Defeat the Empire

In the early going in 2005, the Phillies appeared to be dead. They rested in last place in the NL East, as the only team under .500 in the division and were suffering from poor seasons from veterans like David Bell and Jim Thome, as well as some key injuries. But once June struck, the Phillies got hot, and thrust themselves into the playoff race with alot of help from young players, namely Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and and Robinson Tejeda.

The Phillies seem to be building their team around the right side of their infield, containing Utley and Howard. To make room at first base for Howard, they dealt Thome to the White Sox for Aaron Roward, who will start at centerfield. Rowand is a great defensive outfielder and also can contribute with the bat. With a lineup 1-8 of Jimmy Rollins, Rowand, Abreu, Utley, Pat Burrell, Howard, Mike Lieberthal, and David Bell, Philadelphia should be able to whack with the best in baseball.

The problem centers around the pitching. The rotation will contain three journeyman veterans in Corey Lidle, Jon Lieber, and Ryan Franklin, at least until Randy Wolf's return at midsummer. Ryan Madson may be shifted into the rotation, depending on what the Phils do with Robinson Tejeda, who had success last year as a starter. Young Brett Myers will be the ace of the staff after a breakout 2005 season.

The bullpen is also weak. Unable to win a bidding war with the Mets to retain closer Billy Wagner, the Phils signed aging Yankee setup man Tom Gordon to close. Philadelphia also whiffed in their pursuit of Braden Looper, and now are stuck with Arthur Rhodes and Ricardo Rodriguez as setup men.

In short, the Phillies are the NL East's version of the Yankees or Red Sox, but just not nearly as proficient. While the offense will score runs, especially at home, the pitching is simply too weak at this juncture to forsee this team making inroads into the postseason. Outlook: 3rd Place, NL East