FanNation - The Republic of Sport

     Yeah, Yeah, I know im going to take alot of heat for this one, but I know its true. The Phils may have been swept in their first postseason appearance since 1993, but they are going to be very strong going into next year And I'm saying that with Charlie Manuel in the dugout. (We'll cover Manuel a little later in this post.)

     The Phillies probaly won't resign Aaron Rowand but the Phils outfield will better off for it. Don't get me wrong, every Phillie fan loves Rowand's toughness and grittyness, however he's going to want a big contract and the Phils wont do it. Pat Burrell will still be in Left Field and Shane Victorino in Right. Jayson Werth will get some pinch hitting time or could play anywhere in the outfield for a struggling Burrell or Victorino. In Center Field we'll have Michael Bourne. Not many people have heard of him, but he is lightning quick and is a terrific defender.

     The Shortstop will be reigning MVP, Jimmy Rollins. His middle-infield partner none other than the tough guy himself, Chase Utley. Those two will be a constant strong point in the Phils offense and defense all year long. At First Base, we have Ryan Howard the 2006 MVP and 2005 Rookie of the Year. Phillies fans are hoping for him to bounce back from a not so stellar 2007 season where he recorded the most strikeouts in Major League history. Behind the plate, there's Carlos Ruiz. Ruiz surprised many fans last year with fantastic plays behind the plate and a steady performance offensively. Third base rises some questions. The Phillies have a decent fielder but a horrible hitter in Abraham Nunez. The other options are Greg Dobbs and Wes Helms. One is a good hitter but a horrible hitter and the other sucks at both. Tough call. Expect the three of them to split time next season.

     The Phillies rotation should be pretty good. Cole Hamels will be 24 and the ace of the staff. Jamie Moyer is probaly retiring. He'll be 45. Kyle Kendrick will probaly have a spot in the rotation. Also, look for the Phillies to bring up minor league phenom, Carlos Carrasco. This kid is a stud and will be a surprise. The bullpen will have holes, like every year. Tom Gordon will be there but absolutely blow games like you've never seen. Brett Myers can close and hopefully will do a good job. J.C. Romero will have to build on last seasons performance and continue to progress.

     Charlie Manuel has had many knocks against him this past season. "He cant do a double-switch!" "He can't handle the pitchers!" But in the postseason he didnt lose it for the Phils. Game 2 was probaly his fault but Game 3 wasnt his. He did the right thing. People can say that Tom Gordon was on a role making 4 straight outs, but they would have said go to Romero had Gordon lost it. Romero, who has been strong all season, couldnt come through last night. He doesnt let up that run, Phils could still be in the series.

    J-Roll, Utley and Howard can't do what they did in the postseason if they are the leaders of the team. They will have to rebound and come through if this team is going to go anywhere. 

     We'll just have to wait til next year where hopefully we can come through and atleast get through the 1st round. We'll just wait and see.