Phillies down, but one rival skipper not ready to count them out yet

If the Phillies go on a historic run and the frontrunners for the wild card tank, watch out for Charlie Manuel’s squad. Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen believes the Phillies would be the one team no squad would want to play.

“They would be a tough team to face, no question about it,” Guillen said. “If they can somehow comeback, they have all the pitching. Look at their staff, they have the arms, the reputation. They’re behind, but don’t count them out because this is the kind of team that can go on a streak and stay on a streak.

“If they manage to do that, they can beat the odds and get to the playoffs. People have asked me, ‘Am I surprised they are making this late run?’ No, I’m not surprised about that. What I’m surprised about is that they’re not already in [clinched a playoff spot]. That’s a very talented team there. They had a lot of bad luck and a lot of injuries. Don’t be surprised if they come back. The only thing is that they don’t have much time to make it back.”

Time is ticking for the Phillies. They were four back with 15 to play entering last night’s game vs. the Mets. There are four teams ahead of the Phillies, who are in dire straits after losing three of four to the Astros. The odds are against the Phillies from reaching the playoffs for a franchise-record sixth season in a row.

“As long as we are not mathematically eliminated, I’m not giving up,” Kyle Kendrick said. “We’re going to go for it.”