Chase Utley has officially broken out. What many Philadelphia fans have known for a couple years is now spreading all around the league - Utley is one of, if not the, best all-around talents in baseball. He hits for power and average and is a phenomenal base-runner and defensive player. He hustles, and his (and J-Roll's) competitive spirit makes him one of the leaders of the reigning NL East champions and current NL East front-runners. Joe Morgan recently said that he has a chance to be "the … [Read more...]
2008 MLB Preview: Top of the NL East
March 30, 2008 By 26 Comments
Explanation of ratings system and other team previews here I decided to change it up a little bit for the last 3 teams of MLB Preview - The Mets, Braves and Phillies. Since this is a Philly blog, people are most interested in how these 3 teams stack up in what should be one of the closest division races in baseball. What I'm going to do is rank their players, not by position, but by "best hitter vs. best hitter," "2nd best hitter vs. 2nd best hitter," etc... Then, at the end, I plan to come … [Read more...]
Pat Burrell: Man or Machine? And Other Pressing Spring Training Issues
February 15, 2008 By 1 Comment
The Young Guys - I always like to use Spring Training as a time to get a feel for the pitchers that have no chance of making the roster this year, but could have an impact on the future. I'll always remember Spring Training 2004, when a 19-year old Cole Hamels struck-out Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Tony Clark in succession causing Jeter to say that Hamels already had one of the best change-ups in baseball. Now, he's our #1 starter and a potential star. The names to look at this spring are … [Read more...]
Phillies Position Analysis: Second Base
January 23, 2008 By 5 Comments
Previous Analysis: C, 1B Opening Day Starter (2003-2008) 2008- Chase Utley 2007- Chase Utley 2006- Chase Utley 2005- Placido Polanco 2004- Placido Polanco 2003- Placido Polanco 2007 Recap Chase Utley was the frontrunner to win the NL MVP award before John Lanaan got a little too excited in his first MLB start and popped him in the hand with … [Read more...]
Recent Comments