This is a preview of the Joe Sheehan Baseball Newsletter, an e-mail newsletter about all things baseball, featuring analysis and opinion about the game on and off the field from the perspective of the informed outsider.
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The Phillies host the Braves in a four-game wraparound series this weekend, then go to Atlanta for three next weekend. The Phillies have been in chase mode since April, when they lost five of six to the Braves as part of a 9-19 start that led to Rob Thomson’s firing. The Braves moved into first place on April 8 and have been there ever since, up by as many as 10 1/2 games at one point. The Phillies cut the Braves’ lead to two games a number of times in July, but the Braves are 28-17 in the second half and head into the weekend up four games on the Phils.
There are real stakes here. The NL East winner is in good position to be the NL #2 seed and avoid having to play in the wild-card round. The NL runner-up is going to have to play a Cubs team that has the best offense in baseball, the third-best run differential, and the fourth-best third-order record. That gap is massive in terms of championship equity. Even being the #3 seed means you avoid the Cubs and play a considerably less-accomplished opponent.
You can subscribe to the newsletter for one year for $79.95
using your PayPal account or major credit card. (Zelle users, please email me for details.)
