[CubbyNick42]

Phillies need one more big year from Utley. Hunter Pence can't be the best hitter on a really good team.

[Killadelphia]

Originally Posted by Eich696

Yeah, that is the main issue. Most likely will see some regression from players like Victorino, Pence, and Mayberry (even though he didn't start last year). I think the key to our success is Utley though. Hopefully he can get back on track/is healthy this year.



This is true, but I don't see Worley having as much of an effect this year as he did last and as we both know guys like Victorino and Pence (even though we will have a full year of him now) will definitely regress.

True, but you can assume Utley, Polanco, Ruiz might not be as poor. There also won't be as many starts for martinez, ibanez, martinez that haunted the lineup.

[CubbyNick42]

Polando is 36. It's not a down year, it's him getting shitty.

EDIT: And Ruiz is a 33-year old catcher. These assumptions you're making are not favored by logic.

[foltzkr]

The Reds are finally stocking up on players. Let's hope it pays off this year.

[Killadelphia]

Originally Posted by CubbyNick42

Polando is 36. It's not a down year, it's him getting shitty.

EDIT: And Ruiz is a 33-year old catcher. These assumptions you're making are not favored by logic.

Polanco was playing with sports hernia, bad elbow. If he is healthier, I'd expect him to be a little better. Don't know why I said Ruiz. I guess I was reading something about him. Meant bench. Ruiz had a decent year.

[Eich696]

I expect Ruiz to be about the same as he was last year, which is pretty good for a catcher. Had the 2nd highest OBP on the team I believe. I dont know about Polanco, feel like we may deal with the same problems as last year. A lot riding on Utley.

[Eich696]

I hate to say it, but it will be tough without Howard especially since Wigginton and Nix will be filling in for him..

[phaynes1]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if we don't make it again.

[xbrokendownx]

Eric Chavez back to the Yankees

[rcrook]

anybody want Bobby Abreu?

[CubbyNick42]

To play baseball?

[Until The Bombs]

Originally Posted by rcrook

anybody want Bobby Abreu?

Yankees wanted him a week ago.

[DooDooBird]

Originally Posted by CubbyNick42

I do think the Braves will win the division. The Phillies will have problems scoring runs.

Tons of things to be excited about. Well, for me at least. I'm feeling super optimistic right now.

No more roster spots wasted on Derek Lowe, Nate McLouth, and Brooks Conrad. We'll get a full season with a real leadoff hitter in Michael Bourn. Heyward and Prado can only be better than last year. I really like the Matt Diaz/Eric Hinske platoon off the bench. Healthy Moylan and Medlen add depth to an already stellar bullpen. Nice amount of talented starting pitching.

Only unknown is SS. But that's the no. 8 spot in the order anyways. It would be hard to be significantly worse than Alex Gonzalez at the plate.

I like Atlanta's chances to make the playoffs this time and compete for the NL East title.

[SilenceBrokenTT]

Originally Posted by rcrook

anybody want Bobby Abreu?

Came in hoping someone else would've said this... I'd like a decent set-up/closer for him.

[rcrook]

we aren't going to get that for him