Reality

First game after the All Star break and most of the Phillies' ills were on full display. The starter, Jamie Moyer, is looking more and more like the old man he is. Home runs continue to fly out of his hand adding to his major league record. The back end of the bullpen didn't fare well either, especially Jose Contreras and Danys Baez, both of whom looked exactly like pitchers other teams have given up on.

Ryan Howard produced the few bright spots, homering twice and accounting for 2/3 of the runs scored by the visitors. The Phils were 3-7 with runners in scoring position, netting six runs total, usually enough to win provided, of course, the pitching staff can keep it close. That's a proviso the Phillies cannot guarantee.

Meanwhile, Atlanta continued to win and in the process pushed the Phils further back in the standings. The Braves improved themselves this week with the acquisition of Alex Gonzalez and the return of rookie standout Jason Heyward. With Billy Wagner pitching like the closer of old and a tough starting rotation, the Braves are for real.

A few more 12-6 losses to teams ten games under .500 will finish the Phils off for real as well.