Philadelphia Phillies
For the Phillies to make a post-season appearance in 2013, they will need solid seasons from Halladay (Left), Lee (Center), and Hamels (Right).
Key Additions: Michael Young, Ben Revere, Mike Adams, Delmon Young, John Lannan, Chad Durbin
Key Losses: Juan Pierre, Josh Lindblom, Vance Worley, Nate Schierholtz, Ty Wiggington, Placido Polanco, Brian Schneider
Analysis: The Philadelphia Phillies obviously did not live up to expectations in 2012. They were definitely bit by the injury bug. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley did not make their season debuts until June. Cliff Lee spent some time on the DL during the beginning of the season, and Roy Halladay also spent a month on the DL due to shoulder trouble. The injuries resulted in a disappointing first half record of 37-50. However, they were better in the second half, and finished with a somewhat respectable record of 81-81, given the number of injuries they faced. Given the .500 record they had in 2012, it is hard to not believe the Phils will bounce back in 2013. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, who hasn't played in an opening day game since 2010, will both start on Opening Day this year. Roy Halladay, who has already looked like the old Roy Halladay this spring, should bounce back and have a shot at 15 wins this year. He had an ERA over 4.00 for the first time since 2004 during the 2012 campaign. Cliff Lee had a strange year last year as well. He posted a 3.16 ERA and had 200+ strikeouts and 200+ innings, but had a record of 6-9 due to a lack of run support. The one guy the Phillies could count on in the rotation last year was Cole Hamels, who went 17-6 with a 3.05 ERA. I believe Hamels is now the perennial ace of this staff and is not only a lock for at least 15 wins, but he should be a serious Cy Young Candidate this year. The offense is also revamped. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley should be in for some good luck on the health front and play about 140+ games. The addition of Michael Young is also going to provide dividends. He is a pure professional and should bounce back with a .300 year. Ben Revere is also a great pickup. He will sure up center field with his great defensive play and speed, as well as provide a .300 OBP, something the Phillies have lacked in the lineup since the dismissal of Jayson Werth. Michael Adams should be a good setup man for Papelbon this year, an inning Phillies pitching struggled in last year. They blew 19 ties in 2012. There are two main concerns for the Phillies this year: The outfield and Health. Guys like Darin Ruf, John Mayberry, Delmon Young, Dominic Brown, and Laynce Nix will battle for the two remaining outfield spots. The Phillies are also an aging team and will have to avoid the injury bug in 2013 if they are going to aim north at around 90 wins. It can be done if they avoid key injuries. The Phillies still have solid players on this club and they will contend with teams like the Cardinals, Giants, and Braves for 1 of those 2 wild card slots. They can get there if the big three each hover around the 15 win mark.
Projected Finish: 90-73; 3rd in NL East
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