will we ever win?

Let's go Phils!

Well the losingest franchise in sports history begins the march to 10,000 losses today. Does anyone besides local sportstalk radio think things will be any different this season, like maybe making the playoffs? Not really.

ESPN's experts either pick the Braves or the Mets to win the NL East and only 2 of 19 picked the Phillies to gain a wildcard. Some guy from Sports Illustrated picks the Braves to win, Mets to wildcard and Fox Sports seconds that prediction. I suspect I could continue to look at season predictions and continue to find Braves or Mets over and over again.

Why does no one believe in the Fightin' Phils? Sure their offense looks pretty good but David Bell, Mike Lieberthal, and the pitcher will still have to bat several times each game. Their starting pitching is shakey and their bullpen is even worse. Basically it's the same problems they've had the last couple years. One bit of optimism though is maybe Pat Gillick will be able to make the move at the trading deadline that makes a difference <cliche>down the stretch</cliche>, something Ed Wade could never do. The Phillies are the masters of <cliche>close, but no cigar</cliche>. Maybe things can be different.

I'm going with 87 wins this year with Ryan Howard hitting 35 homeruns and the bullpen blowing 35 saves.