[AlpineSK]

April 2, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – Expectations are high for this year’s Phillies team. While they might not be playoff caliber yet, the team has taken some big steps forward over the last couple of seasons to move themselves closer to be a competing force in the NL East. Here is this year’s team preview:

PITCHING ROTATION

1. Terry Mulholland (LHP) – As expected, lefty Terry Mulholland will be the Phils’ opening day starter. He was 0-1 in 5 starts this spring.
2. Chris Bosio (RHP) – Acquired this Spring from Milwaukee, Bosio was 1-0 in Spring Training. The 26 year-old is ready for his new role in Philadelphia after being projected to be in the bullpen this season in Milwaukee.
3. Pat Combs (LHP) – The Phillies front office is excited about Combs who steps into the #3 starter role in what will be his rookie campaign. He was 2-1 in Spring Training, after going 4-0 as a September call-up in 1989.
4. Ken Howell (RHP) – Howell is the biggest wildcard in the Phillies rotation. He was 12-12 in his first full season as a major league starter. At 29 years old, the spotlight will be on him to duplicate last season’s success.
5. Dennis Cook (LHP) – The Phillies will carry 3 left handed starters into the 1990 season which is a very unusual move but one that is largely being made out of what they have on hand. Cook was 6-8 last season for Philadelphia and has the ability to eat a lot of innings in a starting role.

PITCHING BULLPEN

Roger McDowell (RHP) – Working from back to front, McDowell will try and fill the void left by the departure of Steve Bedrosian who was dealt to San Francisco last season.
Jeff Parrett (RHP) – Parrett is entering his second season in Philadelphia. His 12 wins tied him for the team lead with Howell last season.
Chuck Crim (RHP) – Crim is an iron man. He has pitched in 146 games over the last two seasons, putting up a record of 16-13 with 16 saves. He might just turn out to be the biggest acquisition in Kier’s 7 player deal with Milwaukee.
Don Carmen (LHP) – It is a safe bet that Don Carman will not make another appearance in a team’s starting rotation. As the lone lefty in the Phillies bullpen, expect him to be bounced between being a lefty specialist and a middle reliever.
Dickie Noles (RHP) – As the last remaining Philadelphia player from their 1980 World Series winning team, Noles beat out Todd Frowirth for a middle relief spot on this team. He will be under a microscope, however, as he has not pitched in the majors consistently since 1987.
Steve Ontiveros (RHP) – The final piece of the Phillies bullpen will be long reliever Steve Ontiveros. Expect him to get the first run in the starting rotation if there is an injury or if Cook or Howell underperforms.

STARTING LINEUP

1. Lenny Dykstra CF – No surprise here. He’s the team’s best overall player.
2. Tommy Herr 2B – Contact hitter who will help move Dykstra one way or another.
3. John Kruk 1B – Spray hitter who will get RBIs if Dykstra and Herr can get on base.
4. Von Hayes RF – While not a classic leadoff hitter, Hayes has some pop to his bat.
5. Dickie Thon SS – Thon will hit 5th to break up the left handed bats in the lineup.
6. Darren Daulton C – Hitting 6th will take some pressure off Daulton.
7. Carmelo Martinez LF – Filling Braggs’ spot until he’s ready to come back.
8. Charlie Hayes 3B – If he can hit, he’ll move up in the lineup.

BENCH

C Steve Lake – He’s a right handed bat who will see time against lefties.
1B Ricky Jordan – Another right handed bat off the bench.
IF Keith Miller – He can play anywhere in the infield if needed.
IF/OF Randy Ready – He’ll platoon with Martinez in left field until Braggs is ready.
OF Ron Jones – Once a highly regarded prospect, he’ll be a backup outfielder this year.
OF Curt Ford – 25th man on the roster. Expect him to go to AAA once Braggs is ready.

It also bears mentioning that Curt Ford barely beat out Dave Hollins for the final roster spot. Kier and company felt that Hollins’ development would be better served with him getting more at bats at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Glenn Braggs is the only Phillies player to start the year on the DL. He is expected to be out until June.

The Phillies open their season tomorrow against the Chicago Cubs.