It’s a special time of year to be a Philly sports fan. But the excitement for another Red October with this Phillies team is palpable. They’re a likable team that’s embraced the city through the highs and lows and despite playing a game that requires very little chemistry (at least in comparison to the other major sports), they’re chockfull of it.

We’ll see how it pans out but this first place Phillies team feels different. Both of the previous years they had to make a statement in the wild card game, whereas this year their identity feels established. The only true weak link in the starting pitching rotation will be removed from the rotation, maybe even the roster as a whole. They went through a slump and may have come out of it stronger. There’s no better home crowd in baseball and the Fightins are ready to bring Bedlam to the Bank.

2022 was magical but in 2023 we left meat on the bone. At present, the Dodgers are the scariest team in the National League not named the Phillies and I think most would love to see the Diamondbacks in the Divisional Round to make a statement out of them. With a lineup from 1 to 9 that can win a ball game and four commanding starting pitchers, the Phillies have all the tools to wrap Red October with a parade on Broad Street.

LGP