For the first time since 1993, the Phillies begin their defense of an NL East crown. And while their lineup remains among the most fearsome in baseball, questions persist about their pitching. Near the end of spring training, Adam Eaton solidified his hold on the No. 5 starter spot with back-to-back solid starts. But Eaton and 2007 rookie sensation Kyle Kendrick leave reason for uncertainty in the rotation, and closer Brad Lidge continues to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery.
ROTATION:
1. RHP Brett Myers
2. LHP Cole Hamels
3. LHP Jamie Moyer
4. RHP Kyle Kendrick
5. RHP Adam Eaton
Myers and Hamels give the Phillies a solid right-lefty combination at the front of the rotation, but there are questions among the last three starters. At 45, Moyer is the majors' oldest player and faded during the second half last season. Kendrick remains unproven after unexpectedly winning 10 games last season. Eaton posted a 6.29 ERA in 30 starts last season and missed nine days in spring training with a herniated disk in his lower back.
The Phillies took an insurance policy in February when they signed RHP Kris Benson to a minor league contract. Benson hasn't pitched in the majors since Sept. 27, 2006, and is recovering from rotator cuff surgery March 20, 2007. He had a setback late in spring training, but the Phillies remain hopeful he'll be ready to pitch by May.
BULLPEN:
RHP Brad Lidge (closer)
RHP Tom Gordon
LHP J.C. Romero
RHP Ryan Madson
RHP Chad Durbin
RHP Clay Condrey
LHP Travis Blackley or RHP J.D. Durbin
Lidge underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery Feb. 25, and he will miss at least the season's first five games.
Gordon, Romero, Madson and Durbin also were guaranteed bullpen jobs late in spring training. Condrey was close to wrapping up a job, but the final two spots remained open. Phillies general manager Pat Gillick also was trying to find relief help via trade or on the waiver wire.
LINEUP:
1. SS Jimmy Rollins
2. CF Shane Victorino
3. 2B Chase Utley
4. 1B Ryan Howard
5. LF Pat Burrell
6. RF Geoff Jenkins
7. 3B Pedro Feliz
8. C Carlos Ruiz
Offense is the least of the Phillies' concerns. They led the National League with 892 runs last season, and they believe they can approach 900 runs again. Rollins and Howard are the last two NL MVPs, and Utley is baseball's best second baseman.
The bottom of the order has been strengthened by the addition of free agent Feliz. A right field platoon of Jenkins and Jayson Werth is capable of matching the production lost when Aaron Rowand left for San Francisco as a free agent.
RESERVES:
C Chris Coste
INF Eric Bruntlett
OF Jayson Werth
OF So Taguchi
INF/OF Greg Dobbs or 3B Wes Helms
Hanging over the Phillies as spring training wound down was the question of what to do with Helms. He lost his hold on third base last season and became expendable in January when the Phillies signed Feliz. The Phillies were trying to trade Helms, but they found little interest.
Werth, who batted .329 over the season's final two months, will get his share of starts in right field when the Phillies face left-handed pitching. Taguchi is expected to be a late-game defensive replacement for Burrell in left field, but he also led the NL in pinch-hitting last season.
ROOKIE WATCH: The Phillies had few available jobs, thus there was little chance for rookies to make the team. LHP Travis Blackley, once a top prospect with the Mariners, was making a push to earn a spot in the bullpen. The Phillies still believe RHP Scott Mathieson will contribute during the season. Mathieson is recovering from elbow surgery and will open the season on the disabled list before heading to the minors.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Brad Lidge (arthroscopic right knee surgery on Feb. 25) went on the disabled list retroactive to March 21. He was pitching in minor league games during the final week of spring training, and he could be activated as soon as he's eligible.
RHP Kris Benson (right rotator cuff surgery in March 2007) had a setback late in spring training and was diagnosed with biceps tendinitis. He will remain in Florida and continue to rehab his shoulder. The Phillies hope he'll be ready to pitch in the majors by May.
RHP Scott Mathieson (Tommy John surgery in September 2006) felt a pull in his elbow during a side session before spring training. He will open the season on the disabled list before heading to the minors.
LHP Mike Zagurski (ulnar collateral ligament) was injured March 23. He likely will need season-ending Tommy John surgery.
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