NLDS Preview: Phillies Offense

This is featured in part of Phillies Nation's NLDS Preview.

The Phillies have established themselves as an offensive ball club. The Phillies have become one of the league’s top powerhouses offensively. It might be surprising to hear that the Reds collected better offensive stats as a whole, however the Phillies were without several of their star players over the course of the year.

From the top of the order to the bottom, the offense is now completely healthy.The Phillies scored 772 runs this year, and batted .260 as a team. They only hit 166 home runs, which is 58 fewer than last year. The lack of home run production can be blamed on Ryan Howard, who hit an career-low 31 home runs this year. The power drop-off can also be a side effect of numerous injuries. Chase Utley hit half as many home runs as he averages, but he didn’t get near as many at-bats with his injury.

The Phillies have relied on small ball this year more than ever. Even without Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies still managed to have the best stolen base percentage in the majors (84%).

Johnny Cueto will start game three, and the Phillies have rocked him. Cueto has a 5.96 ERA in his career against the Phillies.

Ryan Howard has faired well in his career against the Reds. He has a 1.030 OPS against Cincy. Chase Utley has similar success. He has a 1.078 OPS in his career against the Reds. With the exceptions of Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz, none of the regulars had career years. Compared to their potential, most of them had down years. That says a lot, considering that the Phillies still managed to finish with one of the league’s top offenses.

Watch out for: Ryan Howard (.921 career postseason OPS), Carlos Ruiz (.400 OBP this year, .905 career postseason OPS).

Postseason Predictions:

Division Series

Phillies over Reds in 4
Giants over Braves in 5
Rangers over Rays in 4
Twins over Yankees in 5

Championship Series

Phillies over Giants in 6
Rangers over Twins in 7

World Series

Phillies over Rangers in 5

2010 Preview: Predictions

It's hard to believe that the baseball season will be officially underway tonight! It's about time! In the meantime, here are Swing and a Long Drive's 2010 season predictions.

American League

AL East

1. Yankees: (95-67)
2. Red Sox: (93-69) *WC*
3. Rays: (83-79)
4. Orioles: (73-89)
5. Blue Jays: (69-93)

AL Central

1. Twins: (88-74)
2. White Sox: (86-76)
3. Tigers: (82-80)
4. Royals: (71-91)
5. Indians: (70-92)

AL West

1. Mariners (90-72)
2. Rangers (88-74)
3. Angels (84-78)
4. A’s: (79-83)

ALDS: Red Sox over Twins
ALDS: Yankees over Mariners
ALCS: Yankees over Red Sox

AL MVP: Alex Rodriguez, NYY
AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, SEA
AL Rookie of the Year: Brian Matusz, BAL

AL Surprise Player: Billy Butler, KC
AL Player to Watch: Max Scherzer, DET
AL Disappointing player: Jake Peavy, CWS

AL Surprise Team: Baltimore Orioles (won't compete, but improved)
AL Disappointing Team: Los Angeles Angels

National League

NL East

1. Phillies (95-67)
2. Mets (89-73)
3. Braves (88- 74)
4. Marlins (81-81)
5. Nationals (73-89)

NL Central

1. Cardials (91-71)
2. Brewers (89-73)
3. Reds (84-78)
4. Cubs (84-78)
5. Astros (79-83)
6. Pirates (70-92)

NL West

1. Dodgers (93-69)
2. Rockies (92-68) *WC*
3. Giants (90-72)
4. Diamondbacks (77-85)
5. Padres (69-93)

NLDS: Phillies over Rockies
NLDS: Cardinals over Dodgers
NLCS: Phillies over Cardinals

NL MVP: Albert Pujols, STL
NL Cy: Roy Halladay, PHI
NL Rookie of the Year: Jason Heyward, ATL

NL Surprise Player: Hunter Pence, HOU
Player to watch: Madison Bumgarner, SF
NL Disappointing player: Jayson Werth, PHI

NL Surprise Team: Washington Nationals (won't compete, but improved)
NL Disappointing Team: Los Angeles Dodgers (but still have enough for the division)

Homerun Leaders: Ryan Howard, Alex Rodriguez
ERA Leaders: Roy Halladay, Felix Hernandez
Strikeout Leaders: Tim Lincecum, Felix Hernandez

World Series Champions: Phillies over Yankees in 6

World Series Preview: Pitching

Two of the best teams in baseball will face head to head for their chance to win the Commissioner’s Trophy. The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees have two of the top offenses in baseball, but pitching will play a factor in who becomes the 2009 World Champions.

