Looking back on the Phillies' missed opportunity @ The Fan Hub

by Eric DeBerardinis October 10th, 2011 10:04 AM

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Roy Halladay reacts in the dugout during the eighth inning of baseball's Game 5 of the National League division series with the St. Louis Cardinals.

This one's going to hurt. 2011 was not supposed to end in this unceremonious and even ugly fashion. Ticker tape, champagne and happiness were expected.But none of that will occur after the Philadelphia Phillies abrupt exit from the MLB Playoffs at the hands and bats of the St. Louis Cardinals.

A team that so easily cruised through the regular season, setting a franchise record in number of wins, and topping all of the majors, was dealt a harsh dose of reality in the first round. The Phils took a 2-1 series lead, but dropped the final two games and were sent packing. It's an unacceptable finish.

Faith until the final out, but fury upon its completion. How could it happen?

For starters, credit must be given to St. Louis. They played admirably and are a good baseball team. That being said, the Phillies let them off the hook.

From April-September, concerns about Philadelphia were limited. Sure, there were some holes, but the worries were not abundant because they had the best roster overall. However, the bats fell silent again and typically reliable pitchers were not as stable.

Ryan Howard was not given a 5 year, $125 million contract to record just two hits in a five-game series, including zero in the final three games. Oh right, that extension hasn't even kicked in yet, and now who knows when Howard will be able to return to the field after rupturing his Achilles on the last out, and even when he does, if he'll still be the same player.

Hunter Pence was acquired to provide a steady balance and sense of protection for the Phillies order, not to bat .211 in the NLDS. Shane Victorino and Raul Ibanez didn't do enough from the other outfield spots. Carlos Ruiz, who had been labeled 'Senor Octubre', for his clutch playoff moments, went just 1-17 in the series. Placido Polanco went a horrendous 2-19, and gave the Phillies no hope at the bottom of the order. That simply cannot happen.

Cliff Lee was not paid $120 million to give up five runs over six innings, especially when his team gave him a 4-0 cushion before even taking the mound. Roy Oswalt was not awarded the number four starter's role to allow five runs in a potential clinching game.

These players turned in solid if not excellent regular seasons, but delivering in the playoffs is the ultimate test of one's worth. Sure there were memorable moments and performances throughout the year, but 2011 has become a wash and a waste. A waste in time and a waste in talent.

Why was all that time spent watching and caring for 162 games just for this five game catastrophe? It's a question fans of any eliminated team have to ponder. It hurts. Ruben Amaro did a seemingly spectacular job of putting the pieces in place. That's why it stings. Why are the Cardinals celebrating in Philadelphia? It will take a long time to remove that image from the brain.

Personally, I am angry at this team. I'm mad because they didn't do all they could. They fell short, and inexplicably so. I still remain as dedicated as ever, and will be back for 2012, but angry nonetheless. Not to be too closely associated with the pals in New York, but this was a classic choke job by the Phillies. Not in the traditional sense of blowing a huge lead, but in terms of not living up to expectations. C-H-O-K-E.

The Phillies were favorites in 2011 but blew it, and now the window of opportunity is shrinking. This team does not have forever.

This squad with some of the same pieces delivered a much-need championship to Philadelphia in 2008. It was a little unexpected, but gladly accepted in what was a helluva ride. 2009 saw the Phillies reach the World Series again but fall to the Yankees. It was unfortunate and disappointing, but the team played to its potential. In 2010, they lost to a white hot Giants team that went on to win the World Series. Mistakes were made, but at least the crew would be back again.

The Phillies were favorites in 2011 but blew it, and now the window of opportunity is shrinking. This team does not have forever.

The batter that played the best in this series was Jimmy Rollins, and Friday's loss may be the last time he ever dons a Phillies uniform. Rollins contract has expired, and thus a market opens, one that the Phillies interest and commitment remains a mystery. Rollins would be welcomed back, but maybe the Philadelphia brass would entertain a change.

While good years certainly remain, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee are reaching their mid-30s. Roy Oswalt could be gone. The once-young core of the Phillies lineup is now on the downside of their prime. They should remain contenders for a few more seasons, but when the opportunity to capture a title is clearly evident, it cannot be passed upon.

It will be tough to stomach ESPN and the constant mentions of an illustrious regular season team that collapsed in the first round. It will be tough to watch the remainder of October baseball, knowing full well, this team has no excuses for not still playing. From top to bottom the organization has to deal with the loss, which could go a variety of different ways. The pain in the heart of real Philadelphians will linger throughout the offseason. Fans are relegated to muttering that hated phrase, "Until next year…"

Well, it should have been this year.