Thursday, February 26, 2009
2009 MLB Team Preview- The Phillies
Today I begin a new series previewing the 2009 MLB season. I'll spend one day on every team, checking out their offseason moves, rating the rosters of each squad, and making a prediction for the upcoming year. Whenever possible we're going to reach out to local members of the media and fanbase to see how they feel about their team and its chances. Today is just the beginning, and where else do you start but the World Series Champions, the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Philadelphia Phillies
Last Season’s Result: 92-70, 1st place NL East. World Series Champions, defeating Tampa 4-1.
Major Offseason Changes
• Lost LF Pat Burrell (Signed with Tampa)
• Added LF Raul Ibanez (Signed from Seattle)
• Added P Chan Ho Park (Signed from LA Dodgers)
Letter Grades
• Offseason Moves: C+, Not a lot changed, Burrell became Ibanez, Eaton became Park. It was good to see the team lock up Hamels and Howard, and to totally avoid arbitration.
• Rotation Grade: B, A staff that features four potential 15-game winners, and a legitimate Cy Young contender in Cole Hamels.
• Bullpen Grade: A, The best Bullpen in the NL in 2008. They have Lidge returning after a perfect season, and two strong set-up men in Madson and Romero. Romero’s 50 game suspension to start the season is all that prevents this group from getting an A+.
• Lineup Grade: B+, Scored the 2nd most runs in the NL last season, and the only change in the lineup is an upgrade on paper. Still, there are a lot of lefties and a lot of K’s in this group.
Player most essential to team’s 2009 hopes: Jayson Werth. Werth took a big step forward in 2008, and is now being counted on to be the team’s only source for right-handed power. If he succeeds the Phillies will be the favorite to win the National League. If Werth struggles in 2009, he may drag the whole lineup down with him.
Biggest breakout star potential: Jayson Werth. If Werth continues to improve, he’ll be an all-star possibly as soon as this season.
Best Case Scenario: Back to back world championships. If the Phillies can avoid the injury bug, and recover properly from its off-season stings, then they are likely to make the playoffs for the third straight season. Once there, they have to be considered favorites after last year’s fantastic 11-3 postseason run.
Worst Case Scenario: Werth doesn’t fill the void in the right-handed batter’s box. The bullpen struggles during JC Romero’s absence. Brad Lidge’s first blown save in a season and a half leads to a lack of confidence. Moyer pitches like a 47-year old, Brett Myers has another season like 2008, and nobody steps up to fill the void at the #5 starter’s spot. Any of these things could cost the Phillies a game or three, and allow the Mets to take the division. Any two or more of these things happen, and the wild card looks like a long shot.
Prediction for 2009: 96-66. First Place NL East.
Local Thoughts
By: PhillySportspost.com’s own Steve Johnson
• Letter grade for off-season moves: C
• Hinge player: Brett Myers
• Breakout Player: Joe Blanton
• Prediction for 2009: 94-68. First Place NL East.
1 Response to "2009 MLB Team Preview- The Phillies"
So you are saying Ibanez is a wash when it comes to Burrell.Burell had 10 more homers but 24 less RBIs. Ibanez scored 10 more runs and struck out 36 less times but walked 60 less times than burell. But he had 50 more hits. And Raul batted almost 50 points higher.
And Park "became" Eaton. I know Chan isn't Hamels or Myers but he is alot better than Eaton. And last years Cahmpionship team was throwing out junking every 5th day. Eaton couldn't find himself the whole year. Kendrick lost himself in the second half. Happ pitched well against the Mets but had his struggles against everyone else.
But Kendrick and Happ are looking good in spring training and Park is really picthing well. Big upgrade.
Are you, Greg, a Phillies hater?
Richard Large
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