top of the league and showing no signs they won't be in the playoffs again. But unlike the last two seasons, showing plenty of things that need work.

It's beginning to get a little worrisome that Fried still hasn't found his groove, but there's still 4 months left to the season. It'd be nice to find a 5th starting pitcher for during the season, but we never did last season and managed the regular season just fine. Need to find out what's got Acuna so distracted thus far, but again, there's 4 months to work that out. Olson has come out of his major slump. Ozuna is still in beast mode. Riley will be back shortly. Kelenic is a major defensive improvement out in left, as well as a more consistent hitter at the plate. Harris is quietly doing his thing. Arcia will forever be streaky at the plate, but his defense is solid. Murphy should be back soon. d'Arnaud should be back soon.

I mean, all these issues going on and still one of the better records in MLB. I'll take it. And if the Phillies take the division this year, I really don't care. Let them figure out how to keep their bats hot over what is way too long of a break. MLB has scheduled plenty of days off after the WC round to ensure a team's top pitchers are all good to go for the divisional round.


The Braves seem to have gotten fat off their regular season press clippings last year and actually faded down the home stretch (and then that post season choke job). I'd rather see them fighting to get better all the way thru the regular season this year.