MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies

The middle of last September felt like the previous three Septembers for Phillies fans, the team had a solid year, but would come up just a bit short for the Wild Card or the NL East title. What happened over the next two weeks will likely never be repeated in the history of Major League Baseball. The Phillies made up 7 games over the final 17 days of the season and captured the NL East crown on the final day of the season.

The Phillies success was due thanks in large part to the collapse of the Mets, but surprising performances from pitchers like Kyle Kendrick allowed the Phillies lineup to outscore opponents. The 2007 Phillies rotation didn't wow anybody last year, but with Brett Myers going back to the starting rotation this year the team could have a dominant 1-2 punch in Myers and Cole Hamels.

Now it's time to answer three questions about the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies.

(1) Will Brad Lidge be the answer the Phillies have been looking for in the bullpen?

The bullpen has been a sore spot for the Phillies for much of the decade. The Tom Gordon contract has been a mistake for the organization as his arm just simply had too much mileage to be an effective closer.

The Brad Lidge acquisition could be looked upon as the best off-season move in the game, as it helps the Phillies in two respects. First of all they are able to move Brett Myers back into the rotation, where he can likely give the team close to 200 innings this year. Secondly the Phillies may have the games best closer if he's able to clear his memory of his disastrous 2005 post-season where he gave up a crucial home run to Albert Pujols in the NLCS.

Lidge has been terribly inconsistent over the previous two seasons, but the Phillies hope a new change of scenery is all that Lidge needs to once again become the game's elite closer. Lidge did post a solid 3.36 ERA last season, but still has the tendency to give up many long balls, and that won't be aided by the fact that the Phillies play 81 games in one of the most hitter friendly parks in the NL.

(2) Will the Phillies be able to survive if Myers or Hamels goes down this year?

The clear answer here is a resounding NO, the Phillies were fortunate to make the playoffs last season, and they literally pieced together a rotation in September after Hamels missed a few starts. The Phillies don't need to have the NL's best staff to win, as their lineup is amongst the best in the game, but they do need more consistent work from their rotation this year.

Jamie Moyer who is almost old enough to receive Social Security will most likely be the third man in the rotation. Moyer has held up well in Philadelphia despite pitching in a hitter friendly ballpark. Moyer's age could creep up on him at any moment, and even though he doesn't throw hard, there is always a risk he could be shut down at some point this season.

Kyle Kendrick was a big reason the Phillies made the playoffs last season as he won 10 games for Philadelphia. Kendrick is counted on to be a key cog in the rotation, but he has had a disastrous spring and may be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation.

Adam Eaton was expected to take the 5th spot in the rotation but he has had an awful spring and just last week complained of back soreness. This is not good news for the Phillies as the Eaton signing has been a complete disaster for the franchise. If Eaton is unable to pitch, the club has very few solid alternatives and may be forced to sign Kyle Lohse off the Free Agent market.

(3) How will the subtraction of Aaron Rowand effect the rest of the lineup?

The Phillies will certainly miss Aaron Rowand, who had become one of the best all around Center Fielders in the game. Rowand left to sign a big contract with the Giants, the Phillies however do have solid alternatives. Philadelphia will shift Shane Victorino from RF to CF, and will use a combination of Jayson Werth and Geoff Jenkins to play RF.

The Phillies may sacrifice some power in the transition, but they should be able to withstand the departure of Rowand. The Phillies lineup is still going to be amongst the league leaders as MVP Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, and Chase Utley will continue to produce at an All Star level.

The big hole for the team will be 3B as the team still has no viable alternative there and will likely platoon Greg Dobbs and possibly Wes Helms. There is no doubt that if the Phillies are in the race near the trade deadline they will make a move to find a third baseman as the team desperately needs to address this weakness.

The 2008 Phillies should have a season very similiar to the previous two seasons in Philadelphia. The one difference being the miracle of 2007 is very unlikely to repeat itself, as the Phillies will need to address issues in their starting rotation and find a third basemen if they expect to win the necessary 90 games it will take to win the NL East this season.