Philadelphia Phillies 2009 Community Preview

*******EDITORS: I have fixed the format and can now edit the article without messing it up. I would still rather you not edit it just in case, but if you see something that absolutely needs editing, please do so. Just do not change my format or anything I said or one of the others said. One editor has already done both, and I was not happy.

(Photo courtesy of AP)

Take a moment to stop and smell the air around you.

Do you smell that? You know…that distinct smell that comes around this time each year.

It is the smell of freshly-cut grass. It is the smell of perfectly-groomed infields. It is the smell of pine tar on a newly-cut wooden bat.

How about that sound? The sound of the hide of the ball whipping into the fresh leather gloves. The sound of a ball soaring into a warm Florida day.

Every baseball fan knows these smells and sounds. It’s Spring Training.

Today the Philadelphia Phillies open their Spring Training in Clearwater, Fla. to pitchers and catchers. Last season, the Phillies brought home the title of World Series Champions. This year, the journey will be much tougher, as repeating in baseball is not a walk in the park. Not even close. Injuries catch up with teams eventually, and it is highly unlikely for a team to have two straight productive seasons by the same players.

But there is still hope for a repeat Phillies squad here in the City of Brotherly Love.

That is why I, Christian Karcole, and the Community Leader for the Philadelphia Phillies, have compiled a 2009 season preview. In this, I will be starting out with my personal views of this year’s team. It will not be too lengthy, based on the fact that this article is going to be full of all things Phillies.

Then, you will be reading a five-question question-and-answer session that six of the best Phillies writers will be answering to. The questions will be revolving around the offseason, players on the team. After the Q&A, each of the six writers — as well as I — will be introducing our predictions for the Phillies in ’09.

The six Phillies writers who will be featured in this piece are: Brian McCollum, Shay Roddy, Scott Eisenlohr, Bryn Swartz, Chris DiFrancesco, and Cody Swartz.

After the Q and A, I will answer a question each of the six writers asks me. Then I will be taking bits and pieces of other preview articles from other Phillies writers and including them into this whole bit.

I will finish this majestic piece of art with a speech I would deliver to the Phillies if I were Charlie Manuel.

So, I guess you could say this really is going to be a complete preview of the Phillies 2009 season. It is going to be long, so try and stay with me. Here we go, folks.

Christian Karcole’s 2009 Mini Philadelphia Phillies Preview (Don’t worry, be happy  — it isn’t that “mini”, and you’ll be seeing much more of me later on)

Offense: Last year was actually a down year for the Phillies, batting-wise. Aaron Rowand’s departure definitely had something to do with it, as he added more stability and a right-handed bat to the mix, yet Jimmy Rollins missed a month at the start of the season and Chase Utley played through injury the entire year.

This year will be different. This is the year the Phillies get back to winning their MVP’s with Utley finally getting into the mix. Of course, from here on out, we can always predict that Chase will win the MVP and feel confident about it, but I honestly expect a monstrous season from Utley. He will be there Opening Day. And I’ll tell you what — he will hit a home run in his first at-bat. If I'm right, I get a cookie. Deal?

So, besides Mr. Utley, we’ve got the same group of guys coming back for the 2009 campaign — except for Mr. Ibanez. That also means Burrell is no longer a member of the Phillies. Burrell will be missed in the clubhouse, that is for sure. Ibanez will be almost up to Burrell’s standards on the field, but there is no way he can come in and have the same kind of impact Burrell did.

So this year, I’m expecting a better offensive season than last year. During what Charlie Manuel likes to call “Hittin’ Season”, the Phillies were actually pretty cold. I do not expect this to happen again. Not with a healthy Utley.

Starting pitching: Has Cole Hamels fully developed into the pitcher he will be for the rest of his career? If so, that is perfectly fine. Despite winning just 13 games last season, Hamels posted an ERA of 3.09 and a National League best 1.08 WHIP. He was also second in the NL in complete innings pitched, sixth in the NL in complete games, and sixth in the NL in strikeouts. Oh yeah, he won NLCS and World Series MVP as well.

Obviously, Cole will be the ace of the staff. Brett Myers will be right behind him at No. 2. If Myers can continue his resurgence in the latter half of 2008, he should be in for a fine season. Joe Blanton or Jamie Moyer will be given the third spot in the rotation, and the other will be given the fourth slot. That’s a pretty decent top four, if you ask me.

