Philadelphia Phillies: Predicting the Top 6 Performers for 2012

The 2012 Philadelphia Phillies look strangely similar to the 2011 version. All of the biggest contributors to the team's success will be back in the City of Brotherly Love for at least another season.

Of course, this logically leads to the question as to whether or not the same top performers will have equally productive seasons. That's what I'm trying to address today.

Here are my statistical projections for each of the top-six players on the Philadelphia Phillies. This is kind of a power ranking because the top five are in order, but I am also predicting each of their individual stat lines.

5. Hunter Pence (Tied)

Hunter Pence came to the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline. He ended up having a great season with a .314 average, 22 home runs and 97 RBI. This season was above average for him, so I am not sure if he will continue to have the same type of success.

However, even in his average seasons, he is a very talented athlete and he should be able to do some damage.

Predicted 2012 Stat Line: .292, 22 HR, 93 RBI, five stolen bases

5. Shane Victorino (Tied)

Shane Victorino had a different 2011. His stolen bases were almost cut in half compared to 2010. However, he was also able to raise his average from .259 to .279 over that same time. His power production was roughly similar to 2010, so that will probably repeat this year.

All in all, I expect Victorino to have a very similar year in 2012. He seems to be very consistent.

Predicted 2012 Stat Line: .295, 15 HR, 59 RBI, 25 stolen bases

4. Chase Utley

Chase Utley will have to carry a lot of the Philadelphia Phillies offense with Ryan Howard potentially on the DL for some substantial amount of time.

Last season, Utley himself had to deal with the injury bug. He only played in 103 games and had a hard time finding his stroke, as he only hit .259. He also hit 11 home runs with 44 RBI.

He should definitely settle down this season and reestablish himself as the number three hitter.

Predicted 2012 Stat Line: .283, 24 HR, 100 RBI, 17 stolen bases

3. Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels never looks amazing in the win-loss column. Last season, he went 14-9, which is definitely very good, but it is not indicative of his dramatic success in other areas.

His ERA was a nice 2.79, and his WHIP was one of the best in baseball at 0.986. I think that he will probably get better this season.

He is going to turn 28 in a few days, so he still should be on the uphill track of his career.

Predicted 2012 Stat Line: 16-7, 2.91 ERA, 185 strikeouts, 1.031 WHIP

2. Cliff Lee

Cliff Lee had another dominant season in Philadelphia after a one-year hiatus. He went 17-8 with a 2.40 ERA, struck out over one man per inning and barely allowed any baserunners with a 1.027 WHIP.

His performance earned him third place in Cy Young voting.

He might be getting a little bit older, but he is a very smart pitcher who doesn't just rely on power. That should serve him well.

Predicted 2012 Stat Line: 15-6, 2.83 ERA, 205 strikeouts, 1.100 WHIP

1. Roy Halladay

Roy Halladay is frankly one of the best pitchers in baseball right now. He finished runner-up in Cy Young voting after posting a 19-6 record and a 2.35 ERA. He also exhibited tremendous control, as he only walked 35 batters in 233.2 innings.

Like Lee, he will age very well because he doesn't rely on power. He is one of the smartest pitchers in baseball, and I would expect more dominance this season.

Predicted 2012 Stat Line: 20-8, 2.51 ERA, 216 strikeouts, 1.072 WHIP