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2010 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES PREVIEW
Philadelphia had an extremely successful follow up to their 2008 World Series Championship season last year. The Phillies repeated as NL East Champions and stormed back to the World Series for the 2 nd consecutive season. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to defeat the New York Yankees, falling in six games to the New Bronx Bombers.
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However, there are many reasons for Philadelphia fans to be optimistic that their team can return to the World Series for the 3 rd straight season, the biggest of which was the acquisition of superstar starter Roy Halladay from Toronto in the offseason. Halladay is perhaps the most durable elite starter in baseball and signed a four year contract extension upon arrival in the City of Brotherly Love. His acquisition at the Winter Meetings was an early sign that 2010 should be a great year for the Philly faithful.
STARTING PITCHING
How good is Halladay (17-10, 2.79 ERA, 32 Starts, 239 IP, 208 K in 2009)? Over the past two seasons, he has pitched 18 complete games and 6 shutouts while averaging a 2.78 ERA, 243 IP and 207 Strikeouts! Since breaking out in 2002 as an elite starter, Halladay has won 16 or more games seven times while posting an ERA over 3.71 only once. He’s also pitched more than 220 innings in six of the eight seasons since! In short, he might have been the best pitcher in baseball during the last decade but since he played in relative obscurity in Toronto, many fans aren’t aware of how good he really is.
Joining Halladay atop the rotation will be Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.32 ERA, 32 Starts, 193 IP, 168 K), who will be looking to bounce back from a slightly down year. Other rotation locks will be hard throwing Joe Blanton (12-8, 4.05 ERA, 31 Starts, 195 IP, 163 K) and rising star J.A. Happ (12-4, 2.93 ERA, 23 Starts, 166 IP). The 5 th spot will be fought for between 47 year old wonder Jamie Moyer (12-10, 4.94 ERA, 25 Starts, 162 IP), rebounding youngster Kyle Kendrick (3.42 ERA in 9 Games) and prospect Antonio Bastardo. Assuming Kendrick is healthy, he is the most likely candidate to fill the 5 th spot in what should be a very strong rotation.
BULLPEN
Two years ago, closer Brad Lidge was a perfect 41 for 41 in Save Opportunities. Unfortunately, he struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness at times and produced a 31 for 42 year with a shocking 7.21 ERA in 2009. After offseason surgery, he is projected to be ready for opening day but his leash will be much shorter this season.
Behind Lidge, Danny Baez (4-6, 4.02 ERA in 59 Games) has the most closing experience with 114 career Saves. Ryan Madson (5-5, 3.26 ERA, 10 Saves in 79 Games) took over for Lidge at one point in 2009 and will likely be given the first opportunity to close if Lidge falters. J.C. Romero (2.70 ERA in 21 Games), Chad Durbin (4.39 ERA in 59 Games) and Sergio Escalona (4.61 ERA in 14 Games) round out what appears to be a very good bullpen that could also feature Moyer or Kendrick. However, if Lidge is back to full health then this is one of the best groups in all of baseball.
INFIELD
Philadelphia’s infield is the envy of most Major League teams. Anchored by the ‘Big Three’ of 1 st Baseman Ryan Howard (.279, 45 HR, 141 RBI, 172 Hits, .360 OBP), 2 nd Baseman Chase Utley (.282, 31 HR, 93 RBI, 112 R, .397 OBP) and Shortstop Jimmy Rollins (.250, 21 HR, 77 RBI, 31 SB, 100 R, 168 Hits), the Phillies have the most dangerous infield in the National League. 3 rd Baseman Placido Polanco (.285, 10 HR, 72 RBI, 176 Hits, .331 OBP) and Catcher Carlos Ruiz (.255, 9 HR, 43 RBI, .355 OBP) round out this exceptional group.
OUTFIELD
After losing Pat Burrell from the World Series team two years ago, Philadelphia went out and acquired Raul Ibanez, who hit .272 with 34 HR, 93 RBIs and a .347 OBP in his stead. That’s a pretty darn good pickup! Joined by sparkplug centerfielder Shane ‘The Flyin Hawaiian’ Victorino (.292, 10 HR, 62 RBI, 25 SB, 181 Hits, 102 R, .358 OBP), powerful rightfielder Jayson Werth (.268, 36 HR, 99 RBI, 20 SB, .373 OBP) and solid 4 th man Ben Francisco (.257, 15 HR, 46 RBI, 14 SB, .332 OBP), Ibanez is part of one of the most productive outfields in baseball.
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OUTLOOK
The outlook for the 2010 Philadelphia Phillies is pretty straightforward: Stay Healthy and this team will slug its way to the NL East crown. In fact, with the acquisition of Halladay, the Phillies are the favorites to return to the World Series as the National League’s representative for the 3 rd consecutive season. While that probably won’t be enough to prevent Philly fans from complaining about Donovan McNabb or the Flyers’ upcoming postseason failure, the Phillies should provide enough solid baseball to make even the notoriously grumpy fans in the ironically named ‘City of Brotherly Love’ smile a few times this summer.
In fact, the Phillies are not only our selection to win the NL East and National League Pennants, they are our pick to win the 2010 World Series crown thanks to their overwhelming lineup and pitching excellence. Two World Series Championships in three years will be an incredible achievement.
By Matt Baxendell
MLBcenter.com Staff Writer
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