There were no expectations for the Phillies to make a playoff run deep into October. Manager Pete Mackanin told reports and fans before the season started that they would play for a .500 record. None of that matters. What does, is the youth that is starting to shine.
For most fans, the main focus of the season was on the players down in the minor leagues and few in Philadelphia. We knew that guys like Howie Kendrick and Michael Saunders would not be parts of the long-term puzzle despite taking roster spots at the beginning of the year.