Spring training site
Clearwater, Fla.
2007 record
89-73, won NL East, lost in first round of playoffs to Rockies
New faces
RHP Kris Benson (free agent, Orioles); IF Eric Bruntlett (trade, Astros); RHP Chad Durbin (free agent, Tigers); 3B Pedro Feliz (free agent, Giants); OF Geoff Jenkins (free agent, Brewers); RHP Brad Lidge (trade, Astros); OF Chris Snelling (trade, Rays); OF So Taguchi (free agent, Cardinals)
Biggest offseason acquisition
Brad Lidge, if healthy, is one of the best closers in the National League. And that would allow Brett Myers to move back to the rotation, which could make both positions stronger.
Gone but not forgotten
The Phillies gave up on two center fielders in the offseason: Aaron Rowand and Michael Bourn. Bourn was part of the deal with the Astros for Lidge and is now Houston's leadoff hitter; Rowand left as a free agent and is now with the Giants.
Spring training battles
The bullpen is the biggest question mark, with many parts leaving from last season. And can they do without Brett Myers? Lidge's injured knee (suffered Feb. 22) only complicated matters.
Projected lineup
- SS Jimmy Rollins
- CF Shane Victorino
- 2B Chase Utley
- 1B Ryan Howard
- LF Pat Burrell
- RF Geoff Jenkins
- 3B Pedro Feliz
- C Carlos Ruiz
- Pitcher
Projected starting rotation
- RHP Brett Myers
- LHP Cole Hamels
- RHP Kyle Kendrick
- LHP Jamie Moyer
- RHP Adam Eaton
Projected bullpen
- Brad Lidge (closer)
- RHP Tom Gordon
- LHP J.C. Romero
- RHP Ryan Madson
- RHP Chad Durbin
- RHP Clay Condrey
- LHP Francisco Rosario
Biggest strength
The Phillies have the last two NL MVPs (Rollins and Howard) and another top talent in Utley. They will score runs.
Glaring weakness
This team succeeded in 2007 despite having a bullpen that was the very definition of patchwork. Any team that moves its opening-day starter to closer in April is definitely grasping at straws. But manager Charlie Manuel made it work. Can he do it again if necessary?
