The post-WFC comedown has clearly not affected this Fightins' fan, who still has the Zook-like intensity of a man still thirsting for a championship. If the Phillies win tonight, they'll have clinched the NL East for the third straight year.

So odd.

There's a part of me that dreads the creeping post-season, given the Phillies bullpen crap-ups of late and the general malaise this team seems afflicted with since Brad Lidge's mental decampment. If the Phillies get knocked out early — which, let's face it, is a strong possibility — then the Christmas morning feeling of last year finally passes. And God forbid the Phillies end up facing the Cardinals at some point because Emeritus will become the most insufferable man on the planet.

Tonight it's the return of Pedro, whose astounding resurgence was a gift this season and him closing it out would let 2008 stay a little longer.

***

Barry P will DJ your late night house party this evening. Off to Fantastico.

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