PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It’s been a long time since Philadelphia saw a “red October.” The 2011 season seems eons ago. This city has been longing for playoff baseball at Citizens Bank Park — and one of the franchise’s icons believes that will happen this year.
“If we can stay healthy, I’m expecting October baseball in Philadelphia,” Larry Bowa said a week ahead of Opening Day, which kicks off on Thursday.
The legendary shortstop, former manager and current special adviser to the GM recognizes the National League East is arguably the best division in baseball. The Atlanta Braves were one win from the World Series in 2020. The New York Mets made a lot of additions under new owner Steve Cohen. The Washington Nationals are only two years removed from winning the whole thing. And, the Miami Marlins have given the Phils fits in recent seasons.
Despite that competition, Bowa said he’ll be disappointed if the club misses the postseason while avoiding the injured list.
“Basically the ball’s in the players’ court,” he said. “Believe me, it’s time for them to step up, and I believe they will step up.”
First baseman Rhys Hoskins echoed the same sentiment on the WIP Midday Show last week.
“It’s time, man. It’s time,” he said. “I’ve always heard how this city is a red city, it’s a baseball city. … What’s better than baseball in the summer?”
“The feeling I got from this team is it’s time,” manager Joe Girardi said on Friday. “It’s time to get back in the playoffs.”
“There’s just a sense of urgency to win,” added starting pitcher Zach Eflin. “All of us are coming together and we understand it’s time to make a move.”
In order for all that to become a reality, they are going to have to stay healthy, as Bowa said, and play to their potential. He sounded impressed with the team’s lineup, which is anchored by guys like Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Didi Gregorius, Andrew McCutchen, Alec Bohm, Jean Segura and Hoskins.
Bowa recognizes the bullpen has greatly improved from the historically awful product of 2020. Frankly, it’s hard to argue against that. And then, if the Phillies’ top three starting pitchers — Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Eflin — pitch as they’re capable, it’s hard to see the Phils not playing further into October.
So, how does Bowa think they’ll get there? Wild card? Division championship?
“If (the teams in the NL East) keep beating up on each (record-wise), I gotta believe our mindset’s gotta be that we gotta win this division,” he said.
But Bowa gets the feeling that many don’t believe they will.
“I think a lot of the guys have a chip on their shoulder — the so-called ‘experts’ have picked us to come in third, some fourth. And, personally, I think that’s way too low,” he added.
Hoskins agreed: “There’s also a little bit of a sense that we’re being overlooked and I think that’s gonna give us a little bit of an extra edge.”
The long-awaited season begins on Thursday, and then it’s the six-month marathon to see if the Phils can end their drought.
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