I hold this truth to be self-evident: The '07 Phillies aren't good enough

After the bullpen gave another game away just minutes ago in Colorado, I feel nothing. Where I normally would rage and fume at another missed chance to gain ground on the Mets, there is an emotional vacuum. This is a clear and unmistakable sign I have mentally entered football season. The 2007 Phillies are, essentially, dead.

I commend this team for being so mediocre, yet holding my attention until July 7. There is a sort of inverse relationship between a fans' passion for their team and their expectations of it. Had my expectations of this team been lower, I probably still would be glued to each game. But my preseason expectations of this team, whether because of desperation or sheer folly, were higher than any other year I can remember, even 1993.

I have to come to the only reasonable conclusion. The Phillies yet again don't have enough -- enough pitching, enough hitting, enough heart -- to make the playoffs. If only kickoff were next week, not two months away.