Who would have thought the Phillies would be riding the basement of the National League East this long?
Just as surprising is that our beloved IronPigs, led by Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, would be in 4th place in the International League North division.
They are both playing hard, winning some and losing some, but their place in the standings isn’t as bad as it would seem.
The Phillies and Pigs are playing in some tough Divisions.
Looking at the Pigs first…
Their current record is 30 wins, 24 losses. A nice .556 winning percentage but 3.5 games back.
Currently in 4th place in the IL North behind Pawtucket (34-21,.618), Buffalo (31-23,.574) and SWB (29-23,.558).
If the Pigs played in the South Division they would be in 2nd place and 2 games back of first place Gwinnett (32-22,.593) and above the South’s 2nd place team Charlotte (30-25,.545).
If the Pigs played in the West Division they would also be in 2nd place and 1.5 games back from first place Indianapolis (31-22, .585 and above the West’s 2nd place team Columbus (25-28, .472)
While transactions and callups impact every roster in the minor leagues the Pigs are facing stiff competition in their division and while one of four teams may take a dive over the stretch, don’t expect all three of them to do so.
The Phillies are riding that same train.
The Phillies (27-25, .519) are in dead last place in the National League East Division. While only 3 games back from first there are 4 other teams they need to get past before climbing to the top of the mountain.
Washington (29-21, .580) is on top and fighting hard to stay there.
Miami (29-22, .569) are riding close behind.
The Mets (28-23, .549) are in the thick of it.
Atlanta (28-24, .538) is also playing a strong game.
The Phillies would be only .5 game out of 2nd place in both the West and Central divisions.
Of the 10 teams in the National League who have .500 or better records, five of them are in the National League East. All five teams are .500 and better.
You tell me…. How important are these division games?
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