The 2008 Phillies

Well, the Eagles finished the season at 8-8, so its the Phillies the are now the talk of the town. The 2007 defending NL East Champs will be most pundits favorites to win it again, but that would be enough for the demanding Philly fan base and media. Here is my early look at the 2008 season full with predictions on each player and their role.

Line-Up

1. SS Jimmy Rollins - .284, 25 HR, 85 RBI, 30 SB
2. CF Shane Victorino - .276, 15 HR, 64 RBI, 20 SB
3. 2B Chase Utley - .340, 30 HR, 125 RBI, 12 SB
4. 1B Ryan Howard - .285, 50 HR, 135 RBI
5. LF Pat Burrell - .274, 32 HR, 110 RBI
6. RF Geoff Jenkins - .255, 25 HR, 73 RBI
7. 3B Wes Helms - .265, 17 HR, 55 RBI
8. C Carlos Ruiz - .255, 9 HR, 52 RBI

The line-up is one of the best in baseball from 1-8 this is a real sloid order. With three porential MVP's at the top of the line-up, speed and power from the right and left sdie, this line-up could produc more runs then the 07 team.

Grade - A

Bench

3B/OF - Greg Dobbs - .260, 12 HR, 40 RBI
3B/OF - Eric Bruntlett - .255, 4 HR, 22 RBI
OF - So Taguchi - .289, 5 HR, 27 RBI
OF - Jason Werth - .270, 12 HR, 40 RBI
C - Chris Coste - .290, 6 HR, 33 RBI

This bench is deeper and better then last season. The additin of Taguchi helps the OF depth and Bruntlett can play multiple positions. Dobbs is also a versitle role player who will see alot of time at 3B this year. Jason Werth will split time in RF with G. Jenkins to form a solid R/L tandem. Chris Coste is a solid reserve at catcher.

Grade - B

Pitchers

1. Cole Hammels - 18-7, 3.66 ERA
2. Brett Myerys - 15-9, 4.45 ERA
3. Kyle Kendirck - 10-11, 4.77
4. Jamie Moyer - 14-12, 5.39
5. Adam Eaton - 12-10, 5.17

the rotation is helped by the return of Myers, but I was never all that impress with him as a starter in the past. He is however, an upgrade to anyone they trotted out there every fifth game last season. Kendrick is a major wild card, who knows if he can duplicate his solid 2007. If Eaton can get back on track that should help a staff that has a legitimate ace and solid veteren in Hammels and Moyer.

Grade - C +

Bullpen

Chad Durbin
JD Durbin
Ryan Madsen
JC Romero
Tom Gordon
Brad Lidge

I think this pen is simialr to last years edtion, with Lidge closing games out instead of Myers. Romero will play more of an important role then last season and the Phillies will need to hope that Gordon stays healthy for more of this season then last. Chad Durbin is a nice veteren pressence and Ryan Madsen is back to pitch the 6-7 innings. Overall, I think this pen will be better then last year, but
health is the key.

Grade - C