Can you say playoffs? No, the Phils have not clinched anything yet.

But they are moving solidly toward a defense of their National League East crown. Even as the hated Mets are doing a windpipe-clogging imitation of their epic collapse from last year.

The Phils won last night to go two and a half games up on the Mets, who fell to the Cubs. The Mets might just have their hands full now holding off the Brewers for the Wild Card.

There are five games left in the season. The Phillies magic number to clinch a playoff spot is three. That’s for the Wild Card. To win the NL East it’s four.

The Phils have won 10 of their last 11 games. I like their chances.