2007 Phillies Baseball Preview
Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Strong Pitching Will Win Phils NL East
With a revamped starting rotation and a potent offense, the Philadelphia Phillies will win the National League East title after three straight second-place finishes.
2006 Record: 85-77 (2nd in NL East)
Significant Additions
The biggest weakness of the 2006 Philadelphia Phillies was its starting pitching. After strong 2004 and 2005 campaigns, John Lieber dropped to 9-11 with an ERA of 4.93. Randy Wolf pitched in just 12 games and posted an ERA well over 5.00. Gavin Floyd was a huge disappointment. To bolster their rotation for the 2007 baseball season, the Phillies acquired Freddy Garcia from the White Sox. Garcia is a steady workhorse who won 17 games in 2006, and has averaged 15 wins a season throughout his career. Now that he is in the National League, Garcia should make his first run at 20 wins. The Phillies also picked up Adam Eaton. Eaton has great stuff but has battled injuries throughout his career. Nevertheless, he still went 18-9 over the last two seasons. If Eaton can stay healthy, he will win 12 to 14 games for the Phillies.
Offense
Last season, the Phillies’ offense ranked third in homers, first in hits, and first in runs in the National League. They should be even more potent this year. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are still coming into their own. Pat Burrell is a threat for 30 home runs and 100 RBI. Setting up the sluggers are Jimmy Rollins (25 HR, 83 RBI, 127 Runs, 36 SB last season) and the versatile Shane Victorino. Newcomer Wes Helms (.329, 10 HR, 47 RBI in just 240 AB in 2006) is a huge offensive upgrade over last year’s Opening Day third baseman, David Bell. With their speed and their power, expect the Phillies to lead the National League in offense once again in 2007.
Starting Pitching
Joining Garcia and Eaton in the starting rotation will be two of the game’s best young pitchers: Brett Myers and Cole Hamels. The 21-year old Hamels was lights-out down the stretch in 2006. In his final 12 starts, the lanky left-hander went 7-3 with a 2.70 ERA. Hamels is one to watch. He already has three great pitches: a low-90’s fastball with electric movement, a wicked curve, and a nasty change-up. Rounding out the pitching rotation will be Jamie Moyer. Although Philly can’t expect too much from the 44-year old, Moyer is just the kind of veteran who will win three or four big games for the team in August and September. Look for the team’s pitching to move to the front of the pack in the National League in 2007.
Bullpen
The Phillies’ relief core is questionable at best. Although closer Tom Gordon has been one of the most consistent relief pitchers in baseball over the past five years, he is 39 years old. Gordon has battled injuries his entire career, including an elbow injury in 2006 that sidelined him for a month. If he is healthy, Gordon will provide the strong ninth inning relief the Phillies will need to win the East.
Ryan Madson struggled mightily as a starter in 2006, but was more effective as a reliever in the second half. However, look for Madson to return to his 2005 form. The Phillies will also need to find at least one more consistent arm out of the bullpen.
Predictions
Pat Burrell will have a strong year and hit better in clutch situations. Hamels will emerge as a Cy Young candidate, and Garcia will win 19 or 20 games. The bullpen will provide more than enough nervous excitement for Phillie fans, but will be strong enough to keep the team competing for supremacy with the Mets the entire season.
2007 Record: 94-68, First in NL East.
That's your 2007 Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Preview.
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Check out other 2007 Baseball Previews on the Mets, Cubs, Yankees, Cardinals and Giants.