The Yankees pitching staff can be praised with the numbers they’ve put up in the American League. The pitching staffs match up closely. During the regular season, the Phillies posted a 4.16 earned run average. The Yankees had a team ERA of 4.26, but right now they have some hot hands; the Yankees posted a 2.46 ERA during the playoffs. The two teams have an identical WHIP: 1.35. Both bullpens have posted a 3.91 ERA.

Lee vs. CC

Former Cleveland Indians and Cy Young winners Cliff Lee and CC Sabathia will duel in game one. Unlike the 2008 NLDS, Sabathia will not be pitching on three days of rest. Like Alex Rodriguez, Sabathia has been a much better player during this postseason than in the past. CC is 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA this postseason. Either way, CC vs. Shane: Part II, will be exciting.

Lee’s 0.74 ERA this postseason is self-explanatory. However, he is 4-4 with a 5.02 ERA against New York.

The Other Starters

After CC, the Yankees rotation is set for A.J Burnett followed by Andy Pettitte. Burnett struggled in the ALCS, giving up eight runs in 12.1 innings against the Angels. Burnett, an offseason acquisition, will allow a lot of base runners (1.40 WHIP). Pettitte has a 2.37 ERA this postseason.

Pedro Martinez, the Yankees’ “daddy,” will start game two. Cole Hamels gets pushed back to game three after an inconsistent season. Joe Blanton or J.A Happ could start, but look for them in the bullpen.

Closer

Is there even an argument here? Mariano Rivera is one of the best closers of all time. Brad Lidge has improved during the postseason, but he is no Mo.

Set-Up Man

Joe Girardi put Rivera in for a six-out save in the final game of the ALCS. That shows his lack of confidence in his bullpen. Girardi said that he was going to stick with Phil Hughes, despite his struggles. The 23-year old has given up 3 runs and allowed eleven base runners in 4.2 innings during the playoffs.

Ryan Madson has struggled at times, but his changeup accompanies his high-velocity fastball nicely. We may see others in the eighth, but right now Madson is the go-to guy.

The Rest of the Bullpen

Joba Chamberlin has been shuffled from starter to reliever, but the bullpen is the place he is most effective. The ‘pen is also anchored by Phil Coke who has yet to allow a run in the postseason.

Chad Guadin, Damaso Marte, Alfredo Aceves and David Robertson will also be in the ‘pen.

Chan Ho Park has pitched well since his return from a hamstring injury. Brett Myers is back after being left off the NLCS roster, but Myers likes to use his struggles as motivation.

Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre and Antonio Bastardo will also be in the ‘pen, but also having a few starters gives the Phils an advantage.

Prediction

In 2007, I predicted that the Phillies would beat the Rockies in the NLDS. I haven’t made a playoff prediction since. It worked out in 2008, and so far in 2009, so why change that? Cliche? Superstition? You bet – but also take it as a favor. That’s what a fan does: stick with what is working.

With that being said, I’ll be sitting in the same seat. I will make one exception: the series goes six games.

HR Derby Prediction: Howard Wins It

Also featured on Phillies Nation.

Ryan Howard will be participating in the 2009 State Farm Home Run Derby, and he has a good chance of winning. Howard won the derby in 2006 and lost in 2007.

The other contestants are Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder, Joe Mauer, Brandon Inge, Carlos Pena, and Nelson Cruz. There will be competition and a large power display with these participants (mainly from the NL competitors), but I think Howard will win.

In front of his home crowd, Pujols is the favorite. All pressure is on him. But Howard will be in his home town, St. Louis. He has had success at Busch Stadium, and could bring that success into the derby.

In 2006, Howard hit eight in the first round, ten in the semi-finals, and five in the finals, totaling 23 home runs. Howard had an advantage by batting last, so he knew how many homers he needed.

Howard returned to the 2007 derby trying to protect his crown, but he hit only three home runs. However, the 2007 Home Run Debry was one of the worst in recent memory. AT&T Park, a pitcher's park, was not made for a home run competition.

