only to miss the playoff by three games. Two season ago, they missed the playoffs by just one game. If the season ended today, they'd miss the playoffs by one game again. Thankfully, it does not end today.
The next three games are against the LA Dodgers. The Dodgers are really struggling right now, but with a staff capable of shutting teams down at any moment, the Phillies need to bring their A-game. Especially considering the next two opponents: three against the Padres and four against the Mets. There is not much of a bigger opportunity than facing the team you're trailing by one game at home for a three game series. As for the Mets, if you can't get up for this series, you are not a fan of baseball. The only way this four game series could be any more important (short of the playoffs) is if it took place in mid-September. So what is "acceptable," to put it in the words of Phil's GM Pat Gillick, for this homestand? Normally, I think you'd be happy with a 6-4 record against these three teams. But considering the ground the Phils have to make up, and the amount of time they have to do it, 7-3 needs to be the minimum goal. And those three losses can't come at the hands of the Mets or the Phils can pretty much kiss the division goodbye.
7-3 will be difficult without Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, and Michael Bourn, to name three D.L. residents. But, it is time to put those injuries aside if the Phillies want to make the playoffs. It is time to stop patting their backs for hanging in there despite the adversity they've faced. If you're looking for the perfect time to make a move, the time is now.