Spring training site
Clearwater, Fla.
2008 record
90-72, won NL East, won NL pennant, won World Series
New faces
LF Raul Ibanez (free agent, Mariners); RHP Chan Ho Park (free agent, Dodgers); C Ronny Paulino (trade, Pirates); IF Marcus Giles (free agent, Padres); RHP Gary Majewski (free agent, Reds); IF Pablo Ozuna (free agent, Dodgers); IF Miguel Cairo (free agent, Mariners); OF John Mayberry (trade, Rangers); RHP Robert Mosebach (Rule 5, Angels)
Biggest offseason acquisition
Ibanez not only replaced Pat Burrell, he should be an offensive upgrade. Ibanez signed for three years and $31.5 million, which is a pretty big contract for this offseason, but Ibanez drove in 110 runs last season for a Seattle team that wasn't one of the better offensive teams in the league last season.
Gone but not forgotten
LF Pat Burrell (free agent, to Rays); RHP Tom Gordon (free agent, to Diamondbacks); RHP Adam Eaton (released, to Orioles); OF So Taguchi (free agent, to Cubs); LHP Les Walrond (free agent, to Japan)
Spring training battles
With Kyle Kendrick sent back to the minors, Chan Ho Park, J.A. Happ or Carlos Carrasco are pitching for the final spot in the Phillies' rotation. The everyday lineup is set.
Projected lineup
- SS Jimmy Rollins
- CF Shane Victorino
- 2B Chase Utley
- 1B Ryan Howard
- LF Raul Ibanez
- RF Jayson Werth
- 3B Pedro Feliz
- C Carlos Ruiz
Projected starting rotation
- LHP Cole Hamels
- RHP Brett Myers
- LHP Jamie Moyer
- RHP Joe Blanton
- LHP J.A. Happ
Projected bullpen
- RHP Brad Lidge (closer)
- RHP Ryan Madson
- LHP Scott Eyre
- RHP Chad Durbin
- RHP Clay Condrey
- RHP Gary Majewski
- RHP Chan Ho Park
Biggest strength
The 2008 world champions have to be considered the favorite in the National League again because they return virtually intact, and actually upgraded in left field. They can't expect Brad Lidge to be perfect at closer again, or for Jamie Moyer to win 16 games again. Unexpected things happen for teams when they try to repeat, but the Phillies should expect to be very good.
Glaring weakness
The depth in the starting rotation, perhaps. But it's not as pronounced as other teams. Without Cole Hamels, the rotation is just run of the mill, however.
