Go the Distance.

The Phillies have advanced to the National League Championship Series! In a power-fueled day started early by Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies beat the Brewers 6-2 to win the NLDS series 3-1. Player of the game, Pat Burrell, hit 2 home runs, including a 3-run home run to provide the much needed offensive boost. Burrell also hit a solo home run, as well as Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth.

Joe Blanton, just wow. After all the shit I've personally given Gillick and Blanton with the trade, it paid off. He really stepped up and pitched a great game today. He allowed 1 earned on 5 hits and struck out 7. He did a great job of working the plate all game and making good pitches to get easy outs. Today's start has made the Phillies a lot more comfortable in using Blanton for the rest of the postseason.

The Phillies team is overcoming the critics, myself, etc. They've battled through adversity and they're still moving along. Winners of 16 of their last 20, they got hot at just the right time. This series ws virtually Utley and Howardless, but I'd expect that to change in the next series. You cannot keep them down forever, especially the sleeping giant in Howard.

In the end, in his final year, Gillick may have done what he came to do. A championship team.