Today I want to pursue if the 2009 collection of players can be better than the 2008 version. While it is insane to say the Phillies can do better than win the World Series championship, it is also said that you can't stand pat and hope to win it again. Improvement is a must, as all the other teams hope to be improved. Amaro has done a good job of bringing most of the team back, with a few changes here and there. Let's take a look at a guess for who can be improved over 2008 and who may go backwards. My Opinions of course:
Injuries
Utley - While he had a great start - his second half was below par (Will surgery fix him?)
Feliz - Thinking his injuries kept him from achieving his career averages (Surgery)
Bottom line here is improvement from these 2 players
Howard, Rollins and Ruiz
Howard - I think Howard will do the same or do better than last year.
The real improvement may come from a more consistent 1st half and his defense.
Rollins - Had a sub-par year last year - expect improvement.
Ruiz - Had a sub-par year last year - expect improvement
We now reviewed the 5 infielders and ALL 5 have an expectation for improvement - WOW!
Outfield
Victorino and Worth - I don't know here, They could be worse, better, or the same.
There is not enough history to be sure.
With these 2 players I feel there is a great potential for an Injury.
Ibanez - Great debate here - Left vs. Right, Older vs. younger, Consistent vs. streaky
I looked over the stats for the last 3 seasons, and Ibanez has better numbers.
But he also played more innings since Burrell was pulled so often.
I am considering this a push - With again a potential for injury
Bottom-Line: Outfield is a mystery for Better-or-Worse, but they better have good backups.
Pitching
Hamels - While he had a good year - he did not have a great record (14-10)
My guess - His record will improve, but that just means less wins for the bullpen
Meyers - Well he can certainly improve his first half, and now he can hit :-) (10-13)
Moyer - I am afraid there will be a slip here (16-7)
Blanton - Will he be better than Kyle Kendrick(11-9) was? (9-12)Total (4-0)Phils - Yes
5th starter - Will he be better the Adam Eaton - Nuf said
Bench
Bench is undefined at this point - but expect it to be the same
Bull Pen
Here is a place where the team could slip a bit.
Players like Durbin and Lidge may well come back to the pack.
Oh the other hand if Madson can repeat his late season magic - he will be better
Happ or Park will also be a welcome addition over the Gordon/Seanez combo last year
The lefty's and Condrey will be the same I guess
So what do we conclude
Infielders - all 5 have a possibility of being better
Outfielders - I feel all 3 could be a push
Starters - Combining them may be the same or a game or 2 better
Bench - Push
Bullpen - Good chance of going down hill
Seems to me the team has the potential to be better than 2008, if they can stay away from injuries like they did last year. There were a few 15 day DL visits (Lidge, Rollins, Victorino, Werth, Feliz) but for the most part they were major-injury free.
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I would agree for the most part. I believe the only key to the phils being able to pull it off again is for all the pitchers to all pitch out of their shoes as a group. Thats what got them to the playoffs last year. If they can pitch as a team I believe they will be able to hit as a team which will translate to a happier team with better chemistry.
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