The fifth spot is a little tricky. The four vying for the job are Kyle Kendrick, Chan Ho Park, Carlos Carrasco, and J.A. Happ. Park is likely going to get the job, while Happ is expected be inserted into the bullpen.

Bullpen: A few weeks ago, I would have told you I expect the Phillies to have the best bullpen in the National League this season. As of right now, I would only tell you that for the last 100 games or so. J.C. Romero, who was a key component in bringing home the World Series title, was suspended for the first 50 games of the 2009 season. This leaves a hole in the bullpen that the Phillies will have a tough time closing. Right-handed Ryan Madson will have to take over full set-up duties. The other open position in the Phillies bullpen will likely be filled by Happ, as mentioned above.

Now what we do know for a fact is that Brad Lidge will once again be the closer for the Phillies. Lidge went a perfect 48-for-48, including playoffs, last season in save opportunities. That was the second most saves by a pitcher who did not blow a save —ever. Impressive, I know — almost as impressive as I.

Chad Durbin should once again be a solid option for the Phils on ’09, and Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey will also be needed many-a-times in the absence of Romero.

Question and Answer with the Phillies community

1. On Dec. 12, the Phillies signed Raul Ibanez to a three-year contract worth $30 million. Give me your thoughts on this signing and what you think he will contribute to the team this season.

Brian McCollum: Signing Ibanez is a good thing. A pure contact hitter to compliment Howard and Utley is good, not that Burrell wasn't good at protecting Howard. I believe that the signing of Ibanez was great because it adds another .300 hitter to the lineup, despite the fact that Ibanez is a lefty and the Phillies lineup is already lefty-overloaded. Ibanez will hit at least .310 to .320 with at least 27 homers and 115 RBI (factoring in the change of venue for Ibanez) and will play a key role as the No. 5 stick behind Howard.

Shay Roddy: It’s tough to say now, but I look forward to seeing him play. Ibanez will have the adjustment of leaving the American League and facing new pitchers, as well as filling the shoes of someone, who oddly enough now, I would call a fan favorite. Personally, I was on and off the Burrell bandwagon throughout his tenure here.  He did some great things and some really frustrating things. One thing you’ll get from Ibanez is a little more consistency.

Scott Eisenlohr: While looking at free agents just after the World Series, Type A free agents, with more for the signing team to give up in term of draft choice, one name stood out: Raul Ibanez. Now this is Philadelphia, but I am telling you, fans are going to love this guy. But hey, this is Philadelphia and Ibanez is replacing the beloved Burrell. The knock against Ibanez? He is 37 years old and a left-handed hitter. The upside? He was seventh in the American League with his 43 doubles, hit .293 last year and is a .286 career hitter. And his workout regimen is like no other. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports said in a column: “You name it, Ibanez is doing it — joint alignment, muscle activation, active-release techniques, even Brazilian ju-jitsu. He speaks with conviction about trying to reach his ‘genetic threshold’, or physical peak.”

"My entire life, I always thought that there's a better way," Ibanez says. "I never think I have all the answers. I always stay open-minded. I have this theory — you never know where the next bit of information is going to come from that will take you to a whole different level."

Put Ibanez hitting fifth, behind Howard, and two things will happen. Howard will see better pitches, as Ibanez has a much better stick than Burrell. It should benefit them both. Ibanez had 23 home runs and 110 RBI last season. If he stays healthy, the numbers will go up. He was flat-out the best offensive free agent, save Manny Ramirez, in Major League Baseball. And he can play all nine innings of a game.

Bryn Swartz: Well I would have rather kept Pat Burrell, but I guess I do like Raul Ibanez. I don't like his age, but I'm still hoping for 20 home runs and maybe a .300 batting average. I also don't like his speed, but I do like him being a lefty.

Chris DiFrancesco: In my opinion, this signing was efficient. I think it was time for the exile of Burrell. As much as people were sad about his departure, when they looked back at his numbers they saw that he wasn’t what he should have been. With Ibanez, you know what you’re getting. Yes, he is 36, but Ibanez is the athlete who started late because of his backup role. He has hit over 20 home runs and 100 RBI over the last three seasons.  

