| Scott Miller's Take |
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Slow Starts 'R Us sure would make life easier on themselves if they'd win a few games in April one of these years. The Phillies have the talent to win a second consecutive division title, but they'd be well advised to not rely on last year's blueprint, which had the New York Mets losing 12 of their final 17 while the Phils faced must-win situations every night. They met every challenge, but this year, boys, maybe you could leave something in the tank for the playoffs? Video Outlook
Strengths
It's musical chairs for NL MVP, where Jimmy Rollins won last year, Ryan Howard won two years ago and Chase Utley could win this year. At the very least, the Phillies tackle 2008 with three legitimate MVP candidates -- and four, if Pat Burrell picks up where he left off in 2007. The Phillies aren't pitching rich, but in Brett Myers, Cole Hamels and the cagey Jamie Moyer, they're fine. And with Brad Lidge as closer and Tom Gordon as the set-up man, they may not be overpowering, but they should have enough to win.
Weaknesses
The Phillies lost center fielder Aaron Rowand to San Francisco, and they had better make sure he didn't take all of their grit with him. Rowand was the glue to last year's comeback kids, and they're going to miss him. Geoff Jenkins won't fill the same role, but the former Milwaukee Brewer should lend a veteran presence that fits right in.
Difference Maker
Brett Myers. The Mets added a legimate staff ace in Johan Santana. The Braves reacquired Tom Glavine, which lengthens their rotation. Myers did yeoman's work as a closer last year, and if he does what he can for the rotation, the Phillies will have added someone to help keep pace with the Mets and Braves, too.
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| Top Prospects |
| 1. |
Carlos Carrasco, SP (R) |
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Slow start in Double-A kept him from potential 2007 contribution.
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| 2. |
Andrew Carpenter, SP (R) |
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System's pitcher of year likely starts in Double-A, but moves quick.
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| 3. |
Joe Savery, SP (L) |
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'07 No. 1 pick slipped due to signability, but he should arrive quick.
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| 4. |
Scott Mathieson, SP (H) |
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Comeback from Tommy John surgery will still require some work.
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| 5. |
Jason Donald , SS |
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Solid shortstop prospect blocked by Rollins.
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Complete NL East prospects |
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Brett Myers made 48 of his 51 appearances out of the bullpen last season after spending most of his career as a starter. (AP)
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| Team Info |
2007 record: 89-73 (1st in NL East)
Manager: Charlie Manuel, 4th year (262-224)
Stadium: Citizens Bank Park (43,500; grass)
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| Lineup |
| No. | Player | Comment |
| 1. | J. Rollins, SS | 1st in major league history with 30 2B, 20 3B, 30 HR and 30 SB in one season |
| 2. | S. Victorino, CF | Defense should transfer to center |
| 3. | C. Utley, 2B | Consistently putting up MVP numbers; third consecutive 100+ RBI season |
| 4. | R. Howard, 1B | Just won $10M arbitration, the highest by a 1st-year arbitration-eligible player |
| 5. | P. Burrell, LF | Returning for his 9th season with the Phils |
| 6. | G. Jenkins, RF | Might platoon here after hitting .215 vs. LHP last season and .262 vs. RHP |
| 7. | P. Feliz, 3B | Offense should be helped by move to Citizens' Bank Park |
| 8. | C. Ruiz, C | In 374 at-bats he hit 54 RBI and 6 HR with a .259 AVG |
| Pitching |
| Rotation | Comment |
| 1. |
B. Myers (R) |
Returning to the rotation after spending 2007 as the closer |
| 2. |
C. Hamels (L) |
A 15-game winnner last season but still trying to prove he can stay healthy |
| 3. |
K. Kendrick (R) |
Started sluggish in spring after leading NL rookies in wins last season |
| 4. |
J. Moyer (L) |
Veteran lefty was just shy of 200 IP last season |
| 5. |
A. Eaton (R) |
Nagging back could be a problem all season |
| Closer |
Comment |
| T. Gordon (R) |
Experienced replacement for B. Lidge |
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