I think we've reached the point where we can finally take all the talk about the Phillies getting off to slow starts and put it six feet under the ground.

This team is one win shy of playing .600 baseball; only one National League team, the Cubs, have a better record; the Phils (38-26) have nearly the same record as the big, bad Boston Red Sox(39-26).

And now they're on the road, at the beginning of a rough stretch before the All-Star break - they play 34 games, beginning with Friday, with every opponent save the rival Mets and hot-hitting Rangers (they lead the MLB in runs).

But they're already off and running. Two games in Atlanta, two wins. Today, a chance for a sweep before flying to Florida.

Things are going awful well right now. Can it last?

If the starting pitching keeps plugging away - every starter turned in a quality start in their last trips to the mound - why not?

Adam Eaton, who is tied for the team lead with ace Cole Hamels with seven quality starts, take the ball this afternoon in muggy Atlanta.

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The Archive Files

While watching the game-winning play unfold Saturday night, I couldn't help but take notice of Shane Victorino's speed as he scored all the way from first base with ease. Big Brown immediately came to mind.

So I asked Charlie Manuel about it, and he said he would have taken his center fielder over the Triple Crown-favorite horse on Saturday, when the Phils collected their 11th win in 13 games.

In the Sunday notes column, Charlie Manuel doesn't always have to be Mr. Nice Guy, a look at some former Phils flying high, your weekly dose of trivia, and more....