NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
No matter what happens during the 2022 World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies have already won. Yes, a ring will solidify things as far as standings go, but for this team, it’s about the long game.
Teams such as the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers use money as their measuring sticks. But look at the Phillies. It’s been 11 years since their last postseason berth and here they are sitting in a spot the Yankees and Dodgers wish they could be at. And the reason they’re here is belief.
Writing a huge check to Bryce Harper to lure him away from the Washington Nationals was huge. But look down that roster. The rest of the lineup is full of players other teams had given up on. From Kyle Schwarber to Zack Wheeler and Nick Castellanos, the Phillies took a chance and it’s paying off.
If they win the World Series against the Houston Astros, the sky is the limit for this club. But if they lose, guess what, the sky is still the limit.
How Good Can The Philadelphia Phillies Be?
Players want to be paid but they also want to win. Imagine a team finishing 3rd in their division with less than 90 wins and still forged a path to the World Series. Imagine a team with one true face of the franchise having a career postseason. Now, imagine the offseason coming and that same team who finished with just 87 wins with a lineup where the oldest starting player on the offensive side is just 32 years old (Jean Segura) may be looking to fill some holes fresh off a World Series appearance.
What negative thing have you heard about the Philadelphia Phillies organization? Is Rob Thomson not the kind of Manager players wouldn’t want to play for? Is Harper that bad of a teammate that free agents will scoff at signing in Philly for a year or two? Will the dominance of the Atlanta Braves or New York Mets in the NL East be a cause for concern when they are in fact sitting back and watching the Phillies play on the big stage?
The Philadelphia Phillies have put their organization at the top of everyone’s wish list depending on what players are looking for.
The Yankees and Dodgers share a mystic. But they also share a high payroll and plenty of postseason headaches. The Phillies are young, hungry, and determined and despite what happens in this next series, could very well change the landscape of MLB next season.
The Dodgers and Yankees can throw cash at players but the Phillies can throw success with less. If winning is the key selling point to free agents, then the Phillies should be high on everyone’s list.
While some will argue they just got hot at the right time, isn’t that what sports is all about?
The right signing can change everything. If winning is what matters, the Phillies have proven this season they’re all in. 100 wins are magnificent in this era. However, being one of the last 2 teams standing matters in the end. Despite what happens, the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves the talk of Major League Baseball, and rightfully so. This is a team many should want to play for next season.
