[Nick Soulis]

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

[SIZE=2]Overall (9160-10248 W-L, 1883 - 2011) - 2 World Championships, 7 Pennants, and 13 Playoff Appearances

Team Home: Citizens Bank Park
Manager: Gene Mauch

C	Mike Lieberthal	Darren Daulton
1B	Ryan Howard	John Kruk
2B	Chase Utley	Manny Trillo
3B	Mike Schmidt	Scott Rolen
SS	Jimmy Rollins	Larry Bowa
OF	Ed Delahanty	Bobby Abreu
OF	Richie Ashburn	Cy Williams
OF	Chuck Klein	Greg Luzinski
DH	Dick Allen
SP	Steve Carlton
SP	Grover Cleveland
SP	Curt Schilling
SP	Robin Roberts
CL	Tug McGraw

Catchers - Not the strongest position on the team but the Phils will try to mix the bat of Darren Daulton with the leadership and defensive skill of Mike Lieberthal. It did hurt this position when Bob Boone became part of the Angels roster.

First Base - The modern day power of Ryan Howard is what the middle of this order needs and the big man will take his hacks. Another nice bench element should be John Kruk who is a good contact hitter and a pretty good defender.

Second base - Once again a good mix of offense and defense here. The main man of course is Chase Utley who can play the modern day position better then ever. Manny Trillo however could be an immense key as a middle infield defensive genius; anyone who saw Trillo play would conur.

Shortstop - Jimmy Rollins will likely be the man at the top of the order and his speed and onbase percentage will be key. Rollins is a good contact hitter who will be supported by Larry Bowa who holds his own at the position; Bowa is also a great team leader.

Third Base - Along with Howard the real power will also be coming from Michael Jack Schmidt. Schmidt can be argued as maybe the best third baseman to play in any era and will be the focal point of this offense. Scott Rolen is a much better backup at the position then people realize, the Phillies will be excellent on their defensive infield.

Outfield - A lack of some pop in the outfield but players that know how to win and get on base a ton. Richie Ashburn has all the intangibles that make him special while Chuck Klein and his bat may be an overlooked advanatge. Ed Delahanty will bring old school baseball to the table but Big Ed can hit his way for average with a career mark around .330. Bobby Abreu and Cy Williams are nice men off the bench while Greg Luzinski may not be the most fleet of foot but the "Bull" can hit em a long way.

Designated Hitter - Speaking of hitting em a long way, Dick Allen will take his hacks as the DH switching at times with Ryan Howard. Allen, if his head is on straight has more talent then almost anyone and power rare in anty era. His contribution, or lack there of, will be key.

Starting pitching - This rotation is near the top of anyother. Steve Carlton very well may be the best lefty to ever throw a pitch and the legend of Pete Alexander speaks for itself. Curt Schilling is a big game pitcher as well who will compete with Carlton over the strikeout lead. Robin Roberts is a team leader and no Phillie rotation could exist without him.

Closer - The unpredictable Tug McGraw will take on the task of closing out the tough games in this division. McGraw has a splitter that can fool anyone and nerves of steel a closer needs.

Spring Position Battles
Tug MCGraw vs Mitch Williams (Closer)
Darren Daulton vs Mike Lieberthal (Catcher)

Cooperstown Rating
Offense - C+
Defense - A+
Starting pitching - A-
Bullpen - A-
Prediction - 83-79

Quick word with Gene Mauch
"We will most likely be aggresive on the bases with the type of roster we have. We need to give as many chances to the big bats of Howard and Schmidt as we can."