MLB Playoffs 2011: Why the Phillies Shouldn't Panic Yet

Last night was indeed a disappointing night for the Philadelphia Phillies. After the Phillies jumped out to a 4-0 lead, Cliff Lee got roughed up for 12 hits and five runs over six innings and the Phillies ended up losing 5-4 to the St. Louis Cardinals.

However, the Phillies should not panic just yet.

The Phillies in particular have less need to panic because they have Cole Hamels going on Tuesday night. He has pitched in big games before, and he did win the 2008 World Series MVP. He has a career 6-4 record with a 3.33 ERA in the playoffs over his career with a very nice WHIP of 1.03.

He has done very well in the postseason over his career, and so we should not necessarily expect him to crumble.

Another reason that the Phillies should not be that nervous is because their offense has been clicking. The question with the Phillies so far this season has been whether or not they will be able to hit the ball. They have been doing that reasonably well over these first two games.

It must make Charlie Manuel nervous that his pitchers are not as effective as he might like, but the pitching staff has been very consistent so far this season, so since the offense is clicking, the staff should be able to come around.

All of this being said, the Phillies should be a little bit nervous because the St. Louis Cardinals are obviously a very talented team. They have a very solid batting order headlined by of course Albert Pujols.

Another reason that the Cardinals are looking good is because they have the left-hander Jamie Garcia pitching on Tuesday. The Phillies only hit .246 against left-hander as a team this season. That does not particularly bode well in this matchup.

Whether or not this particular matchup will be favorable or not, it is important that the Phillies do not become overconfident or panic. Going to either extreme would not be healthy as they strive to pull ahead of St. Louis.