TSN Power Poll: 24 Projected finish: 5th in N.L. East - Philadelphia Phillies - Brief Article
Chris EdwardsArrivals: RHP Ricky Bottalico, LHP Rheal Cormier, OF Brian L. Hunter, RHP Jose Mesa, C Chris Turner.
Departures: SS Alex Arias, RHP Kent Bottenfield.
Source of strength: The middle of the lineup. If RF Bobby Abreu, 3B Scott Rolen, C Mike Lieberthal and LF Pat Burrell stay healthy--Rolen's balky lower back, which flared up during the second week of exhibition games, is an ongoing concern--all four have the potential to hit 30 home runs and drive in 100.
Achilles' heel: An inexperienced middle infield. The double-play combination of SS Jimmy Rollins and 2B Marlon Anderson spent most of the 2000 season at Class AAA. In 236 International League games combined, the pair committed 40 errors (Rollins had 26). Because the pitching staff is not overpowering, the team will place a premium on not giving opponents extra outs. The Phillies simply do not have the firepower to overcome errors.
TSNumber: 13-27. The team's record while Lieberthal was on the D.L. during the second half of 2000.
Player to watch: 1B Travis Lee. He struggled out of the gate this spring, producing just four hits in his first 27 at-bats (.148). Nonetheless, he continues to insist he has regained his balance and feel at the plate. If he can shake off the effects of his disastrous 2000 campaign, Lee and Abreu will give manager Larry Bowa two dangerous lefthanded hitters. Defensively, Lee can be spectacular.
Crystal ball: If everything goes right, this team could post the franchise's first winning record since 1993. Rarely, however, does everything go right for the Phillies. Injuries have haunted this organization for most of the last 10 years. The rotation is a balanced but unspectacular group that figures to suffer from the lack of a bona fide ace. The lineup has some speed and some power, but CF Doug Glanville and Lee must significantly improve on their 2000 performances for the offense to click.
Millennial outlook: Although the team is three seasons from moving into a new stadium, its young nucleus of players and upgraded farm system are signs of promise. Not since the early '80s has there been as much homegrown talent in the majors or on the verge of making the jump. As for current issues, G.M. Ed Wade knows re-signing Rolen is his biggest off-field challenge, and he's treating it as such. The best news? The softer artificial surface installed at Veterans Stadium should be a major improvement for this season. --Chris Edwards
Lineup card Doug Glanville CF He has put personal issues from 2000 behind him. Jimmy Rollins SS Switch-hitting dynamo has air of confidence. Bobby Abreu RF Has 30-30 potential, but he'd rather try to hit .350. Scott Rolen 3B Team cornerstone poised for breakthrough season. Mike Lieberthal C Looking to return to form after injury-marred 2000. Pat Burrell LF Hot spring could be portent for big year. Travis Lee 1B Cold spring conjures memories of cool 2000. Marlon Anderson 2B A year after demotion, he's hitting and fielding well. Rotation Robert Person RHP High strike zone should be to his liking. Omar Daal LHP Rejuvenated hurler plans to use fastball more. Bruce Chen LHP Calmly going about business of complementing Wolf. Randy Wolf LHP Staff workhorse hopes consistency equals big wins. Cliff Politte RHP No. 5 starter spot is his to lose. Setup men Rheal Cormier LHP Despite back spasms, he should be ready to go in April. Ricky Bottalico RHP Slow spring shouldn't carry over to season. Closer Jose Mesa RHP Early returns show many zeros (as in spring ERA).
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