After falling just short of becoming the first National League team to repeat as World Series Champions since the 1976 Cincinnati Reds, the Philadelphia Phillies were left wondering what they were missing that would return them to the Promised Land. Nearly three months later, it seems as though the Phillies’ brass is confident that they have found what they were looking for.
This offseason has provided the fans with a dose of everything from monstrous record-breaking trades to minor, yet important signings. Philadelphia has been busy most of the winter.
Mostly minor tweaks have been made to the overall makeup of the team, but there is one looming figure that every fan is eager to see in person. That man is Roy Halladay, simply the best pitcher of the Oughts.
Making a return to the City of Brotherly Love is Placido Polanco, who is making a transition from second base to third to fulfill one of the team’s most glaring holes. Other various acquisitions have been made to improve gaps on the bench and in the bullpen. Yet, as always, a few questions remain surrounding the 2010 Phils.
Before we delve into each individual concern, let’s take a look back at each move and how this team shapes up to be different from last season’s.
Overall, there are more players departing than coming onto the team. Yet the players that have been added are expected to have more important roles on the team.
The departure of Cliff Lee in the Halladay trade may leave some confused, but it cannot be argued that Halladay has been the superior pitcher over his entire career. The departures of Lopez and Myers make little to no impact based on the fact that they had limited roles the entire season.
Martinez’s absence may make somewhat of an impact as it forces the Phillies to find an extra pitcher for the upcoming season. I think Contreras may be able to fill that need.
