Team Preview: Philadelphia Phillies

Team Name: Philadelphia Phillies
Last Years Record: 92-70
Key Losses: Pat Burrell, Adam Eaton (no more suffering), JC Romero (50 game suspension)
Key Additions: Raul Ibanez, Chan Ho Park, Ronny Paulino

1. What significant moves were made during the offseason?

GM Ruben Amaro Jr. did a tremendous job locking up young talent to multi-year deals (Cole Hamels, Ryan Madson, Greg Dobbs, Jayson Werth, Ryan Howard).  Also, for the most part he kept the World Series champions’ roster intact by re-signing Grand Pappy Jamie Moyer and Scott Eyre.  Missing is the righthanded thunder of Pat “The Bat” Burrell, and replacing him is an older lefthanded stick in the form of Raul Ibanez.

2. What are the team’s biggest strengths?

Infield- Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz, Pedro Feliz, and Jimmy Rollins all play very solid defense.  The trifecta of J-Roll, Chutley, and Ryan Howard is nearly untouchable by any other MLB team in terms of offense.

3. What are the team’s biggest weaknesses?

3rd base, RH batters, LH relievers.  Pedro Feliz just doesn’t cut it offensively at 3rd base, but we’re stuck with him for the time being.  The major pop in the lineup comes from the left side, with Werth being the only real threat righthanded.  With JC Romero serving an unjust 50 suspension, Scott Eyre will be forced into a more prodominant role as the sole lefty in the bullpen.

4. What are the goals for this team?

Defend their World Series championship, plain and simple.

5. Best prospect?
I’m a big fan of outfield Michael Taylor (2008: .361/.441/.554, 25 extra base hits, 10 sb, 40 r, and 50 rbi in only 67 games) .  However, scouts will tell you our big 3 are catcher Lou Marson (could be a starter by 2010), pitcher Carlos Carrasco (will see time in rotation this season), and infield Jason Donald (can play SS/3B/2B).

Predicted Record: 95-67

From: We Should Be GM’s