Philadelphia Phillies - 5 questions

[Dr. Jack]

Philadelphia Phillies


1: How does the addition of RHP Roy Halladay affect the Phillies? Considered one of the best pitchers of the last decade, landing Halladay (17-10, 2.79 ERA) was a huge splash for the Phillies. Adding a pitcher of his caliber helps the club in two ways. First, you can expect a world class performance on the mound every five days, almost without fail. Second, penciling Halladay in at the top of the rotation moves everyone down a notch, strengthening the depth of a rotation that finished the 2009 season 66-46 with a 4.29 ERA. Following Halladay will be LHP Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.32 ERA), RHP Joe Blanton (12-8, 4.05 ERA), LHP J.A. Happ (12-4, 2.93 ERA), and the ageless LHP Jamie Moyer (12-10, 4.94 ERA).


2: Will Cole Hamels return to form in 2010? Coming off a 2008 World Series run that saw him put on stellar performances, expectations were sky high for LHP Cole Hamels in 2009. However, Hamels found himself mired in mediocrity most of the season, posting the worst numbers of his career. His 1.29 WHIP and .273 BAA, the highest of his career, showed he was not as sharp as in previous seasons. Given that there were no serious medical issues with Hamels in 2009, it seems likely that he simply had an off year. The addition of RHP Roy Halladay may take a great deal of pressure off Hamels, as he is not expected to be the ace in 2010. If Hamels does return to form, he and Halladay form one of the deadliest combinations at the top of a rotation in the league.


3: Which Brad Lidge will show up in 2010? Since joining the Phillies in 2008 RHP Brad Lidge has been everything you want from a closer, as well as everything you don't. His 2008 season could not have been any better. Lidge was 41 for 41 in save attempts and finished with a 1.95 ERA, the kind of stability out of a closer managers dream of. However, his 2009 season was nearly disastrous. Lidge (7.21 ERA, 31 SV) blew a league high 11 saves and had the highest ERA of any reliever who threw over 50 innings. Withstanding that poor of a performance is difficult for a club to do, and if Lidge does not drastically improve upon his 2009 campaign he will likely find himself bumped from the closer role.


4: Will the Phillies be able to maintain their run production from 2009? The Phillies scored 820 runs in 2009, good enough for fourth in the majors and best in the NL. They also hit 224 HR, tied for second in the majors, and had four players hit over 30 HR. Seven of eight position players are returning from 2009, with the addition of 3B Placido Polanco (.285, 10 HR, 72 RBI) being the only change. Polanco is a solid contact hitter and will fit in well near the top of the order. The Phillies have one of the most complete lineups and seem to be on track to be an offensive juggernaut in 2010.


5: Where will the Phillies finish the season? The Phillies are looking to be the first National League team to make the World Series three times in a row since the St. Louis Cardinals of the early 1940s. They have only made themselves stronger since their 2009 World Series loss to the Yankees, and seem destined to again win the pennant. The Braves, Marlins and Mets may make runs at them during the season, but none have the firepower, either on the mound or in the lineup, to overtake the Phillies in the NL East. Look for manager Charlie Manuel to lead his squad to another 90+ win season. You can find the Phillies at +280 to win the National League and at +600 to win the World Series over at Bookmaker. Bet on baseball at Bookmaker.com

[The Nac]

Let's not also forget that by the trade deadline, the best player in baseball (yes, Albert is the best) may be wearing Philly pinstripes. Go Doc!

[Seanie Mac]

1.) doc is the man

2.) yes Cole hamels will benefit from halladay much like Burnett did

3.) lidge will not be as good as 08 but not as bad as 08. 6 blown saves

4.) phillies will score more runs than ever

5.) 162 wins isn't that far fetched. but I'll say 96. and most likely in the world series.

[PHILLYBIRDS20]

1- halladay wil be the best pitcher in the NL with less innings pitched due to NL rules but will still win 19 -20 games

2- Hamels will be a 15-16 game winner esp with a new pitch and coming into spring training in shape

3- Lidge who knows bullpen is the major question of the team

4-Phillies offense is better than it was last year. Werth will be better and Polonco will be a key addition.

5-Phils should win 95 and are the best team in the NL barring any injuries and a top 1-3 team in baseball. No reason why they shouldnt return for the hattrick and win 2 of the last 3 years