Philadelphia Phillies Season Preview
The Phillies are the most improved team in the game. The added an ace pitcher,
Kevin Millwood, a very solid third baseman, David Bell, and the jewel of the
free agent market, firts baseman Jim Thome. Millwood leads a group of promising
young arms with veteran Randy Wolf, and youngsters Vincente Padilla, Brandon
Duckworth, and Brett Myers. The Philadelphia brass considers Myers to be the ace
of the future. Jose Mesa is usually considered to be a questionable closer, but
he always seems to get the job done, saving 45 games last year. They also have
left-handed legend Dan Pleasac who at age 41proves that left-handed pitching
doesn't die, it just finds a situational job in the bullpen. Although the
Phillies parted ways with Scott Rolen last year, adding Bell and Thome is a big
improvement. Bell plays solid defense, should be good for 20 homers and 80 RBIs
and tends to come up big in the clutch. People have complained about his skills,
but as a Mariner fan, I'd be ecstatic to have him back. Thome is a stud -
defenitely in the conversation of best first basemen in the game. He hit 52 home
runs for Cleveland last year with absolutely no line up protection. This year
he'll have Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu, both of which haven't begun to show us
what they can do. Catcher Mike Lieberthal probably will never return to the
30-homer level, but in this line up, a repeat of the 15 he hit last year will be
more than sufficient. Thus far the line up looks strong, but there are some
questions. Can Jimmy Rollins break his sophmore jinx and return to 2001 form? Is
Marlon Byrd ready to be an every-day major leaguer? Who will play second base?
Right now it seems that utility man Placido Polanco will play second, but I
think the Phils would be better off if they could use him off the bench. I still
think the Braves will win this division, but the Phils could win the wild card
is, and would not be completely floored should they beat the Braves for the
division title.
Line Up: SS Jimmy Rollins, 2B Placido Polanco, RF Bobby Abreu, 1B Jim Thome, LF
Pat Burrell, C Mike Lieberthal, 3B David Bell, CF Marlon Byrd Rotation: RH Kevin
Millwood, LH Randy Wolf, RH Vincente Padilla, RH Brandon Duckworth, RH Brett
Myers Closer: RH Jose Mesa