Ibanez bats over .300 against left-handed pitchers, .303 to be exact. He is, of course, left-handed. His speed is about the same to Burrell, but Ibanez’s bat is much more effective in this lineup. The only issue I had with this signing was due to the plethora of left-handed hitting the Phillies have. Listen, I have played the game for over 18 years, and now I also coach the game, it doesn’t matter what you bat once you get to this level. You either can or can’t hit. Ibanez can hit and hit lefties. This signing was something the Phils had to jump on and they did. It will work out.  

Cody Swartz: I think Ibanez will be a solid hitter — .290 with 20-25 home runs. He's posted pretty much the same numbers the last several seasons. In fact, few guys in baseball have been as consistent as Ibanez.

2. With the Ibanez signing, all signs pointed to the departure of long time Phillie, Pat Burrell. Burrell was beloved in the City of Brotherly Love. On Jan. 6, Burrell was signed to a two-year contract worth $16 million, much less than the cost of Ibanez. Would you rather have Burrell or Ibanez, why, and what do you think got in the way from signing Pat the Bat?

Brian McCollum: There is about a 30-point difference in Burrell's and Ibanez's batting averages. Both put up roughly equal amounts of RBI, hits and home runs (roughly a 10 to 30 statistical difference in numbers from 2008). As much as I hate to admit it, but I'd rather have Raul Ibanez. Ibanez is more of a contact hitter. Contact hitters hit more for a high average, RBI and hit total. Ibanez may or may not walk as much or hit as many home runs, but I would rather have a guy who hits .290 to .310. Having Geoff Jenkins was part of what got in the way of re-signing Burrell. Part of it was also the money that Burrell wanted, plus the Phillies had to re-sign Cole Hamels, Ryan "Mad Dog" Madson, Chad "New Deal" Durbin, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, and many others. Most notably deal with Howard's arbitration.

Shay Roddy: Really, the only thing that got in the way was the fact that the Phillies thought it was time to part ways.  Pat would have been more than happy to come back here… he loved it!  Ibanez was a little pricier, even.  I don’t think it was a bad thing.  As much as I liked Pat while he was here, I think it was time to part ways.  I look forward to the Ibanez era.

Scott Eisenlohr: What got in the way of signing Pat the Bat was that early in 2008, Burrell saw the free-agent market and wanted to test it. As the season went on and the Phillies got closer to a World Series title, Pat probably regretted his decision. But to be fair to either side, it was always a wait-and-see proposition. But if you are to believe that the Phillies offered Burrell $22 million for two years prior to the 2008 season, then it was his agent who did not pursue the deal or did the Phillies never truly tender the deal? It never made the offering table and you can decide if it was the Phillies or Burrell who did not pursue the deal. Moving on, I think this is a good baseball decision. Signing Ibanez was a good move. As much as Burrell was loved in Philadelphia, he was becoming a seven-inning player. He even went to manager Charlie Manuel to ask to be stay in the game longer. Did it happen? No. Manuel is a fair guy. Jayson Werth asked Manuel to play every day, and even with Jenkins being hurt, Manuel accepted Werth’s request to play every day. Unfortunate or not, Burrell was being perceived as being on the downside of his career.

Bryn Swartz: I would rather have Burrell. It's a pretty easy decision. Realistically, I don't think Burrell expected us to make the playoffs, let alone win the World Series, so I think he was expecting to be able test the free agent market and didn't think the playoffs would be a factor.

Chris DiFrancesco: I explained it all at once in question No. 1. The answers are quite simple. Ibanez even at 36, brings you more than Burrell at 32. Burrell has bad wheels, and a bad swing but occasionally catches the hot spots. Burrell was brutal in the playoffs, Ibanez hasn’t had the chance. He will this year.  

Cody Swartz: I would rather have Burrell than Ibanez, especially because we know what we will be getting from Burrell — good power, a lot of walks, and a great attitude. I don't know what got in the way for Burrell. Maybe it's just that we had him in our system for 11 years, and it's time for a change.

3. Before reaching arbitration, Ryan Howard got exactly what he was asking for — $18 million a year. He received a three-year, $54 million contract with the Phillies just days ago. On Jan. 18, the Phillies also locked Cole Hamels down for three years with a three-year, $20.5 million contract. Do you agree with both of these signings, or do you think the Phillies should have let either go to arbitration? Also, during his third or second year of his contract, do you think the Phillies will trade Ryan Howard? Or does this contract pretty much cut down all of those rumors?