At Busch Stadium, the dimensions are 336 in left, 390 in left center and right center, 400 in center, and 335 to right. It is a fair park, however Howard has 7 home runs in 63 at-bats at Busch. His best shot at winning is pulling it to right, and occasionally to straight-away centerfield. He may get into trouble if he starts hitting to the opposite field or right-center like he did in 2007.

Here are my predictions for Howard for each round:

Round One: 13 HR (On a side note, I'm predicting Mauer, Pujols, Fielder, and Howard to advance to semis)
Semi-Finals: 8 HR
Finals: 7 HR, Howard edges Pujols for win.

Remember, the first two rounds are added together, but the two finalist start fresh in the Finals.

I expect it to be much like 2006, with the only difference being that Ramon Henderson will not be pitching to Howard. Howard will be bringing his former high school coach, Deron Spink.

If you're worried about Howard falling into a slump after the derby, think again. Howard batted .355 with 30 HR and had a 1.206 OPS after the 2006 HR Derby. In 2007 he batted .280 with 26 HR and had a 1.016 OPS after the HR Derby.

Howard isn't going to break Josh Hamilton's record for most home runs in a round (28) or Abreu's record (41 total), however I expect him to a put on a show.

HR Derby & All Star Game for Howard

There is that whole "who should be an All Star? The voting system stinks" debate. That's all fun and games. There may be other players who deserve it more than Ryan Howard (Pablo Sandoval, etc.) however, Charlie Manuel picked Howard as a reserve and he had his reasons.

First off, Howard is Phillie. Manuel's players are the reason he is coaching the All Star Game.

He is from St. Louis. He has great numbers at Busch Stadium. In 17 games, Howard is batting .381 (24-for63) with 7 HR and 29 RBI. His on-base percentage is .536, his slugging percentage is .746 and his OPS is 1.282.

The National League has four first baseman (Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder and Howard), so chances are Howard will not play. However, Manuel feels that Howard is a reliable bat off the bench to pinch hit. He has proven he can hit in his hometown.

Also, on the All Star ballots, there was a section to vote for who the fans would like to see in the HR Derby. Howard finished second in the balloting, and he will indeed participate in the home run derby. Howard won the derby in 2006.

If I were a betting woman, I'd bet on Howard to win the Home Run Derby. He won it before. He didn't make it far in 2007, but look at the park he played in; AT&T Park. Home runs weren't flying that night.

This year, he'll be up against Pujols, Gonzalez, and Fielder, so far. Tough competition. This is Howard's chance to shine in front of his hometown. He may not get an ovation like Josh Hamilton last year, but I am sure he'll get a good one. As long as he hits homers, which he is known to do, the crowd will be behind him.

I think he will win it. Only one question remains: Will Ramon Henderson pitch to him?

2009 Preview: End of the Year Player Predictions

Here are some early pre-season predictions for the 2009 season.

American League Rookie of the Year: Matt Wieters, Orioles
National League Rookie of the Year: Cameron Maybin, Marlins

AL MVP: Grady Sizemore, Indians
NL MVP: David Wright, Mets

AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay- Blue Jays
NL Cy Young: Tim Lincecum- Giants

Homerun Leaders

NL: Ryan Howard- Phillies
AL: Miguel Cabrera- Tigers

ERA Leaders

NL: Tim Lincecum- Giants
AL: Roy Halladay- Blue Jays

Strikeout Leaders

NL: Tim Lincecum- Giants
AL: CC Sabathia- Yankees

AL Surprise Team: Oakland A's
NL Surprise Team: San Francisco Giants

AL Disappointing Team: Tampa Bay Rays (I think they'll still be good, but not like last year)
NL Disappointing Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

AL Surprise Player: Alex Gordon- Royals
NL Surprise Player: Jayson Werth- Phillies

AL Disappointing player: AJ Burnett- Yankees
NL Disappointing player: Derek Lowe- Braves

2009 Preview: Playoff Predictions

I previewed and gave my predictions of the standings for the 2009 season, so just for fun, here is a wild post season "prediction." Don't take these predictions too seriously.

NLDS: Phillies over Diamondbacks, Mets over Cubs

NLCS: Phillies over Mets

ALDS: Yankees over Angels, Indians over Red Sox

ALCS: Yankees over Indians

World Series: Phillies over Yankees in seven games

A repeat is going to be tough, but as long as someone gets to the playoffs, anything can happen. Maybe I just have a combination of phaith and phever.

