It’s a pretty strange feeling to be a Philadelphia sports fan, and have nothing to complain about. We are definitely not used to it. Well, I think we are pretty damn close to having nothing to complain about with the Phillies as we can possibly be. Of course, Spring Training has just begun, and I’m sure we will have plenty to complain and argue about throughout the year. But, it’s tough right now to complain about the World Champs. How can you when they have been able to bring almost the entire team back? We can debate certain things, but to have anything on your plate to complain at this moment would be ridiculous. They haven’t done anything yet to bitch about! Feels weird, I know. I say all this because I am about to name a few things that I am mildly concerned about with this team. Again, I am not complaining, I just wanted to hit on a few areas of concern with this team. I am a Philadelphian, so it’s close to impossible for me to see everything as rosy. Still, please take my concerns with a little bit of a grain of salt. I think the Phils have done a great job not only building a World Championship team, but also maintaining it.
MILD CONCERN #1- LEFT HANDED RELIEF PITCHING
I am hoping this situation doesn’t come back to bite the Phils down the road. At the moment, the Phils really only have Scott Eyre as a lefty coming out of the pen. Eyre did a pretty good job for the Phillies last year, but with the loss of Romero for the first third of the season, his role will be much beefier. I’m a little concerned with not having Romero around. Hopefully he comes back and is just as effective as he was last year, because it is nearly impossible to go thru 162 games and the playoffs without a dominant left handed reliever to hand the ball to in big situations.
MILD CONCERN #2- RIGHT HANDED HITTING BENCH PLAYER
The Phillies have a left handed dominated lineup. Not a big deal since they will certainly face more right handed pitchers than southpaws. But, we all know that having a great bench goes a long way towards having a successful team. There will be injuries, as well as countless big spots throughout the year where the bench can win or lose a game. It’s no secret that the Phillies would like to add a right handed hitter off the bench. It hasn’t happened yet, but they know it’s an area they will need to address.
MILD CONCERN #3- STARTING PITCHING
I doubt that too many fans will agree with me on this little concern. First, I do want to say that I believe Hamels will take the leap from being “really good” to “dominant” this season. He will be in the running for the Cy Young Award. But, to me, after Hamels is where it gets a little dicey. I think Blanton is solid and will eat up innings and probably get between 13-15 wins. So, I am comfortable with Hamels and Blanton. Myers scares me a bit. He has the “stuff” to be a 20 game winner, but has never been able to be consistent. He pitched great for the Phils in some big spots last season, and if he continues that, the starting pitching becomes very, very good. But, Myers could also revert back to how he pitched the first half of last year. Let’s hope that he pitches like the second half Myers. It is his “walk year”, so he should be motivated. Moyer worries me a bit as well. He was getting knocked around pretty good towards the end of the year and in the playoffs. I could see Moyer having the exact same type of year as he did this year, but I could also see him having a 5.00 ERA. Then, we still aren’t sure who the fifth starter is, but that is not something I worry too much about on a pitching staff. I guess what I am saying is that, in my opinion, there are some question marks in the rotation. I have actually gone as far as saying that the Phils starting pitching was the worst by any World Series winning team in recent memory. I am not saying their performance was, but “on paper” is what I mean.
Again I want to reiterate to everyone that I am not saying the Phillies don’t have a championship caliber team again this year. I am not even complaining. These were just a few little concerns I have as the season approaches. I would love to hear if anyone else agrees or has any concerns of their own.
Thanks for the link guys! Good article.