The 2008 Phillies. An era where Ryan Howard could hit a ball, and Chase Utley wasn't getting injured every day. An era where the Phillies were good. But it looks like that era is finally over, and it's time for a rebuild in Philadelphia.
The Phillies really didn't make a splash this offseason. Any guy I name, you will have absolutely no idea who he is. The team comes into the season with their best player undoubtedly being Cole Hamels. Cliff Lee is also a solid starter, and Jonathan's Papelbon has some talent at closing games, but is an even better whiner. With aging starts past their primes(Utley, Howard), Philly needs youth. Heres the lineup and rotation overview.
Ben Revere (CF) - Revere is what he is. A speedy, underrated CFer. He rarely strikes out, has good speed, and will quietly hit .290-.300(career .292/.325/.345). Revere is one of the lone highlights of this lineup.
Chase Utley (2B) - He is old and washed up. Utley, who batted .270 last year, has really fallen off since 2008, where he hit 33 home runs. He'll probably play half the games and bat .250. But he is still a Phillies hero.
Maikal Franco (3B) - Now here is the Phillies future. He can get on base, hit for contact and power, and isn't a bad fielder. He is one of the future cornerstones of the MLB and the Phillies should feel lucky to have him. Be warned.
Ryan Howard (1B) - Strikeout.
Domonic Brown (RF) - Another highlight of this lineup, Dom Brown. Well, 2 years ago he was a highlight. Coming off a year where he hit .235 with 10 HRs, the Phillies are hoping the now 27 year old can do something with his career.
Cody Asche (LF) - The former 3rd basemen now mans the outfield. He isn't horrible, and could be a backend lineup or bench player for the Phillies. He still has time to improve at 24.
Carlos Ruiz (C) - A couple years off his best times Chooch appears to be near the end of his career. The once heralded catcher batted .252 last year with 6 HRs. Don't expect him to do much.
Freddy Galvis (SS) - Once talked about as the future of the Phillies, Galvis is now an afterthought. He batted .176 last year, and is simply a place holder for the up and coming J.P. Crawford.
Rotation:
Cole Hamels - The rotation is much better then the lineup. Hamels is an all star who is still at the top of his game. But if he ends this season a Phillie, then something is wrong. Hamels can demand multiple prospects from any competing team, as he had a 2.46 ERA last year with 198 SOs.
Cliff Lee - Cliff is past his prime but continues to pitch well. In a bit of an injury plagued season he had a 3.65 ERA, but he can still be a perennial all star and be a good piece to a competing team.
Aaron Harrang - Harrang is the guy you see filling the 5 spot on a competing team, but he really isn't that bad. He finally got another chance last year and posted a 3.57 ERA with 161 strikeouts. Expect him to put up good #'s in the 3 spot.
Chad Billingsly - The guy hasn't pitched in forever. There isn't much to talk about.
Kevin Correia - He had an ERA of almost 6 last year in limited appearances. He isn't very good and is just a placeholder for the Phils.