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Desperation – noun.
- Loss of hope, despair;
- A state of desperation leading to recklessness
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The 2022 Pennant-winning Phillies were a famous team.
Led by interim manager Rob Thomson, the Wild Card did not do them justice: they had caught fire in the summer and kept the flame alive and well, dominating the NL playoffs before the dynastic Astros won a real battle in their last World Series. It was Philadelphia’s first playoff appearance in over a decade, and it had come just two wins from baseball heaven. The foundation of the team was solid. They had only three core regulars at age 30: JT Realmuto, the sport’s best and inarguably athletic catcher; John Segura, the most consistent veteran second baseman; and ace starter Zack Wheeler. They had time. Most of the players were in their prime, and the executive branch was known to move and prepare for the competition. He wanted to spend the occupation. The Phils would stay here.
Most observers, fans and viewers alike, agree that the 2023 Phillies have rings placed in any quarterback of this generation; They took down the historically powerful Braves in the NLDS, then went on to outscore the Diamondbacks 15-3 in the first two games of the NLCS. He wins both easily. Then things fell apart: the offense stopped hitting, Craig Kimbrel’s memory appeared in pressure spots, and the Diamondbacks won four of five to beat the Phillies in a series that still feels surreal today. There was no Yankee or Astro that threatened to make it to the World Series, only the Rangers—which was true—had a chance to win it all. It was a huge missed opportunity.
However, only three regulars for the 2023 Phils were in charge at age 30: Realmuto and Wheeler, both still great, now joined by Nick Castellano. Castellanos will go down as one of the head honchos of Dave Dombrowski’s famous mission in Philadelphia, but even his presence on the reserve level of the right field could not destroy what this powerful team has been built to win right now. They had time.
He confirmed this season in 2024, bringing Philadelphia their first NL East title with the Four Aces. Speaking of aces—add Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, and now-born Christopher Sánchez to the list—the Phillies have been loaded in the rotation. The line was high. The team is as solid as it has ever been. Just not solid enough to overcome the magic, it seems, as the OMG Mets shut down Philly’s bats and pushed their bullpen through four games in a series that wasn’t really close. And all of a sudden, Philadelphia had seven and eight, if the fifth started Taijuan Walker, another Dombrowski require regulars over the age of 30: Wheeler, Realmuto and Castellanos, now joined by the strongest Aaron Nola, the face of the franchise Bryce Harper, and the marquee free signs Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber. Whether they know it or not, the clock is ticking. You can’t stop the sun from setting.
2025 However, at regular times the glory becomes greater. The Phillies won 96 games, their most since the Charlie Manuel days, and the second straight division title. But they beat the first seed, and in a world where the reigning champion Dodgers have a healthy three seed in a healthy season, that meant going against the Devils in the NLDS. The Phillies tried, and my word, they always tried, to shake off the Dodgers for the series and give them a serious run for their money. But he still lost four crucial games. Again, empty, and again seven core players for 30 years, the same as the year before, but now a year older. Realmuto and Nola were really beginning to slip; Castellanos had an exit in the last legs. As if the sun was going down. It’s amazing how much light is always really shed.
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