Phillies: Five players to watch in the Cubs series this weekend
By John Town
The Phillies are in desperate need of a turnaround, like they have all month, against the Cubs this weekend. Here are five players to watch in the series.
After yet another series loss to the Nationals, the Phillies dropped their record to 71-62. They remain three games behind the Braves despite going just 3-7 in their last ten games. Overall, they are 12-14 in August with just one game left to play. It will at least be tied for, if not the team’s worst month of the season.
Philadelphia is looking for any signs of life from its team, but they face a tough task against the Cubs this weekend. They are the best team in the National League with a 79-54 record and are coming into the series on fire with an 18-9 record. The odds are clearly stacked in their favor here.
The Cubs won the first series of the season between these two teams. The Phillies won the first game but lost the next two on a walk-off grand slam in the second game and by going 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position in the series finale. It was a series Philadelphia had more than enough chances to win but failed to execute. I’m glad that never changed.
This weekend’s series, like seemingly every one before it, could have significant implications on the playoff push. With that being said, let’s take a look at five players to keep an eye on this series.