Rise and Phight: 10/3/2022

One.

It’s a lonely number, but today, it’s our favorite number. Thanks to a tense game in Milwaukee between the Marlins and Brewers, one that the Marlins were ultimately triumphant in, the Phillies’ magic number is a single, solitary game.

One more game.

Yes, the Astros are throwing their best pitchers as starters this three game series, but let’s be honest: are they really going to risk them with 6+ innings? I admire Dusty Baker for not rolling over in this series, but he’s also a pretty smart guy. He’s not going to risk his own team’s health just for the “integrity of the game.” We’ll have to see exactly how he plays it, but I cannot imagine that we’ll see the starters very long.

It all comes down to these three games.

Just win one of them.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

• Cookie Rojas knows what it’s like to collapse at the end of the season. Here is how the Phillies can avoid what the 1964 Phillies did.
• If the unthinkable does happen, what is the fallout of the Phillies missing the playoffs yet again?
• It looks like it’s possible that Brad Hand and Edmundo Sosa could be ready for the playoffs should the Phillies seal the deal.

MLB news:

• The Mariners decision making tree still has Jerry DiPoto on the top branch, but now there is a new general manager to help make decisions.
• Looks like health issues will force Tony LaRussa to end his career yet again, a move expected to be announced today.
• Shohei Ohtani avoided arbitration by agreeing to a gigantic one year, $30 million deal for 2023.
• Speaking of 2023, Charlie Morton has decided to take care of contractual business, agreeing to an extension with the Braves.
• The playoff field is nearly set except for one more wild card spot. Wonder who is fighting for it?