Philadelphia Phillies: Anticipation Growing for October Baseball

Nothing has been clinched yet. The Philadelphia Phillies' magic number remains at 34, and there is still well over a month of play left this season. Nonetheless, barring a catastrophic collapse of epic proportions, it's only a matter of time before the Phillies win the division, and clinch the best record in the league. Only a matter of time.

But after an off-day, followed by a rainout, that time seems increasingly endless.

It's incredible to think that merely five years ago, a postseason birth was the only thing on the minds of Phillies fans. Because, of course, after 13 years of failed attempts, just getting there was exciting enough. But now, winning the division is hardly the sole accomplishment the fans have in mind. The only thing they're really focused on now is the Phillies' postseason play. Who they'll play, when they'll play and how they'll play. Nothing else really matters anymore.

Sure, there are some intriguing subplots such as Roy Oswalt's recovery, Placido Polanco's sports hernia and the fate of the division rival Atlanta Braves, all of which could affect this year's postseason. But, aside from these subplots, the schedule lacks any matchups that will spark any major form of interest or attention.

That's how good this team has become.

Aside from this week's series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and a four-game set with Milwaukee in September, the Phillies will not face any current first place teams until, presumably, the postseason. For the most part, the remanding "competition" will consist of the Astros, Marlins, Nationals and Mets. 

As this team continues to extend their lead in the division, blow out the opposition and break all sorts of records, all we can do now as fans is wait. Because it won't mean anything until October. Until then, the anticipation continues to grow even quicker than the win total continues to climb.