Brian McCollum: I agree with the Phillies locking up two of their biggest guns. The fact that they didn't let it draw out is great. That means less of a distraction during spring training. They should of just rounded Cole Hamels' new contract out to an even $7 million a year (3 years, $21 million) or to an even $5 million a year (4 years, $20 million). But I see why they locked them up, though, just to avoid arbitration every year. It is a good move. The new contract for Howard does not cut down on these rumors. If by some unforeseeable chance that Phillies just tank over the next three years or see Howard's number just drop and by drop I mean bottom out like the stock market, then you will see Howard traded (most likely for pitching, because you can always move Utley to first base, bring up Donald to play second base). In the third year of Howard's contract, he will be traded to an American League team for pitching or top pitching prospects, rather than another fielder.

Shay Roddy: The contract really seems to makes a lot of sense for both sides. The Phillies were watching Howard’s request become astronomical. If they stuck with arbitration, they could be looking at a number in the $20-30 million range by his walk year. Howard, meanwhile, will make enough money to live off for life. He has no risk of losing money due to injury or poor production. If he keeps up the production in these three years, he’s looking at A-Rod money his walk year. As far as trading him goes, there is a clause that would require the Phillies to pay Howard $1 million if he is traded before Nov. 1, 2010. There’s been a lot of talk about Howard leaving because he’ll get too pricey for the Phillies. This deal would make it harder to trade him. It could go either way. It'll either mean Howard will remain a Phillie for longer or he'll walk in three years and the Phils will get nothing in return. The Phillies payroll will be over $130 million this year, so they're running out of money. Keep in mind, without that World Series, none of this is possible. If the Phillies fail to win a future world series, Howard could get far too expensive. The Hamels deal is nice, too. It's good they got them both done. I see Hamels staying here a little more long term, and Howard likely leaving in the next five years for the AL. We'll have to see.

Scott Eisenlohr: Both deals make a lot of sense for the Phillies. Both players, especially Howard, would be worth more money as salaries continue to escalate.  According to John Finger of csnphilly.com, Howard will earn $15 million in 2009, $19 million in 2010 and $20 million in 2011.  In Howard's case, if he got the $18 million in arbitration, his base salary for a future long-term contract would have to be at least $20 million a year, and Sunday's announced deal would cost the Phillies $60 million. Probably more than that. According to the report, Howard could make more money if MVP incentives are met. But it is an economic fact: Today's money is cheaper than future money. Howard probably had to give a little, too, for the chance of making more in arbitration in the next two years. But this provides him the money he wants, security and gives the Phillies a chance to sign him in the future. I thought if he got $18 million in arbitration this week, then he would be gone after the 2011 season. Now, at least the Phillies are in the ballpark for future deals.  As an arbitration player, it was good for the Phillies to get him out of the process. His $10 million judgment last year was a record amount awarded to a player. The only way they would trade him is if he went belly up stats wise. There is also a trade clause in the deal which makes it unlikely the Phillies would trade him any time soon. Who would you get for equal value at this point? A pitcher? I don't think so. Hamels was probably an easier sign. Him winning the World Series MVP helped his cause. This deal also favors the Phillies.

Bryn Swartz: Those are both great deals. Howard is maybe our most valuable hitter, and Hamels is the best starting pitcher for the Phillies since Steve Carlton. There's no way we'll regret signing either of them. Howard could easily pick up a second MVP award and Hamels could easily win the Cy Young award in the next few years. Both of these would cause the Phillies to request longer contracts, which is great for the team and the fans. By the way, I was trash-talking with fellow writer Travis Miller, a Mets fan, and he stated that if Cole Hamels wins 20 games next season, he make his new profile picture himself in a Cole Hamels jersey.

