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Philadelphia Phillies: 3 concerns going into the NLCS

By Tim Boyle

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on after striking out against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on after striking out against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies
SAN DIEGO, CA – JUNE 24: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on June 24, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

3) The Philadelphia Phillies have no distinctive advantage over the Padres

What can the Phillies do better than the Padres? Home runs are one area where they were far better in the regular season. However, this comes with an asterisk. Juan Soto and Josh Bell weren’t with them all season, nor was Brandon Drury, who had a strong year at the plate himself. The only power hitter on the Padres roster throughout 2022 was Manny Machado, who is their personal Bryce Harper.

The starting pitchers from both teams are about equal. So are the already discussed bullpens, although Philadelphia’s proven itself to be better in the regular season. The Phillies would have an advantage when their lineup from top to bottom, but the Padres have too many good hitters capable of breaking out and carrying the team to victory.

Against the Cardinals and Braves, the Phillies didn’t have too many other qualities that helped them stand out. Being concerned about no advantage might be a bit of a reach. It hasn’t been an issue thus far.

How many teams, though, can Philadelphia win a series as an underdog? If they end up in the World Series, they’ll have to do it once more.

Next. The 3 most important players in the NLCS. dark

First on the agenda is to take down the Padres. Even if there is no one truly exceptional strength they have over San Diego, Philadelphia stands a chance.

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