So the Phillies are in full swing this spring training. The offense is scoring again in bunches and the pitchers are putting in solid innings. It's the open issues that remain unresolved that have me wondering if this team can repeart, or at least, get back to the playoffs this year. The things that concern me are:
Infield:
With both Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz coming off surgery, the Phillies need to have a solid backup in place to handle the load at 2B and 3B in the event these guys can't go or have setbacks early in the season. I'll give Bruntlett the nod over at 2nd as he filled in admirably last year. It is 3B that has me most concerned. Though Dobbs can play 3rd and brings a good bat, the Phillies would end up with a left-handed hitting lineup not to mention lose their best pinch-hitting weapon. The Phillies could play Jason Donald over at the position but I think that would be throwing the kid to the fire. Granted, it would work in the interim but who is the vacuum needed at 3B when our perennial grandfather of baseball, Jamie Moyer, is pitching? Thoughts anyone?
Catching:
Though I am known as being a huge Chris Coste fan, I think his time in Philadelphia may be up. Considering this is his 2nd spring training where he has been hampered by the hamstring and considering his age, I think he'll be traded before the beginning of the season. I take solace in that prediction in that Chris has overcome so much yet will go out as a World Series Champion. So that leaves us with Ruiz and Paulino. I think both can work well with the pitching staff and will do well defensively but provide little punch at the bottom of lineup. I'm just not convinced that Carlos will continue what he started last post season.
5th Starter's spot:
I think I may have this one in the bag. I'm convniced that J.A. Happ has this locked down that Chan Ho will be hitting the 'pen and Carrasco the minors for more seasoning. But I've been wrong before. Happ just continues to mow down the competition with Park in hot pursuit. I think what hurts Park the most is that J.C. Romero is suspended the first 50 games of the season and Park as done well out of the bullpen. Happ on the other hand has proven a solid starter and less than stellar coming from the bullpen. Considering that, I will be surpised if Happ isn't the 5th starter.
Odds and Ends:
Looks like Manny got a deal afterall. Good luck to the Dodgers as I hope Manny lives up to the money he's receiving. Course, winning the NL West is a joke and I just don't see the Dodgers having enough pitching to go far in the post-season, assuming they get that far.
Hey, Terrell got a job. Good for him. Argueably one of the best WR in NFL history as well as it's biggest locker room cancer. I wish him the best in frigid Buffalo and hopes he knows enough that this is likely his last chance. But lets see, inexperienced QB along with an "all about me" WR, yeah, I'd say that's a recipe for success. NOT!
Always interested in your thoughts, so let me know if you think I'm full of it. -- Pauly Sore