2009 Preview: NL West

After previewing the AL West, here are my predictions for the National League West

1. Arizona Diamondbacks- Division Winners

Pitching wins championships, and the D-backs are loaded with pitching. Braden Webb and Dan Haren provide an excellent 1-2 punch. Jon Garland was recently added, and Max Scherzer could have a bright future in front of him. Chad Qualls will close, but their bullpen has some question marks.

Their offense has the likes off Connor Jackson, Justin Upton, Stephen Drew, and the young and powerful Chris Young.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have a strong lineup that includes Manny Ramirez, Russell Martin, James Loney, Andre Eithier and Matt Kemp. However, the Dodgers need pitching depth. Chad Billingsley and Johnathan Broxton should put up good numbers, and Clayton Kershaw and James McDonald look to be promising young pitchers, but the Dodgers still need pitching.

3. Colorado Rockies

Even though the Rockies traded Matt Holliday, the Rockies can still score a ton of runs at Coors Field. Todd Helton may be another year older, but he is still capable of putting up good numbers. Brad Hawpe and Garrett Atkins remain in the Rockies lineup, Troy Tulowitzski returns from injuries and Chris Iannetta could become their next star player.

Aaron Cook is the ace Ubaldo Jiminez and Franklin Morales have a ton of potential and can strike out batters easily. Huston Street will be their new closer with Fuentes gone.

4. San Francisco Giants

Tim Lincecum, the 2008 NL Cy Young winner, will be the ace of the staff and will be followed by Matt Cain and newly acquired Randy Johnson. Despite his age, baring health, Johnson can still dominate, and pitching in a pitchers park will only benefit him. The Giants also added Jeremy Affedlt and Edgar Renteria.

The Giants think they have a star in their hands with third baseman Pablo Sandoval, a rookie.

5. San Diego Padres

Despite the power of Adrian Gonzalez, the Padres do not have a strong offense in the least bit. Kevin Kouzmanoff could add to the offense along with Brian Giles, but the Padres have a weak offense.

Outside of ace Jake Peavy, their pitching isn't great, unlike what it was during the 2006 season. Health Bell will take over as closer and Chris Young will be back from an injury.

2009 Preview: NL Central

After previewing the AL Central, here are my predictions for the National League Central

1. Chicago Cubs- Division Winners

The Cubs have a lineup that should be able to produce a lot of runs with Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, Derek Lee, and 2008 NL Rookie of the Year, Geovanny Soto.

The Cubs also have pitching depth with Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, and Ryan Dempster. If Rich Harden stays healthy, the Cubs have themselves one of the top pitchers in the game. Kevin Gregg will take over as closer, but Carlos Marmol has been a top reliever. The Cubs also seem to like their reliever, Jeff Samardzija. It's been 100 years since the Cubbies won a World Series, and they'll look to reverse the curse.

2. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are another team with a strong lineup. Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder lead the way with J.J. Hardy and Cory Hart following. The Brewers have young and very talented pitchers on the rise such as Yovanni Gallardo and Manny Parra.

3. St. Louis Cardinals

There is no doubt Albert Pujols is going to put up MVP type numbers. Pujols, Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel can each drive in runs. However, the Cardinals had some of the worst pitching last season, mainly due to injuries. Their pitching isn't strong, but hope to be better now that Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter return.

4. Cincinatti Reds

Jay Bruce and Joey Votto are expected to do big things in their careers. Edison Volquez and Johnny Cueto are pitchers that have potential to make hitters look silly. Their veterans, Brandon Phillips, Aaron Harang, and closer Fransico Coredero are all capable of great seasons, but the Reds still have some holes that need to be filled.

5. Houston Astros

The 'Stros have a lineup that includes Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee, Hunter Pence, and Miguel Tejada. But other than Roy Oswalt, the Astros don't have much pitching at all.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates

Sixteen consecutive losing seasons and counting. Catcher Ryan Doumit and outfielder Nate McClouth had break out seasons last year. Matt Capps will close, and Paul Maholm will be the ace of the staff, but the Pirates lack pitching.