Chris DiFrancesco: I always said, and I even posted articles about it. Cole Hamels was the Phillies' No. 1 priority. You can’t find great pitching anymore, especially left-handed pitching. Hamels is going to be one of the greats of all-time and he is already off to a great start. Signing Howard was something the club really wanted to do, and that’s the feeling I got form the organization. I was thrilled to see the Phillies realize what they have in this guy. With 153 home runs and 431 RBI over the last three full seasons of his career, all league-leading, there is no way he should be anywhere but playing first base for the Philadelphia Phillies. I think because of the contract signing, Howard might be able to be a Phillie after the three years are over. Also, this depends totally on his production over these next three years. If he continues to either win the MVP or finish second or third every year in that category, the Phillies will sign him again to most likely a similar deal. These are all theoretical guesses; all can change in one season if things go terribly wrong. In my opinion, don’t expect anything like that to happen though.

4. J.C. Romero was suspended 50 games for testing positive to a drug bought at a Cherry Hill, NJ GNC on the banned substance list. What effect will this have on the bullpen? Who is going to take his position for 50 games? Will Ryan Madson have to take over the set-up role full-time?

Brian McCollum: Yes, the loss of Romero for 50 games will put a bigger strain on guys like Madson, Durbin, Eyre and eventually, Lidge. The affect of Romero's suspension will fall on Madson and Eyre. Madson will move in to full set-up man and will do just fine as set-up man, firing the 99 mph fastballs by people. Once the Phillies and Howard deal with their arbitration contract issues, depending on how much money the Phillies have left, might go after some free agent lefty relievers. Joe Bemiel was on the Phillies radar and still is. Bemiel would fit just nicely as set-up man in this bullpen. But is he willing to step away from a 2-year contract? Other lefty relievers the Phillies could sign are Will Ohman and Randy Flores. Madson will move into the set-up man's role full time provided that the Phillies don't sign another lefty reliever.

Shay Roddy: First, let me start by bitching about the suspension. They accused him of negligence, and I agree, but 50 games for negligence? Please. That being said, he’s out, and someone needs to fill the spot.  Madson was already taking the role of set-up man toward the end of last year, so I’m not too worried about that.  Depth is more the concerning issue.  I’d really like to see them sign a decent lefty to help out.

Scott Eisenlohr: Either Madson or Park will fill Romero’s role. Also, Scott Eyre may see a larger role early on, especially as a left-handed pitcher. The Phillies will do fine as long as the offense keeps things going and the rest of the bullpen performs. The biggest danger is that the Mets take a big lead early on and are leading by 10 games come the All-Star break. It could happen, but not likely, and the Mets are the only threat in the division to take advantage of the Romero situation.

Bryn Swartz: First of all, I think the suspension was way too harsh. But yes, the suspension is going to hurt us. It might cost us three or four games in itself. Madson is going to have to pick up his game. So will every other pitcher in the bullpen. We're going to need somebody to come out of nowhere, like a Mike Zagurski type, to help eat up late innings.

Chris DiFrancesco: This has a major effect for the bullpen. Romero was the main man last season and the reason why the Phillies bullpen was tops in the league. Romero was lights out in the playoffs and in the World Series. This will hurt for a while, but I truly think Madson, who just got signed, will step up to the challenge. Unfortunately, Madson isn’t left-handed. Look for J.A. Happ to be put in the bullpen during that 50-game stretch so they can have an extra left arm. To answer the question, yes, Ryan Madson will have to step up.

Cody Swartz: Losing Romero hurts the team. A lot. Hopefuly Happ can fill in as a lefty out of the pen. And I think Madson will have to be our setup man.

5. Heading into Spring Training, the fifth starter in the rotation is not clear. J.A. Happ, Kyle Kendrick, Carlos Carrasco, and Chan Ho Park will compete for the fifth spot. Who do you think will get the job? Do you think Chan Ho Park came here just for this opportunity? If so, will that give him an edge in this competition?

Brian McCollum: I believe that Kyle Kendrick will get the fifth starter's job. The Phillies can not give up on Kendrick, not after what he has done for them the past two seasons since coming up from Class AA in 2007. Twenty-one wins in two major league seasons is nothing to discount. Unless Kyle has a bad spring training, the job is his to lose. I thought Chan Ho Park came here to win a championship before he retires. No, I believe that Park will not win the fifth starter's job and will be put into the bullpen as a middle reliever. Carlos Carrasco will eventually replace Brett Myers, somewhere down the line. Nothing gives Park an edge in this competition. He is old (36) and is competing with a bunch of young guns. Myers will eventually be replaced by Carrasco due to the fact that Myers perennially comes into Clearwater out of shape, combined with the sudden loss of velocity (but that could be from moving back into the rotation, though), and his mindset. Myers does not have an ace or a No. 2 pitcher mentality. 

