Philadelphia Phillies: 6 Bold Predictions for Phils' 2012 Season

Can the Fightin's muster up enough strength this upcoming season to return to glory?  Do they have enough depth to withstand a 162-game season?  Are they too old to be great on a day-to-day basis?

These are the questions Phillies fans have been asking themselves since the 2011 season came to an abrupt end.  Follow along to see what will happen this upcoming 2012 season.

#6: The Phillies Will Not Win the NL East

Although they undoubtedly have the best pitching staff in the NL East, their bats are getting weaker and weaker each year.  The Braves, Marlins and Nationals are also all getting younger, while the Phillies are only getting older.

With Howard out, most likely Ibanez back in left ('cause, let's face it, he won't turn down arbitration), who knows who taking the helm at shortstop and a waning Polanco at third, the Phils bats could be as quiet as Sunday Mass.

No. 5: One of the Aces Will NOT Be a Factor This Season

Halladay, Lee and Hamels—one of these three will have an unproductive season.  How so?  Very rarely, in today's baseball world, do pitchers go through their career without having any serious injuries.  None of these three have had any major arm problems during their career...

Which of the three will it be?  I'll leave that up for you to decide

No. 4: Cole Hamels Will Lead the Team in Wins

Why will he beat out two Cy Young winners?  Because he is in a contract season.  

Cole has made it clear that he wants to get paid like a premier pitcher—and why not? He deserves it.  After all, he did win the 2008 NLCS and World Series MVP, leading the Phillies to a World Series championship.

All players bring their A-game in contract seasons.  Heck, look what Jayson Werth did to land himself a seven-year, $126 million contract with division foe Washington Nationals.  

Cole has been a Phillie his entire career and has been very loyal to the team taking the back seat when they signed studs like Halladay, Lee and Oswalt.  He now wants to be paid like the big boys. 

No. 3: Chase Utley Will Not Be the Man

There is no doubt that Chase Utley is one of the most beloved athletes the City of Brotherly Love has ever seen.  He is blue collar, works hard and always gives 110 percent.  And who can't love him after his post 2008 world series parade speech (if you don't know what I am talking about, I highly recommend you look it up)?

However, his production in the past of couple years has been on a serious decline.  Not to mention the fact that he has suffered from numerous nagging injuries.

His very presence though gives all the players in the clubhouse a boost of energy, so he will still be a leader.  Unfortunately, I think he is past his prime and way past the point where Hary Kalas proclaimed, "Chase Utley you are the man!"

No. 2: Howard Won't Get in His Groove

Over Ryan Howard's career, he has averaged 35 homers per season and an astronomical 150 strikeouts per season.  That has been his mode of operation, though.  He is suppose to provide the big knock when need be and drive in runs.

However, he ended the 2010 season by making the last out of the NLCS by looking at strike three go right by him, and he ended the 2011 season by grounding out in Game 5 of the NLDS.

Also, on that ground out, the slugger tore his Achilles tendon, which will keep him sidelined for at least the first month of the season, if not more.  He will miss spring training and will be thrown into action.  He won't find his grove like he usually does toward the later months of the season

Let's hope Thome and Mayberry can step up!

No. 1: Despite All the Questions, the Phillies Will Still Be a Serious Contender

Even though the Phillies are certainly getting older and older by the minute, they still have winners on their team.  They have won the division the past five years. In those five years, they have been to the World Series twice, winning it once.

Not many other teams have been this consistent over a five-year period.  They went out and signed Jim Thome and Jonathan Papelbon, who each know what it takes to win.  

Although they will most likely lose the face of the franchise in Jimmy Rollins, they still have the best pitching staff in the league, great veteran leadership and know that this city will be yearning for another championship.