2009 Preview: NL East

After looking at the AL East, here are my predictions for the National League East:

1. Philadelphia Phillies- Division Winners

The Phils will try to defend their title, something that hasn't been done since the Yankees from 1998-2000. Other than a few minor injuries, the Phillies stayed healthy in 2008, an important key to a World Series team. Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz each had surgery and Cole Hamels experienced soreness in his elbow during spring. Jayson Werth, Chris Coste, Chad Durbin and Brad Lidge all had a few setbacks this spring, but all appear to be healthy now.

Another key factor for the Phillies success was their bullpen, one of the best in baseball. Lidge was perfect in save opportunities, a rare feat that seems impossible to repeat. J.C Romero, a key contributor is also suspended for 50 games.

With Pat Burrell in Tampa, the Phillies will have to rely on Raul Ibanez in left, who should put up numbers somewhere in Burrell's ballpark. That makes three left handed bats in the batting order, a nightmare for right handed pitchers. The Phils have a potent lineup that includes Ryan Howard, who led MLB in HR and RBI last season.

The rotation looks the same, other than Chan Ho Park will be the fifth starter instead of Kyle Kendrick, who is the minor leagues. If Park does not succeed, the Phillies always have J.A Happ.

2. New York Mets (Wild Card Winners)

The reason the Mets didn't win the division in 2008 was because of their bullpen. The Mets turned their bullpen from the worst to one of the best this off season with the additions of J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez.

The Mets ace remains Johan Santana, one of the best in the business. Mike Pelfrey, who had a good 2008 season will start behind Santana. John Maine will back in the rotation after recovering from an injury and newly acquired Livan Hernandez will be the 5th starter.

The Mets also have to MVP caliber players in David Wright and Jose Reyes. Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado also return.

3. Florida Marlins

The Marlins have a lot of young talent. Ricky Nolasco, their ace, had a terrific season last season, and Chris Volstad looks to be a promising young pitcher. While Hanley Ramirez is the best player on team, the Marlins could have a rising star in outfielder Cameron Maybin.

4. Atlanta Braves

The Braves improved their rotation with the additions of Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez. They have a lineup that included Brian McCann, and if Chipper Jones stays healthy and Jeff Francouer comes back from a down season, they have a terrific lineup.

5. Washington Nationals

The Nats aren't going to lose 100 games again, but they will likely finish last. They are an improved team and have some young talent on the rise. They added slugger Adam Dunn, Scott Olsen, Daniel Cabrera, and Josh Willingham. They are also high on catcher Jesus Flores and fifth starter Jordan Zimmermann.

2009 Preview: AL West

Here is my preview for the 2009 American League West

1. Los Angeles Angels- Division Winners

The Angles are stacked with pitching. John Lackey, Ervin Santana, and Joe Saunders are among the Angels starters. Brian Fuentes will take over Francisco Rodriguez's job as a closer, and Scot Shields continues to have success in the bullpen.

The Angles also signed Bobby Abreu to join outfielders Torii Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero. Howie Kendrick missed a lot of time last season due to injury, but looks to play a full year with the Halos. The Angels are without Garrett Anderson, but have Mike Napoli who can provide some power from the catcher position.

2. Oakland Athletics

Not only have the A's added Matt Holliday and Jason Giambi, but they have a lot of young talent. Justin Duschschener and Dave Eveland will lead the A's rotation, and Brad Ziegler and Joey Devine will control the bullpen. Eric Chavez will return from injuries and provide gold glove type defense.

3. Texas Rangers

The Rangers have an explosive lineup that includes Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Chris Davis, Hank Blalock and Michael Young. However, they lack pitching depth. Kevin Millwood and Vincente Padilla are their top starters.

4. Seattle Mariners

There is not doubt that Ichiro will shine with the Mariners. The Mariners brought back Ken Griffey Jr., but lost J.J. Putz and Raul Ibanez. Brandon Morrow appears to be a promising closers and Felix Hernandez has already had success at the major league level. Adrian Beltre provides power at third, and Erik Bedard will return from an injury.

2009 Preview: AL Central

Here are my predictions for the American League Central, which will most likely be one of the weaker divisions in baseball:

1. Cleveland Indians- Division Winners

Cliff Lee returns after winning the Cy Young, and Fausto Carmona will come back from an injury along with catcher Victor Maritez. The Indians have an MVP caliber player in Grady Sizemore. Travis Hafner looks to rebound from another disappointing season. Kerry Wood will look to stay healthy and do the closing for his new team.

