The Beginning Of The End?

   I haven't posted a new blog in over two months so, a few days before the trade deadline seems like a good time for a new blog post. However, rather than focusing on the trades/extensions that have developed in recent weeks; I want to focus specifically on the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies have had a ton of success in recent years, which seemed to start in 2007 when they were seven games behind the New York Mets. The Phillies stormed back to Clinch the Division title as The National League East Champions away from the Mets, and every year from 2007-2011, the Philadelphia Phillies have defended their title (5 consecutive division championships), and they won a World Series Championship in 2008. Every year it seems like, whether good or bad, management has always been willing to make a move in order to have a better shot at clinching the title of a World Series, and seemingly at the same time hurting the Phillies future (win now/don't worry about the future). Management has made major moves at the deadline such as acquiring Joe Blanton(2008), Cliff Lee(2009), Roy Oswalt(2010) and Hunter Pence(2011). So, every year from 2008-2011 (more so 2009-2011/The Ruben Amaro Jr. Era) Every year Phillies fans have wondered close to the trade deadline: "What is the Move?" (Most notably July 29th has been the date that Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Hunter Pence were acquired in 2009, 2010, and 2011 respectively).  But, it's 2012 and the story seems much different this year because the Phillies are currently 15.5 games behind the division leading Washington Nationals, 11.5 games behind both of the current wild card leaders, the Braves and the Pirates, and the most shocking thing of all 11 games under .500. It's hard to believe that the 2011 Phillies won a franchise best 102 games and the 2012 Phillies(basically comprised of the same squad) are struggling this badly.  It's true, the Phillies have been injury prone; they were without Utley and Howard for the first half of the season, and suffered injuries to Halladay, Worley, Lee, and Stutes among others. So, was this simply a blip on the radar or is this a sign of things to come in the ensuing years. But, there is no need for excuses from the players, the management, the franchise, or the fans. Even with all the injuries, this team still should not have performed this poorly. However, the struggles have resulted from injuries, a young bullpen, and poor defense among other factors, but for the most part this team seems to have underperformed more than anything, and as a result some of the Phillies most beloved players may soon find themselves in a new city with new teammates. Rumors have surfaced about Blanton, Victorino, Pence, among others, and even franchise player Jimmy Rollins. Henceforth, whatever happens we should all wish the best of luck to some of our favorite players no matter what happens, not only for the remainder of this year, but  for their future as well. They will always be embraced by the fans, and hold a place in what may very well be the end of a great era in Philadelphia Phillies baseball history. If this truly is it and the "window of opportunity" is closing it has been a great ride and we should all show gratitude to the organization and it's players throughout the years. Is this the beginning Of The End? Or, has this year simply just been a fluke? Either way, with July 31st quickly approaching  Phillies fans(phans) must be thinking to themselves: "What's The Move?"