2009 MLB Preview - Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies
Manager: Charlie Manuel (5th season)
2008 Record: 92-70 (1st NL East)
Postseason: World Series Champions

Added: OF Raul Ibanez (SEA), P Chan Ho Park (LAD)
Lost: OF Pat Burrell (TB)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. SS Jimmy Rollins (.277, 76 R,11 HR, 59 RBI, 47 SB) 2. CF Shane Victorino (.293, 102 R, 14 HR, 58 RBI, 36 SB) 3. 2B Chase Utley (.292, 113 R, 33 HR, 104 RBI, 14 SB) 4. 1B Ryan Howard (.251, 105 R, 48 HR, 146 RBI) 5. LF Raul Ibanez (.293, 85 R, 23 HR, 110 RBI) 6. RF Jayson Werth (.273, 73 R, 24 HR, 67 RBI) 7. 3B Pedro Feliz (.249, 43 R, 14 HR, 58 RBI) 8. C Carlos Ruiz (.219, 47 R, 4 HR, 31 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Cole Hamels (14-10, 3.09 ERA, 196 K) 2. Brett Myers (10-13, 4.55 ERA, 163 K) 3. Joe Blanton (9-12, 4.69 ERA, 111 K) 4. Jamie Moyer (16-7, 3.71 ERA, 123 K) 5. Chan Ho Park (4-4, 3.40 ERA, 79 K)

Bench
C Chris Coste, IF Greg Dobbs, IF Eric Bruntlett, OF Matt Stairs

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Brad Lidge (41 SV, 69.1 IP, 50 H, 92 K, 1.95 ERA), Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero (suspended 50 games), Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre

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Fantasy Studs: SS Jimmy Rollins, 2B Chase Utley, 1B Ryan Howard
Fantasy Sleepers: OF Jayson Werth

Men In The Minors: C Lou Marson, SS Jason Donald, OF Michael Taylor, SP Carlos Carrasco

Home Ballpark: Citizens Bank Park (Grade 8/10)

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Team Outlook: Not many people predicted the Phillies would win the World Series before the season began. People aren't going to be making that mistake once again. The team that won in 2008 looks very similar to the team that is about to begin playing in 2009. The pitching staff is pretty much unchanged. Hamels is still the stud, Blanton and Moyer (the ageless wonder) should provide 12-15 wins. Myers is a crapshoot and Park, well, we'll see. The bullpen is as strong as last year, even though Romero begins the year on suspension. The lineup is exactly the same besides Burrell moving out and Ibanez moving in. I see this as un upgrade for the Phils though. This is a team brimming with confidence after winning the division and winning the World Series. Expect them to contend for the division title once again. As far as the World Series, I'll just plan on them surprising me again.

Next Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates