Philadelphia Phillies Win Game 2: Why This Could Be The Start Of a Dynasty
On Friday night, the Phillies went up 2-0 against the Cincinnati Reds, coming back from behind to win 7-4. The Fightin' are on their way to Ohio and on their way to an NLDS series victory.
Think that is impressive? Well, you ain't seen nothin' yet, Phillies phans. This team is not only on the verge of competing for a World Series title, this just may well be the start of something truly special.
Um...can you say D-Y-N-A-S-T-Y?
Look, this isn't just a knee-jerk reaction to a couple of victories over a Cincinnati team that, while talented and deserving of being here, seems nervous and every bit as inexperienced as can be.
No, there are many reasons to objectively envision the winning ways going well beyond this season. Sure, Jayson Werth is eligible to declare free agency following the World Series, and by all accounts, will probably not return.
But this team and its management has shown a willingness to do what it takes to keep on keepin' on. The Roy Halladay trade and subsequent contract extension was pure brilliance, my friends.
Now, I know that many of you questioned Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr's sanity when he traded Cliff Lee, but let's face it, if they had kept Lee they would not have gone out and acquired Roy Oswalt and then there would be no H2O!
So let's forgive Amaro and instead focus on why this team can potentially be great for years to come.
How do we love thee Phils? Let us count the ways...
Roy Halladay Is Signed Through 2014
1 of 9
Perhaps the best pitcher in the game under team control for how many years? Shouldn't this be illegal? Fortunately for the Phillies it is simply fortunate not illegal, as Halladay is set to earn $20 million over 2011, 2012 and 2013, with a club option for 2014 at $20 million.
Sounds like this guy will be pitching for the Phils for a long time.
Not only has Halladay been one of the top pitchers in all of baseball over the years, but he answered the doubters that wondered if he could bring those same results to the big stage?
Well, how does a no-hitter in his very first postseason start grab you?
When you look up the definition of "ace" in the baseball dictionary, you see Halladay's picture.
That bodes well for the future, as the Phillies are one of the few teams to have their ace locked up for the foreseeable future.
The Best Second Baseman In Baseball Is Signed Through 2013
2 of 9
Chase Utley is not only the best second sacker in baseball, he is one of the overall top players in all of MLB.
You think his 2010 was a "down" season? Well, perhaps by his lofty standards.
But remember that the goal of every offense is to not make an out. And while his .276 batting average is below his career average, his .387 OBP is actually better than his career average and in case you didn't know, OBP is the single most important offensive stat.
This is a guy who has been successful in 50 of his last 54 stolen base attempts. Over 162 games, Utley has averaged almost 30 homers and has played great defense, his recent throwing problems notwithstanding.
In short, he is one of the best players in MLB and he will be a Phillies player for at least the next three seasons.
Sounds good to me.
Ryan Howard Will Man First Base Until 2017!
3 of 9
Baseball experts can nitpick all they want, but how many teams have their top power hitter locked up as long as the Phillies have Ryan Howard under contract?
Howard will be in the middle of the Phillies batting order for so many years, they might as well erect a statue in his honor now.
Does he strike out a lot? Sure, but so what? A strike out really isn't any worse than any other out and while the big man gets on base about 37 percent of the time over the course of his career, his power is as awesome as any in the game.
Yes, I know he makes a LOT of money but he is worth it. He will hit at least 30 homers and drive in 100 runs every year. And while his defense isn't great, it is good enough.
Howard will be under the Phillies control through 2016, with a $23 million option for 2017.
Sounds like the centerpiece of an offensive dynasty to me!
.png?w=256)
The Flyin' Hawaiian Is Under Contract Through 2012
4 of 9
Center fielder Shane Victorino is signed through 2012, and he will make less than $10 million per season throughout the life of the deal.
Victorino steals bases very well, successful in 34/40 this season plus he can get to the ball.
Though his batting average and OBP were down this year, his 18 homers were the most of his career.
The Phils should be glad this 29-year old is a keeper for the next couple of seasons!
Roy Oswalt Is a Phillies Starter Through 2012
5 of 9
Oswalt has a reasonable $16 million club option in 2012, so the club will have two Roys for the near future.
Don't look at his won-loss record, for that means nothing. Wins is a stupid stat to judge a pitcher by anyway, as a lot of that depends on your ballpark, defense, relief pitching and run support. So what if he went 13-13 in 2010?
Right-handed hitters hit only .196 against this guy and they should count their lucky stars that this is a pitcher who will be following Halladay in a staff that will lead the next dynasty.
Closer Brad Lidge Is Signed Through 2012
6 of 9
Lidge may not be the shutdown stopper he was in 2008 but how many teams can say they control their closer over the next couple seasons?
Lidge will make $1.5 million per year over the next two seasons with a $12.5 million option for 2012 (option increases to $13M with 60 GF in 2011 or 110 GF in 2010-11).
Look, since that unbelievable 2008 season, Lidge has saved 58 games out of 74 opportunities. While it is far short of his previous records, it is more than 75 percent.
Jimmy Rollins Is Under Contract Through 2011
7 of 9
Rollins has an $8.5 million option that the Phillies will definitely pick up, and while his 2010 may have been disappointing, with a .243 batting average, this is a guy who has been a key leader of the team and someone who is a switch-hitter who hits lefties very well.
Rollins is only three years from a 30-homer season plus he has been successful stealing 95 out of 107 attempts.
This is one of the leaders of the team.
Carlos Ruiz Is Signed Through 2013
8 of 9
Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has a friendly contract through 2012, with a 2013 option at $5 million.
Ruiz gets on base, to the tune of .400 this season. His .447 SLG is the highest of his career.
Phillies Have Dominic Brown To Take Werth's Place
9 of 9
I know, Jayson Werth will be hard to replace and for good reason as this guy is not only a terrific offensive outfielder but he is great defensively as well.
As a clubhouse influence, well, he is as positive as any player in baseball.
But Dominic Brown is a prospect that is expected to be a star. Keith Law has Brown being an influential 2011 player so why not replace Werth?
But we will miss that beard.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
