The Phillies will spend the next week playing games against two of their potential playoff opponents, starting with a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves, and a four game series out in Milwaukee to face the Brewers.
This may be the most important week the Phillies have in September. They have a chance to significantly widen the gap between themselves and their competition. The gaps for the division title and homefield advantage in the National League could either grow wider, or tighten up. As of Monday, they hold a 7.5 game lead over the Braves for the division, and are four games ahead of the Brewers in the win column.
A successful week could put to rest any remaining doubts that the Phillies will have any trouble securing the division and the top seed in the playoffs, but an unsuccessful week could make things much more interesting than Phillies fans want it to be. 
The Braves and Brewers are both eager to prove that the talent gap between themselves and the Phillies isn’t as wide as many believe it to be.
Chipper Jones of the Braves isn’t concerned about the Phillies. “The only team that can really put any pressure on them and beat them somewhat is us. And I hope we get them head-to-head in the postseason. If we get them head-to-head, we like our chances. We’ve beaten their big three. I’m not sure if any other team in baseball has beaten their big three. They’re a great ballclub, don’t get me wrong. But we’re not scared of them. It’s going to be a knock down, drag out.”
The Phillies are 6-6 against Atlanta this season, and 1-2 against Milwaukee. They’ve had mixed results against the Braves all season, with each team winning two series against one another. The Braves have improved since the Phillies last saw them before the All-Star break, with Dan Uggla hitting over .300 with 18 homeruns and 40 RBI’s since July, and the addition of former Phillie Michael Bourn. 
It will be just the second time they’ve seen the Brewers this season. The high powered offense led by Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun put up a combined 18 runs in the three game series the two teams had back in April.
All of the pressure is on the Phillies this week. Widely considered to be the best team in the National League, they’ll be expected to take at least two games from the Braves, and to at least split the series with the Brewers. They have an opportunity to make statements against both of the other top teams in the National League. Ultimately, whether or not they enjoy strong success this week will have no impact on how they perform in the playoffs, but it will be an interesting measuring stick for all three teams.
we arent playing for anything and they are thats the only reason
we are a lock for world series
stop this madness
Can’t wait til tonight’s game.
The braves need a sweep to have any chance of catching the Phils which is very unlikley, but the next week should be some exciting baseball to watch for tits the 1st time all season that the Phils will play 7 meaninighful games versus likley opponenets they will face come PLayoff time.. The only concern I have is the fact that many of the PHils recent losses have been on the other teams last at-bat in extra innings where it seems they are having a more difficult time closing out games.. Stutes,Bastardo & madson have all been a little shaky the last few weeks which doesn’t bode well come playoff time and the Braves and Brewers back end of their bullpens have been lights out recently..
I’m sorry…..what was that you said Chipper?…………
Braves this braves that
please stop like i said
Where’s Paulman at? Time to come eat your offseason crow you clown.
Right here Birdo,Great Series by the Phils with Great Pitching, Timely Hitting and contributions from many different players..
Obviously the Braves are not in the same class as the Phils are who proven to be the best team in all of MLB with consistent play all season long.. Now the Phils have about 20 games left to stay in rhtym and to keep the Bullpen busy but not overworked.. SHould be some great Playoffs where the Phils and Braves could meet again.. Congrats to the Phils for another Division Crown and hopefully another Victory in the World Series.
Thats right paulman, take it in the arse! I want you to say it!! Say: “I, Paulman, from Bumblefluck, North Carolina, was absolutely wrong and I know nothing about baseball or the Philadelphia Phillies.” — SAY IT!
Braves folded like everyone predicted, except paulman, take your beating like a man paulman, you deserve it
Well Denny my boy, you were half wrong already….