Crushed Series & Season Closure: -Impossible to lose an elimination game in more frustrating fashion. Play was always at 1st but total panic after the bobble. Feel bad for Kerkering -Probably win that game if Sanchez gets the strike call in 7th. The ump apologized and that shit happens but changed the complexion of inning -Great team beat a really good team. 3 games that could’ve gone either way but the Phillies didn’t deliver the special moments. Baseball is won on the margins -The starters, without a cy young, were even greater than expectation. Through 5 innings, 1 run allowed in 4 games. 25 IP, 2.16 ERA in totality -The Dodger’s big 3 was shutdown. 2 XBHs between them in 4 games. Phillie’s starting pitching combined with this additional layer makes it difficult to comprehend how they lost -Ultimately it was the bats. Schwarber had his moment in game 2 but otherwise the Big 3 of him, Harper, and Turner wasn’t good enough. 1 for 14 with a walk in a game you lose 2-1 in the 11th inning is why they lost -Bohm was a dog at the plate last night. Really impressive ABs and deserved a better result on that rope in the 11th. Likely your starting 3B next season and he is what he is. Just can’t be your 4 hole hitter -The team battled in LA and this year felt different than last year, albeit the same result of losing in 4 in the NLDS. They couldn’t overcome game 1’s loss, where they were 90% to win and blew the opportunity -Result of this series doesn’t change the fact that the Phillies are very good. You’re left with no choice but to run it back with some tweaks. Schwarber must be resigned and will be by Middleton. Expect J.T. and Bader back as well. Love Suarez but he will be a casualty of the depth they have at SP and it’s time for him to get paid. What a stud he was throughout his playoff career -Tweaks should include a youth infusion (Crawford, Miller, and Painter), a competent righty signed, Casty trade, and bullpen depth. They need to be better here with $ allocation with Romano the latest miss -Some will laugh at running it back but the expected team will be top 3 in baseball again. Harper/Turner contracts leave you no choice. Sanchez becoming cy young caliber paired with his contract extends this team’s window -Your staff will be Wheeler, Sanchez, Luzardo, Nola, and possibly Painter. Some dead weight will be removed from the lineup in favor of youth. Your bullpen has an elite closer and can hopefully make some upgrades to the bridge role between starters and Duran. Expect the ‘26 Phillies to be the best team on paper they’ve had to start a season this era. Maybe one of these Octobers they’ll get it done but until then more pain and sadness @JackFritzWIP @SpikeEskin @Phillies @Philly__Nation