What’s Your Deal, Philadelphia Phillies?
By Erie's Scribe on Feb 13, 2008 with Comments 0
Indians pitchers and catchers report in 15 hours and 52 minutes, according to the handy Count Down to Spring Training Clock on the Tribe’s official site. What a perfect time to check in with the Philadelphia Phillies? What’s your deal, Phillies?
Hey, you won the NL East last year, congratulations. The Phillies led the league in runs scored (892) last year, but also gave up a bunch (821). Unfortunately, they got swept in the playoffs by the Rockies.
It looks like a case of great hitting and lousy pitching for the Phils. The Indians went through that for years in the 90′s, but could not get that elusive World Series Title without the dominant pitching they needed. The line-up should be strong again for Philly since they return Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, Jimmy Rollins, and super stud Ryan Howard. The Phillies lost Aaron Rowand, but they should find enough production out of new aquisitions Geoff Jenkins (a Legend favorite) and Pedro Feliz, and returning outfielder Shane Victorino.
Pitching wise, Philly has Cole Hamels at the top of their rotation. Hamels is good, young, and improving. His numbers last year say he’s that much sought after staff ace. After Hamels it’s a gray area, charcoal. Brett Myers is going back to the rotation. He’s a decent 2 or 3. Adam Eaton is coming off of a terrible season. Jamie Moyer is 45 years old. Kyle Kendrick went 10-4 last year with a decent ERA before falling apart in his lone playoff start. Kris Benson?? I haven’t heard of any of the other starters on the Phillies roster. This can’t be a good sign.
The bullpen looks okay, IF, Brad Lidge can return to pre-2005 playoff form. You just never know with those nutty closers. It looks like they have some decent arms in place to get to Mr. Lidge, assuming the starting pitching can keep it close.
Okay, I think I know the Phillies’ deal. They are a run scoring machine, but their pitching sucks. Their bullpen could be decent, but who cares if the starters can’t deliver them the game with the lead? They did not do enough in the off-season to fix the rotation. Good luck chasing down the new-look Metropolitans!
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