Phillies mathematically eliminated from MLB playoffs

Although Ruben Amaro was probably the last person to know, the Phillies were a longshot to make the postseason for most of the season and now, what had been a formality is now official: Philadelphia has been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

The Phillies' 5-4 loss in San Diego on Tuesday dropped them to 69-82 on the season. While the Pirates, currently in second Wild Card position in the National League, are 80-70, they play the Brewers (79-72) for three games this weekend, ensuring that the second Wild Card winner will have at least 81 wins, one more than the maximum possible for Philadelphia.

Though, despite a likely last-place finish in the NL East, the Phillies offense flashed signs of life from hitters both young and old with Ryan Howard having a somewhat resurgent year power-wise, Ben Revere hovering in the top five of NL batting average and Marlon Byrd doing the same for home runs.

Next season will likely mark the end of this Phillies team as currently constituted, but with nearly every player at least hinting towards past glory, veterans like Chase Utley and Jonathan Papelbon may find themselves pulling in a bit of a haul for a team looking to fill key positions like second baseman and closer as they attempt to make their own runs towards the pennant. A World Series contender they won't be, but the beginning of new generation after years of stagnation might be good for everyone.