Shay Roddy: It’s Park’s to lose, I think. Carrasco could be a guy who comes in around the All-Star break and takes the spot due to injury or poor performance. However, I don’t think he’s a legitimate option for opening day. Kendrick could certainly get it but he has a lot to prove. It got pretty bad last year.

Scott Eisenlohr: It will give Park no edge, even though he said in some reports that he came to the Phillies with a promise to start. But if he performs as a starter in spring training, Manuel will have to put him in the starting rotation as a fifth starter. But especially with Romero being out, Park’s best value to the Phillies is in the bullpen. If Happ performs, he is my fifth starter.

Bryn Swartz: I think the Phillies want Chan Ho Park to win the job, given that he's a veteran and all, but I would like to see Kyle Kendrick get his job back. He had one great season and one pretty bad season. Give him another chance. I don't think Park will be effective. I wouldn't mind seeing him in the bullpen, with Happ and Carrasco. Whoever loses the spot as the fifth starter will become the starter as soon as someone gets hurt, though. That's a given.

Chris DiFrancesco: The Phillies badly want Chan Ho Park to win the fifth starter role. They paid him the money to go out there and win that role. JA Happ will most likely be sent to the pen in the beginning of the season due to Romero’s 50-game suspension. Carrasco is an interesting subject. From talking around, it seems as if the team is really protecting this guy. What I’m saying is that they are looking hesitant to throw him out there and really see what he can do. Carrasco will be in the minors, but could see a couple starts during the season. As for Kendrick, other than Park, he will get the best chance to win that fifth spot. If he doesn’t impress than it would be hard to believe he is on the opening day roster. 

Cody Swartz: I think Park will win it. Haap will be in the bullpen. Kendrick will be in the bullpen, or he won't make the team. And Carrasco will stay in the minors.

Prediction for the 2009 Phillies Season

Brian McCollum:

W-L Record: 97-65
National League East finish: First
If you said the Phillies will make the playoffs, will they make it to the NLCS? If so, who will they play in the NLCS? Yes, they will make it to the NLCS and play the New York Mets in NLCS.
If you said the Phillies will make it to the NLCS, will they then advance to the World Series? If so, who will they play in the World Series? Yes, the Phillies beat the Mets in seven games to move on to the World Series. They will play the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series.
If you said the Phillies will make it to the World Series, will they win the World Series? No, they will lose to the Rays in seven games.
Last but not least, will the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies season be a success in your mind, even if they do not win the World Series? Yes, this upcoming season will be a success to me, even though the Phillies will not repeat as World Champions.

Shay Roddy:

W-L Record: 92-70
National League East finish: First

If you said the Phillies will make the playoffs, will they make it to the NLCS? If so, who will they play in the NLCS? Yes, they will make it to the NLCS. They will play the Chicago Cubs.
If you said the Phillies will make it to the NLCS, will they then advance to the World Series? If so, who will they play in the World Series? No, they will lose in the NLCS to the Cubs.
Last but not least, will the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies season be a success in your mind, even if they do not win the World Series? I like what Joe Banner said to Derrick Gunn on Comcast SportsNet a few weeks ago regarding the Eagles' season.  There are different levels of success.  The ultimate success is a championship, but sure, you can have a successful season and not win a World Series. For example, 2007 was a successful season for the Phillies. So, what will be a success this year? It really depends on the path they take.

Scott Eisenlohr:

W-L Record: 91-71
National League East finish: First
If you said the Phillies will make the playoffs, will they make it to the NLCS? If so, who will they play in the NLCS? Yes, they make the NLCS. They play the Mets.
If you said the Phillies will make it to the NLCS, will they then advance to the World Series? If so, who will they play in the World Series? No, they will lose in the NLCS.
Last but not least, will the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies season be a success in your mind, even if they do not win the World Series? Yes

*Note, the reason I say the Mets will win the NLCS is I believe that the Mets/Phillies will become akin in rivalry to the Yankees/Red Sox. And now, for that to happen, the Mets have to beat the Phillies in the playoffs at least once. The Phillies are a far better team than the Mets right now. The Mets have to respond. Will they? I think they will as a wild card. Do I want the Mets to go to the World Series? Heck, no.

