So the Phillies are going to the World Series. Now all they need is someone to play.

Everyone pretty much conceded they would face Tampa Bay, which held a commanding 3-1 lead over the Red Sox going into last night’s Game 5 of the ALCS.

And it certainly looked like the Rays were going to have their ticket punched to the Fall Classic in the early going. Right up until the seventh inning.

The Rays methodically built a commanding 7-0 lead, displaying the hitting and aggressive base running that has become their signature.

Then, amazingly, they watched it all dribble away. The Red Sox rallied to take an 8-7 win and slice the Rays’ lead to 3-1.

It’s not as if the Red Sox don’t have some experience at this. They’ve done this before, coming back from a 3-1 hole to boot the Yankees out of the playoffs. Think that might be in the Rays’ heads this morning?

Tampa blew a golden opportunity. They had their foot on the Red Sox’ throats. And they let them off the hook. And opened the door to doubts, and the thought that they could blow the series.

For the Phils, it’s now a waiting game. The argument is whether the weeklong break – the World Series will not start until next Wednesday night – is a help or a hindrance. How do they stay sharp without any games to play? Does the rest offer them the chance to heal up and rest all their arms, while cementing their rotation for the Series? Does the fact that the AL teams continue to go tooth and nail for at least a few more days weigh on them as they battle to advance, unable to rest any regulars or their pitchers?

Actually, the wait probably won’t have all that much effect on the players. It’s tougher on the fans. We’re all revved up, with nothing to cheer.

We don’t even have an Eagles’ game this weekend to tide us over. They’re on their Bye week. And didn’t even get us started on the Flyers. Not exactly the kind of start they wanted.

So we sit. And wait. And buy anything in red that carries a Phillies logo.

Six days and counting. We’re “Series-ly” psyched.