This spring, Phillies fans are expressing cautious optimism after experiencing multiple losing summers but also feeling the elation regarding the offseason acquisitions of general manager Matt Klentak.

First temperature reading:

Compared to the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies, the faithful haven’t seen enough to justify an all-in emotional commitment to these youngsters. And some have mixed feelings about this bridge campaign from 2017’s also-rans to 2019’s division contenders: the opening of a postseason window.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Everybody wants to play in the playoffs. You don’t know how good the good times were until you hit the bad times. But sometimes success is just around the corner.” – Trevor Linden

Even though Opening Day is in the books, predictions are prevalent, but 2018 has a more defined configuration in the National League. In fact, each division has a clear favorite, two wild-card possibilities, a .500-at-best team and a cellar dweller or a rebuilding franchise.

Of the one-game hopefuls, four clubs are one extended stint by a key player on the disabled list away from the odds being against them. A perfect example from last year is Madison Bumgarner because the San Francisco Giants then finished last in the Senior Circuit.

If you want to know an organization’s plans, their moves indicate their expectations for the upcoming 162 and their direction: up, down or maintaining their current status. And it also reveals their present financial circumstances: increasing, trying to break even or not exceeding the competitive balance threshold.

Lastly, the trading deadline usually plays a role in the outcome for contending teams because replacing a star having a disappointing season or filling a hole can make a huge difference. Ask about the 2009 Phils with Cliff Lee.

Considering a wild-card berth, this article covers three franchises in the western division to the Phillies for a one-game opportunity after September’s end. Because you can overestimate the competition and doubt your own chances, focusing on those organizations produces clarity.

In the NL West, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the easy pick for the oddsmakers, while the San Diego Padres are near the bottom of the division. But their competitors have a shot at the wild card: the Colorado Rockies, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Francisco.

Regarding the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs are the favorite, while the restructuring Cincinnati Reds will try to surpass the weakened Pittsburgh Pirates, who will probably have a .500 finish. As for the wild card, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers will battle each other.

While the Washington Nationals can fend off their NL East rivals, the Miami Marlins are rebuilding, and the Atlanta Braves are a .500 hopeful. But a contentious rivalry is forming between Philadelphia and the New York Mets for the Wild Card Game: The first matchup of 19 will be on April 2 in New York.