Bryn Swartz:

W-L Record: 94-68
National League East finish: First
If you said the Phillies will make the playoffs, will they make it to the NLCS? If so, who will they play in the NLCS? Yes, they will play the Mets in the NLCS.
If you said the Phillies will make it to the NLCS, will they then advance to the World Series? If so, who will they play in the World Series? Yes, they will play the Yankees.
If you said the Phillies will make it to the World Series, will they win the World Series? Yes.
Last but not least, will the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies season be a success in your mind, even if they do not win the World Series? Yes, as long as we make the playoffs.

Chris DiFrancesco:

W-L Record: 100-62 
National League East finish: First 
If you said the Phillies will make the playoffs, will they make it to the NLCS? Who will they play in the NLCS? Yes, the Phillies will make it to the NLCS. They will play the Cubs.
If you said the Phillies will make it to the NLCS, will they then advance to the World Series? Who will they play in the World Series? The Cubs will choke and the Phillies are back in the World Series against the Boston Red Sox.

If you said the Phillies will make it to the World Series, will they win the World Series? Well, I don’t want to make this prediction right now, because I’m superstitious. You’re lucky I answered the others. Ask me in September. 
Last but not least, will the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies season be a success in your mind, even if they do not win the World Series? Yes, just to get back to the big show is a success. It doesn’t happen often that a Philadelphia team gets back to the show that quick. If they win the division, which includes another Mets collapse, it will still be another successful season. 

Cody Swartz:

W-L Record: 90-72
National League East finish: Second
If not first in divison, will the Phillies make the playoffs? Yes
If you said the Phillies will make the playoffs, will they make it to the NLCS? If so, who will they play in the NLCS? No, they will not make the NLCS.
Last but not least, will the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies season be a success in your mind, even if they do not win the World Series? Yes

Christian Karcole:

W-L Record: 95-67
National League East finish: First
If you said the Phillies will make the playoffs, will they make it to the NLCS? If so, who will they play in the NLCS? Yes, they will make it to the NLCS. They will play the Cardinals.
If you said the Phillies will make it to the NLCS, will they then advance to the World Series? If so, who will they play in the World Series? No, the Cardinals will beat the Phillies to move on to the Fall Classic. The Cards will play the Boston Red Sox.
Last but not least, will the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies season be a success in your mind, even if they do not win the World Series? Yes. Anytime you get to the NLCS your season is a success.

Now it is your turn to ask me a question. Ask me whatever question you want about the Philadelphia Phillies. It could be about anything from the taste of the hot dogs at beautiful Citizens Bank Park to the situation with Ryan Howard. Fire away. I hope to get some intriguing questions.

Brian McCollum: Do you think that the Phillies could sign or would/should trade for a young pitcher like a Tim Lincecum or an Edinson Volquez and what do you do with J.A. Happ and Antonio Bastardo once Jamie Moyer retires?

Christian Karcole: I would not go for a type of pitcher like Volquez or Lincecum, purely because they would be too costly and there are more important areas on the team I would look at. Those areas would be third base, catcher (if Marson does not pan out), the bullpen (always need to improve there), and the farm system. Now for Moyer...when Dyno retires, I think Happ takes over for Moyer. Bastardo has a lot of developing to do, while Happ is already here and knows the system a bit more now.

Shay Roddy: Obviously there have been rumors about Nomar Garciaparra coming here. Would you like to see him in a Phils uniform?

Christian Karcole: I would love to see Nomar in a Phillies uniform. It is not as much the name Nomar as it is the fact that he is a right-handed batter and can come off the bench. Kills two birds with one stone. Plus, it is Nomar Garciaparra…

Scott Eisenlohr: Who do you think will be the biggest surprise of this year for the Phillies?

Christian Karcole: Shane Victorino. The Flyin’ Hawaiian broke out in the playoffs last season, yet he was a crucial part to the team during the regular season. Everyone knows how great of a fielder he is, especially with his arm, but his spectacular speed, above-average contact hitting, and high spirits are like no other player in the bigs. I mean, he did lead the team in batting average last season…who is to say he can’t do it again?

Bryn Swartz: Will Cole Hamels win 20 games?

