2011 Philadelphia Phillies Roster Breakdown and Season Preview

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While the Philadelphia Phillies won their fourth straight National League East title, they were unable to get back to the World Series for a third consecutive season, falling to the San Francisco Giant 4-two in the NLCS. The Phillies went out and added however yet another ace to their pitching staff in Cliff Lee, giving them 1 of the ideal 1-four beginning rotations in baseball history. Expectations are as high as ever in Philly, and something less than a Globe Series trip in 2011 would be a disappointment. Here is a breakdown of what Philadelphia's beginning lineup and starting rotation will appear like to begin the this season, plus our MLB predictions on where they will finish the year in the division.

Beginning Lineup

Philadelphia's offense did not fairly have the season everybody expected mainly because of injures in 2010. Each Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins missed substantial time, and as a result their production dropped. When wholesome these two have the talent to carry the offensive load.

Ryan Howard is a different imperative piece to this offense, as he supplies a ton of power in the middle of the lineup. Howard ended the season with 31 home runs and 108 RBIs, his fifth straight season of 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBIs.

Placido Polanco could possibly not get the acknowledgment that the other players get, but he is a awesome No. two batter who puts the ball in play and gets issues going for the rest of the players to drive runs in.

Shane Victorino and Rual Ibanez each struggled compared to a season ago in 2010, and it would honestly make this lineup dangerous if they could bounce back and put together a solid year.

Philadelphia is putting their trust in leading prospect Dominic Brown to grow to be the everyday player in proper field, and are thrilled about what this kid can bring to the plate. Catcher Carlos Ruiz had an career year at the plate, batting.302 with a.400 OBP, if he can come close to those stats in 2011, the Phillies will have 1 of the a lot more total lineups in the NL.

Beginning Rotation

The rotation is loaded with 4 starters who could be no. 1s on other squads. Roy Halladay was the ideal pitcher in baseball final year as he won 21 times with a two.44 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. He also threw even more innings, had extra complete games, and shut out much more opponents than anyone else.

Following Halladay is Cliff Lee. He comes back to Philly immediately after posting a three.18 ERA and 1.00 WHIP last year playing for the Mariners and Rangers. Last time he was in a Phillie uniform he had seven wins with a three.39 ERA in 12 begins.

Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt are each top quality above average starters as effectively. Oswalt came over from the Houston Astros final season and compiled 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA and .90 WHIP in 12 starts with Phillies. Hamels had some poor luck final season, as he completed with a career-best 3.06 ERA, but finished with a 12-11 record. Whilst Halladay, Oswalt, and Lee have all been around for some time now, Hamels is just 27-years-old, and need to continue to get far better as time goes on.

Philadelphia could go a couple of distinct ways at the back of the rotation. Kyle Kendrick and Joe Blanton each have the talent to be an productive No. five starter. Blanton went 9-6 with a 4.82 ERA final season, although Kendrick compiled an 11-10 record with a four.73 ERA. No question there is a huge drop off from the top 4 starters, whoever wins the job could very easily finish the year with 10+ wins.

2011 Prediction: 1st Spot NL East

The Phillies are with out question the clear favorites to win the division and represent the NL in the World Series this season, and it is not difficult to see why with the pitching staff they will send to the field. The greatest important to the Phillies reaching their objectives in 2011 will be keeping injury cost-free, seven of the eight position players and 3 of the five starters are over the age of 30.