Phillies in Desperate Need of the Braves

The Phillies continued their summer slide yesterday afternoon at Shea, falling to the Mets 3-1 and in the process gave up the division lead.  Once again the offense was non-existent, registering their 12th game of two runs or less since June 13th.  It didn't help that Mets lefty Oliver Perez was nearly unhittable, or that Jimmy Rollins was benched for showing up late for the game (although Eric Brunlett collected three hits in his absence).  Either way you slice it, this team is in need of a pick-me-up.

Do the Phillies find themselves out of first place for the first time in 54 days? Yes.

Have the wheels started to come off? Maybe. 

Is it time to panic? No.

Luckily, the Braves are coming to town this weekend.  For many years the thought of the Braves would send chills up and down our spines, but these aren't your Braves of the past.  Their 14 year playoff run ended last year and with it, their mystique.  The Phils have won seven straight vs Atlanta and eight of nine overall this year. 

The last time these two teams met the Phillies were coming off a 3-11 stretch, mostly from a disterous interleague performance.  However the fightin's went into Atlanta and promptly swept the Braves. That sweep came less than 4 weeks after their previous meeting in which the Phillies also swept the Braves in Atlanta.  The two teams also squared off in May, at Citizens Bank Park, and the home team took two of three. 

Hopefully, the Braves trend will continue this weekend as the Phillies send Kendrick(8-4), Hamels(9-6) and Blanton(5-12) to the mound in the three game set.  The Braves will counter with Jurrjens (9-5), Reyes (3-9) and Campillo (5-4).  They could be without All-Star Chipper Jones who strained his left hamstring on Wednesday against the Marlins. 

After the Braves series the Phillies will have another off day on Monday and then head down to DC to take on the last place Nationals. 

These next 7 days will be interesting for a variety of reasons.  I want to see how they react now that they are in second place.  Personally I think they need to win at least five of these next six games. 

Chase Utley needs to find himself again. 

Jimmy Rollins needs to man up about his tardiness yesterday and start acting like a leader. 

Kyle Kendrick needs be more effective or he's going to be replaced by JA Happ in the rotation.

Joe Blanton needs to give us more than he gave on Tuesday night.

Brett Myers needs to build upon his start from Wednesday night, first inning aside.

Most importantly, the trade deadline is next Thursday and the Phillies MUST acquire someone of significance.  I'd love to see them get another outfielder, specifically Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Raul Ibanez or dare I say Matt Holliday.  Although I think a pitcher is more likely.  I think the addition of Blanton has basically ended their pursuit of a starting pitcher, although AJ Burnett's name is still being tossed around.  If they can't get a decent bat I think a lefty reliever is almost as important.  The list of guys I like to see them pursue starts with the Rockies Brian Fuentes.  Although I could live with other lefties such as Ron Mahay, Damaso Marte, or Jeremy Affeldt.

Stay tuned.....