Christian Karcole: To me, Cole has nothing to prove. If he does not win 20 games, I will not think anything less of him as a pitcher. All that matters to me is his ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched, walks, WHIP, etc. Twenty wins sure would be nice, but that’s a tough task. Even this season, he was near the tops in the league in many categories, yet he won just 13 games. It all depends on run support. So, no, I don’t think Hamels will win 20 games this season.

Chris DiFrancesco: This is not about the Phillies, but should Alex Rodriguez still have a shot at the Hall of Fame?

Christian Karcole: Best question yet (no offense to you other guys). Personally, with the information I have seen, I think A-Rod should be allowed into the Hall of Fame. But that is only if he is telling the truth. I refuse to assume that he is lying, because you cannot assume in a situation like this. People want to think he is lying about only using from 2001-2003, and you can’t do that. You have no evidence, so just go by what there is out there. So basically, I’m saying I would vote yes, but I would really need much more information to make a decision. But we’ve got 15 or so years to find out that information. I think we’ll know by then.

Cody Swartz: Will Jamie Moyer pitch as well as he did last season or will he fade with age? And predict the number of blown saves for Brad Lidge this season.

Christian Karcole: I don’t see why he will fade now. People have been expecting him to fade for a few years now, yet he never did. In fact, he had one of his best seasons last year. I do not see him having another season like 2008, but 10-14 wins with an ERA of around 3.50 would not be bad at all. Now to Lidge…this is tough, because there is a part inside me that thinks he is going to really disappoint this season. I hate to say it, but I’m going to predict ten blown saves. That is not terrible, but compared to last season, it does not compare. Then again, it’s hard to compare anything to perfection.

Other Phillies Works of Art

 Scott Eisenlohr’s “Philadelphia Phillies Offense Ready to Defend Title” gives us a look at the Phillies offense in ’09. Scott says:

“Victorino is not likely to improve greatly on his .293 average along with his great defensive play in center field, but I noticed great leadership qualities emerging in the World Series… If Victorino makes the All-Star team, the Phillies are in for a monster offensive season.” Click the link to read more.

Andrew Southworth’s “Can the 2009 Phillies Answer the Call to the Bullpen?” gives us a nice preview on the 2009 Phillies bullpen. Andrew says:

“The 2008 version of the bullpen set the bar high with a 3.19 ERA for the season, which was the lowest in the National League. Their 1.79 and 1.54 ERA figures in the playoffs and World Series respectively are also nothing to scoff at. Add in five postseason wins on the biggest stages and in front of national audiences, and a whole lot will be expected of the 2009 version.” Click the link to read more.

Matt Gilmartin’s “Profiling the Philadelphia Phillies’ Projected 2009 Lineup” gives us an in-depth look at the entire Phillies lineup. Matt says:

“Chase Utley is a great offensive weapon—he has power, intelligence, and one of the most compact swings in the majors, and he can spray hits all over the field.  But he's also not the most disciplined or patient hitter, and he tries to pull the ball too much.” Click the link to read more.

Delivering My Speech to the Philadelphia Phillies

Gentlemen, you know what today is. Today is the first day you take the field as World Champions. You and I both spent most of this offseason looking back on that one night that changed our lives forever. Because of that night, all of us that were a part of that team are heroes to the city of Philadelphia. Now that the offseason is over, it is time to get back to playing baseball.

So here we are, waiting to practice here for the first day of Spring Training. The one thing I want you to know is to remember not to forget October 29, 2008. Never let go of that single moment when Brad struck out Eric Hinske to win the World Series. Never let go of the moment when you became somebody. When we all became somebody. When we all became World Champions. Just remember not to be satisfied. How good did it feel to be somebody this offseason? Who says that needs to end? As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t have to. You know, people actually predict the Mets to win the East this year. What does that tell you? It tells me that the naysayers are still around. It tells me we didn’t do a good enough job of winning the World Series. We went 11-3 in the playoffs last year, so I guess we have to go 11-0 in the playoffs this time around. Maybe that’ll shut ‘em up. Maybe we’ll just have to duplicate October 29, 2008.

I’m up for it. Are you?

Folks, this is where your preview ends. Your time has run out. But do not worry—the journey to a second consecutive World Series title has just begun. Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride.

Here’s to another World Series! Cheers!