Time to start this back up again

I stayed away from blogging about the Phillies all of last year because I couldn't take the roller coaster season.  One day, I was cheering them on.  Other days, I would stick the proverbial fork in them.  Ironically though, I did sense the comeback.  Well... not sure if I sensed it or just wished it. Either way, it happened and it was a big surprise to me as well as the players.  The way they just got swepted in three games led me to believe that the Phillies just didn't know what to do with themselves.  One could argue that they ran into a really hot team going into the playoffs but the Phillies also carried some momentum going in as well.

So, we have a new season on our hands with an updated slew of players.  None of which is a stud pitcher like everyone wanted.  It's kind of sad that we have to depend Moyer to be our 3rd starter.  No knock on him though.  He keeps amazing us with his slow ball and slower ball.    I still get a chuckle when I recall what he said his daughter told him.  That he drives faster than he pitches sometimes.  One day, I think he will develop a pitch that will just stop in front of the plate and hover there causing batters to just lose patience and swing away.  The thing though, is he should really be a 4th starter or maybe a 5th.  I can't say that I have a whole lot of confidence in our 3rd through 5th starters.  We'll have to wait and see how Kyle Kendrick performs in his sophomore season.  Was he a flash in the pan or is he for real.  I do believe that he is a legit 4th starter.  Adam Eaton has a lot to prove this season.  He didn't seem to perform well in Spring Training but then again, no one really did.  We'll just have to wait and see.  Maybe Kris Benson will make it through the minor leagues.  

Even though Brad Lidge started the season on the DL and Tom Gordon seems to be showing his age, I think the Phillies bullpen is probably a lot stronger this season.  I think the anchor in the bullpen will be J.C. Romero.  The only question mark will be if Lidge can get back to his closer form.  I got to say that he picked an interesting city to work on it.  If he had some mental problems in Houston, I don't think he'll get a pass in Philly if he starts to falter.

Even though we lost Aaron Rowand, I think the Phillies still upgraded their lineup with the additions of Pedro Feliz and Geoff Jenkins.  Feliz is definately an upgrade as a fielding 3rd baseman.  I expect to see a whole bunch of runs scored this season.  On the flip side, I still expect to see a lot of runners left on base.  It's just the Phillies way.  Sooner you accept that as a Phillies fan, the sooner you can stop taking those anti-anxiety pills. 

But keep them handy just in case they do the same thing that they did last year.