2. Minnesota Twins

The Twins lost a one game playoff last year, and hope to end The Metrodome on a strong note. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau could each finish somewhere near the top of the MVP standings. The Twins are also high on rookie Denard Span. Francisco Liriano will once again return from an injury. Joe Crede moves from the White Sox to their rivals and Joe Nathan is always there to close the door in the ninth.

3. Chicago White Sox

The White Sox won the division last season. They have a solid rotation led by Mark Buerhle and a lineup led by Carlos Quentin and Jim Thome. Gavin Floyd will have to prove 2008 was not a fluke along with Alexei Ramirez

4. Detroit Tigers

The Tigers were expected to dominate the Central last season, but never came close. They have a strong lineup that includes Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez. However, outside of Justin Verlander, the Tigers do not have strong pitching.

5. Kansas City Royals

The Royals have an ace in Zach Grienke and star close Joakim Soria. Alex Gordon seems to be a promising young player and Billy Butler has done a decent job as the DH. The Royals added Coco Crisp to their lineup and Sidney Ponson to their rotation.

2009 Preview: AL East

The 2009 season begins this weekend and to build up to it, Swing and a Long Drive brings you a preview of the upcoming season. In this series, I will share my personal predictions for the season, the Phillies, teams around MLB, key players in the game as well as who and what to look out for.

Here is a preview and my predictions for the 2009 American League East.

1. New York Yankees- Divison Winners

The Yankees improved their by adding C.C Sabathia and A.J Burnett to their rotation and first baseman Mark Teixeira. Chein-Ming Wang and Jorge Posado return from injuries, but Alex Rodriguez will miss time due to one. Don't forget the captain, Derek Jeter, and Mo, Mariano Rivera, who will try to help bring the team back to the playoffs.

2. Boston Red Sox- Wild Card

Reigning AL MVP Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz and ace Josh Beckett will try to bring the Red Sox back to the World Series after being eliminated in the ALCS last season. No Manny, but the Sox have Jason Bay in left, a talented rookie named Jed Lowrie at shortstop, Mike Lowell who return from an injury at third and Kevin Youkilis at first and Jonathan Papelbon to shut the door in the ninth.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

Can the Rays repeat their Cinderella story? Only now it won't be as Cinderella-ish with the emergence of Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton, and start pitchers Scott Kazmir and James Shields. The Rays also added Pat Burrell as their DH, and have Carl Crawford in left. Troy Percival will return to do the closing, but can the Rays bullpen hold up again? In 2007 they had one of the worst in the leagues, but amazingly turned it around a year later. The Rays also have ALCS hero David Price, who will start the year in the minors.

4. Toronto Blue Jays

Ace Roy Halladay always seems to be a candidate for the Cy Young award. The Jays have some hitters like Vernan Wells and Alex Rios, and closer B.J Ryan returning, but don't have much of a core. They seem to like left fielder Travis Snider, but their going to need some more depth, especially in the pitching department.

5. Baltimore Orioles

Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Brian Roberts are all talented players. However, the O's need more pitching depth. After Jeremy Guthrie, the O's don't have a strong rotation as well as their bullpen that revolves around George Sherrill.

2009 Pitching Outlook With IRONPIGPEN

An Iron Pigs blog, IRONPIGPEN, The Pork Stops Here! predicted the Phillies lineup for the 2009 season. Please click the link to see more on IRONPIGPEN's picks in the From the Top Series. Click to see the position players outlook.

IRONPIGPEN’s Starters: Hamels, Moyer, Myers, Blanton, Kendrick

My Pick: Hamels, Myers, Blanton, Moyer, Happ

(NOTE: I put my starting rotation in the actual order I expect this season. IPP’s are in no special order)

Hamels is the ace of the staff. There’s no question about it. I think Myers will be second, followed by Blanton. I think Myers is going to have a good year this year. He has his ’swagger’ back, and has dropped thirty pounds. In order for Myers to succeed, he needs to be mentally ready and I think he is. I’d put Moyer fourth because of his age. I don’t think he’ll have the year he did last season, but I still think he can be successful. The fifth spot all depends on Spring Training, but despite what Rich Dubee (Phillies coach) may say, I think it is Happ’s job to lose.

