Feb 19

Written by: PaulySore
2/19/2010 9:27 PM

So yeah, I took a hiatus from writing for a while.  It's not like Philly sports was all that exciting since the Phillies' exit from the World Series.  The 76ers still continue to bore even after the latest A.I. experiment.  The Flyers are back to their "look like a contender to look like an also-ran to look like a contender" roller-coaster ride and the Eagles, well, lets just say, I'm tired of the "seems like we're close but reality slaps us in the face" approach each year.

So that brings me to the Phillies.  The only team in this town that seems to have a legit shot at anything this year.  Overall, I liked my chances so much, I bought more tickets when the single games went on sale.  But enough about what I'm doing, here's my take on the 2010 Philadelphia Phillies:

Infield:
With the return of Placido Polanco to the infield, replacing Pete Happy, the infield defense is an upgrade overall.  Polanco brings a solid defensive glove and adds a bat that should give the Phillies additional scoring opportunities since he rarely strikes out and hits to all fields.  Rollins will again bring his gold glove to shortstop but needs to cut down on the Willie Mays Hays approach to batting.  Someday I hope Jimmy gets his hitting in order but that may be too late to change the ever present pop-up swing he has developed.  Chase, well, he's simple.  Just like Harry said: "Chase, you are the man!".  Chase brings the silent leader to the clubhouse, plays an above average 2nd base and his hitting approach is tops on the team.  With time to heal from last year's season, Chase should, once again, have a tremendous season.  Now to the big man, Ryan Howard.  He carried the team through the early playoffs but seemed to tire during the World Series.  He's an average fieder which is a compliment considering where he was a few years ago.  As for his hitting, I think Ryan has triple crown capabilities if he just puts the ball in play.  All those strike outs do nothing more than make Dave Kingman look like a trend-setter.  Ryan will have a great year though and I look foward to watching him play.

Outfield:
The dynamic trio of Ibanez, Victorino and Werth should more than handle the outfield duties this year.  Although Raul's weaker arm in left keeps me from giving these guys the "best outfield in baseball" title, his bat makes up for that.  Shane will again be a gold glove centerfielder, provide excellent coverage in the outfield, ala Garry Maddox, and swing a good bat.  His steals need to increase to give the Phillies the killer offense that can win another World Series.  Werth is a very solid corner outfielder with arguably all the tools needed in baseball; speed, hitting, running and defense.  I anticipate an above average season for him this year as hit right-handed bat will, along with Polanco's, further balance out the Phillies offense.

Starting Pitching:
I like where the Phillies sit.  With a 1-2 punch of Halladay and Hamels, the Phillies have put two aces at the beginning of their pitching lineup.  Follow that with a steady Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ, the top 4 pitchers are as good as any in baseball.  As for the 5th starter, I'm in a tough spot there.  On one hand you have the ageless wonder in Jamie Moyer, who, lets face it, knows how to pitch but knowing isn't enough any longer.  I like Kyle Kendrick if he can pick up a little attitude.  I've always wondered if that joke by Brett Myers a few years back hurt the kid's confidence.  Kyle never seemed to recover from that trade for the "hot dog" eater.  Overall, I think the Phillies have a minimum one 20-game winner and possibly two if Hamels can get back to form and focus on being the best.  I think Halladay will give Hamels the push he needs to be a true superstar.  I look forward to his resurgence.

Catching:
Carlos Ruiz, what can you say?  Very steady, above average receiver, calls a very good game and can throw out even the speediest base stealers.  I was very happy to see his bat come around towards the end of the season and would like him to be consistent throughout the year.  His bat at the bottom of the lineup is crucial to turn the lineup over as well as knock in a few vital runs.

Bullpen:
If Brad Lidge is back to 2008 form, then this season is a playoff lock.  But if not, I think the Phillies have done a great job at coming up with alternatives.  Throw in Danys Baez, J.C. Romero and Ryan Madson, the Phillies have quite a few options at the end of the game.  I think if Charlie plays his cards right, he can have a rested Lidge while playing the end of game matchups with the remaining bullpen help.  Pitching Lidge too much is really the only concern I have going into the bullpen at the moment.  Course, better information as spring training progresses. 

In either case, I'm very excited about this year's Phillies.  Go Phils!!! 

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