Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Phillies were swept by the St. Louis Cardinals after losing 3-1 tonight. It was also the Phillies’ fourth straight loss, and their playoff chances are declining before their eyes.
The Phillies haven’t had anything to cheer about all season. They have been behind the first-place Atlanta Braves and the Washington Nationals for second place at times. They just cannot seem to get anything going. Something has to be done.
The Cardinals are in first place in the NL Central, and it is going to be difficult for any team to beat them. However, if the Phillies believed they were actual playoff contenders, they should have been able to put up a fight. They did not do that during this series, falling flat in just about every game and showing that they are nowhere near ready for contender status.
To make matters worse, Domonic Brown has also landed on the seven-day disabled list from a concussion. Although he has not been providing the offense he had in May, he is still a big bat missing from the lineup. During the All-Star Break, it seemed as if the Phillies were hesitant as whether to buy or sell before the trade deadline. Being swept should be the wake-up call.
Rebuilding seems to be the best option for the Phillies right now. They are eight games out of first place with a tough schedule ahead. If they want to be contenders in the future, the rebuilding should start while they have that chance.