IRONPIGPEN’s bullpen: Lidge, Eyre, Durbin, Madson, Condrey, Park, Happ, Borkowski

My pick: Lidge, Eyre Durbin, Madson, Condrey, Park, Borkowski / Majewski / Bisenius

My first four listed are all guaranteed spots. Condrey always has to win his job in spring, but I think his spot is safe this year. I think Happ will be in the starting rotation, but if he is not, he’ll be in the bullpen. I am not a fan of this. I like Happ as a starter and would rather have him in the minor leagues starting as compared to being in the bullpen. His future is as a starter, and he didn’t have much success out of the pen last season.

With Romero suspended 50 games, the Phillies need some more bullpen depth. They could trade for somebody, but if they don’t and assuming Happ is in the rotation, then the last two spots are pretty much up for grabs. I think it will come down to Borkowski, Majewski, and Bisenius, but it will not be settled until the end of spring training. Someone least expected could always pop up.

2009 Outlook With IRONPIGPEN

An Iron Pigs blog, IRONPIGPEN, The Pork Stops Here! predicted the Phillies lineup for the 2009 season. Please click the link to see more on IRONPIGPEN's picks in the From the Top Series. Click to see the pitching outlook.

IRONPIGPEN’s Catchers: Ruiz, Paulino

My pick: Agree. I think Chris Coste will be traded before the end of spring training. I’m a fan of Lou Marson, but unless one of the catchers gets injured, he’ll likely be somewhere in the minor leagues until September.

IRONPIGPEN’s Infielders: Howard, Utley, Ozuna, Rollins, Feliz, Dobbs

My pick: Howard, Utlely, Rollins, Bruntlett, Feliz, Dobbs

The starters are obvious picks. The only questions are whether Feliz (back) and Utley (hip) will be ready for Opening Day. Feliz should be ready, and so far Utley is ahead of schedule. However, if Utley were to miss some games, I think (Jason) Donald will get the call. (Marcus) Giles, (Eric) Bruntlett, or (Pablo) Ozuna could get the job, but I think Donald will impress this spring. I think the Phillies liked how Bruntlett filled in last year defensively for Rollins, and Bruntlett will be on the bench for defensive purposes both in the infield and outfield.

IRONPIGPEN’s Outfielders: Ibanez, Jenkins, Werth, Victorino

My pick: Agree. The Phillies need a right-handed bat and a left-handed relief pitcher. They are stacked with left-handed batters, and either Matt Stairs or Jenkins will be moved for somebody to fill one of those holes. My guess is Stairs. John Mayberry has a chance to make the club, but I don’t see it happening.

The number of bench players depends on how many pitchers the Phillies decide to use in their bullpen. Assuming they are going with a thirteen man staff, there will be four bench players. My outlook is Paulino, Bruntlett, Dobbs, and Jenkins unless they gain a right-handed bat off the bench.

Jimmy Isn't Done

Comcast Sportsnet's Marshall Harris interviewed Jimmy Rollins and asked him about a prediction for the upcoming season. Recently, Rollins predicted 112 wins. Now, he'd like to add onto that prediction.

Rollins also predicted:

• Someone on the Phillies will win the MVP
• Cole Hamels will win the Cy Young Award
• Brad Lidge will continue his streak
• There will be another parade down Broad Street
  

Not only is he very confident, Rollins isn't afraid, that is for sure.

In other Phillies news, Ryan Howard signed a deal, and CSN reports that Howard has reported to Spring Training early, working on become a more all around player, working to improve his defense.

The video, courtesy of "The Fightins"

JRoll's Latest Prediction

It's that time of the year. Time for Jimmy Rollins' annual prediction for the Philadelphia Phillies on Comcast Sportsnet's show, Daily New Live.

His previous predictions:

2007: Team to beat

2008: 100 wins

So what does he have installed for this season? JRoll's 2009 prediction: 112 wins.

Rollins has been correct on both of his previous predictions, but this one may be a stretch. Rollins backed up 2007, winning the MVP and making the postseason. In 2008, the Phillies won a total of 103 games, including the postseason. But 2009 may be different. The last team that was around that mark was the Seattle Mariners in 2001 with 116.

Is he out of his mind? Maybe. As long as he can make a statement on the field and win another World Series Championship, everything will be alright.