Philadelphia Phillies: Time to Panic?

Even with Cliff Lee back on the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies, the defending National League East Champions couldn’t avoid getting swept by the New York Mets who are now five games over .500 for the first time since July 19, 2010.

The Phillies on the other hand are four games under .500 and are in last place in the division five back of the Washington Nationals. So is it too soon for Phils fans to panic?

Well Dan Parzych, Director of Content for www.RantSports.com doesn’t think so. Everyone expected the Phillies to make the playoffs at the beginning of the season, but now there is certainly cause for some concern, at least. However, it is only May and as Dan mentions there is still plenty of baseball to be played.

They’ve got the pitching staff; one that some consider the best in baseball with Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels at the top. The bullpen has struggled however, especially in the recent series with the New York Mets when the Phillies blow leads in all three games.

You can spread the blame around, especially at the top of the line up . The Phils have to get more production from their shortstop, Jimmy Rollins. With Ryan Howard and Chase Utley out for who knows how long, the Phillies need Rollins to step it up in the three-hole and drive in some runs on a consistent basis.

Yes, it’s too early to panic because the Phillies have the pitching so overcome a five game deficit in September, let alone August. But with the National League East as strong as it is, there is definitely cause for some concern.