FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Is there any reason to think that the Phillies will not make the World Series again next year?  I don't think so.  They're pitching is going to be for the most part the same, with some potential upgrades in the bullpen and the back part of the starting rotation.  Brad Lidge will still be the closer.  Cole Hamels will still be the #1 starter, Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer (they'll bring him back), will still be there, Kyle Kendrick may be replaced by J.A. Happ but that could be a plus considering the sophmore season Kendrick had.  There's a question on whether or not Joe Blanton will be traded, but after his performance since his trade, and one of the biggest home runs in Phillies history, why not keep him.  Ryan Madsen only got stronger as the year went on, and JC Romero is one of the best lefty relievers in the game.  Sure, they could use some long relief help, but who doesn't?

The next questions are for the offense.  Will Chase Utley be back by the start of the season?  Probably not, but he will be back....and healthy.  Ryan Howard will hopefully get the contract he deserves and realize that balls in the strike zone are much easier to hit than those outside the strike zone.  We all saw what he could do in September and as far as I know, baseballs in April are pretty much the same as baseballs down the stretch.  J.Roll is a knucklehead sometimes when he opens his mouth but he'll get a pass on that as long as he continues to drive this team.  Without him the high-powered lineup gets a little watery.

Pat Burrell.....what to say about Pat.  I would love to have him back on this team.  There is no better hitter on the market for batting after Howard than Pat Burrell.  Reality says he is gone.  Perhaps the Phils will sign Raul Ibanez, or they'll bring up John Mayberry Jr., but one thing's for sure...Burrell's Belles will have less to look at.  The quiet legacy he built here (3rd Phillies all-time in home runs, 7th in RBI) will probably end without any more fanfare that riding leadoff in the Championship parade.  No number retirement, and only fading memories of a guy who was really as unremarkable as a slugger could get.

Then there is the rest of the team.  Victorino, Feliz, Ruiz, and Werth.  As long as they do next year, what they did this year, we'd break even.  They won't necessarily lose you a game, but they will win you one from time to time.  If you have enough of those times...you've got a pretty good season.

 Charlie Manuel has to keep the fire under this team.  No letdown, no relaxation.  Just hustle.  It looks as if Charlie has learned a little about the double switch, and will his increased experience, I hope that his decision making makes a more positive impact that his first few years as skipper.  Now that he has tasted this victory though, judging by his wasteline, it shouldn't quell his apetite for the next one.