2007 Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Preview

The Philadelphia Phillies are a team on the rise and a true contender in the NL East. Although GM Pat Gillick unloaded a bunch of high priced vets during last season, Philadelphia surged and was a favorite of Maddux's free baseball picks down the stretch. They stayed in the Wild Card hunt up until the final week. This season, they’ve got youth onboard along with some tested veterans.

The pitching staff received a major upgrade when the Phills signed Chicago White Sox RHP Freddy Garcia (17- 9, 4.53 ERA). The rest of the rotation is solid with Jamie Moyer (11- 14, 4.21 ERA), Brett Myers (12- 7, 3.91 ERA), Cole Hamels (9- 8, 4.08 ERA) and Adam Eaton (7- 4, 5.12 ERA) offering quality starts. Both Meyers and Hamels are strikeout wizards and Moyers is a solid vet both on the mound and in the clubhouse. Having two lefties on board with Moyers and Hamels is also a big plus. The closer situation is tenuous as Tom Gordon (3- 4, 3.34 ERA, 34 SV) ran into arm trouble last season. Gordon is great when healthy but he’s 39.

First baseman Ryan Howard (.313 AVG, 149 RBI, 58 HR) is not only a great player but also a great guy, promoting team chemistry. Add in the bats of SS and leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins (.277 AVG, 83 RBI, 25 HR, 36 SB), second baseman Chase Utley (.309 AVG, 102 RBI, 32 HR) and left fielder Pat Burrell (.258 AVG, 95 RBI, 29 HR) and you’ve got a lot of clout. Defensively, the team is average but not stellar.

Manager Charlie Manuel has his detractors for certain field decisions, but he’s a master at motivation and keeping a team focused. He’s in the final year of a three-year deal and coming close to the playoffs, as he has in his first two seasons, won’t be enough of an achievement for him to keep his job.

They can hit and they’ve got an excellent rotation. The bullpen is a question mark, while Gillick’s ability to get some relief help will be a big relief to the team. Stay with Maddux for MLB Picks on the Phils, and see if they can make it to the postseason.

Read more on the Phillies other NL East division opponents, New York Mets, Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals.

For more info on the Phillies check out the MLB official page for Philadelphia.