Showing posts with label philadelphia phillies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philadelphia phillies. Show all posts

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Around The Diamond: 2011 Philadelphia Phillies Preview

It is time for our Spring Training Preview and were going to start it in the National League with the 2011 edition of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies made a big splash in the off-season with the signing of Cliff Lee. Adding Lee gives the Phillies the best rotation in baseball bar none. The Phillies can throw Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt, and probably Joe Blanton. That is starting pitcher any baseball club would be happy to have. The bullpen is anchored by Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson. Not that they will need them much with the starting pitching that they have right now.

On offense the Phillies lost Jayson Werth which was an important bat in the lineup. They should still be fine though as they have a lot of talent. Below is a tentative batting order for the Phillies.

1. Jimmy Rollins (SS)
2. Placido Polanco (3B)
3. Chase Utley (2B)
4. Ryan Howard (1B)
5. Carlos Ruiz (C)
6. Domonic Brown (RF)
7. Raul Ibanez (LF)
8. Shane Victorino (CF)

They still have the potential to score a bunch of runs. A healthy Jimmy Rollins could be the key to everything. If he can stay on the field and off the disabled list the Phillies could be the best team in baseball. On paper the Phillies should be an World Series favorite.