Move On and Look Ahead: There Is a Very Bright Light

While the '09 Phillies World Series run didn't come to the same magical ending and close with a parade as it did in '08, it was still a remarkable run in itself. As we move on from the feeling of "almost" of '09, I take you to 2010 where I think are chances are good again, if not better. For two years running now the Phillies have had no problem getting to the world series. Parody is shrinking in the National League and thankfully the Fightins are on top. Without a doubt the hardest part about winning a world series is getting there. Grinding out a 162 game season and then getting through that ever so scary 5 game series, then getting past your best competitor in the LCS. The best problem a team can have is losing the World Series once you get there, because that is the easiest to fix. The Phils will get back to the dance, and will get back to the biggest stage, because frankly, who will stop them?

The Power Returns

Only several times in history has a team had 4 players hit for 30 home-runs in a single season, and last year the Phillies did just that. The returning 3,4,5,6 is absolutely deadly in the Phillies lineup and next year could possibly be even better. Ryan Howard and Jason Werth will have similar years as last year, and Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez could have even better years if they stay consistent throughout the whole year. Both had substantially large slumps to end the season. Look for power to be a theme again at the Bank next season, it will not be pretty for opposing pitchers.

Another J-Roll

Statistically Jimmy Rollins had the worst year of his career in 2009, and most likely the worst year of the rest of his career. Next year's Rollins won't be the same as the '07 MVP, who was absolutely amazing, but he will be a better table setter. With Shane Victorino who will continue to be steady they will be on base a lot more for the meat of the Phils lineup. Hopefully they will both take more pitches; but results are results.

Finally a Five?

For the first time in a long time, the Phils could very well possibly start the year with 5 stable starting pitchers. They signed the "new" Ace Cliff Lee for another year and Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, and J.A. Happ are all returning starters as well. Like Rollins, Hamels had one of the worst years of his career, and for a young pitcher who can be elite, there is only one way to go, up. Every year the Phils have rotation problems, and this year the fifth spot could be filled by the old cult hero Pedro Martinez, possibly Kyle Kendrick or even Kyle Drabek, or someone they may pick up in the off-season. Bottom line is, the Phillies have gone sometime without knowing at the start what the pitching staff will look like at the end. And with the Ace that has been missing since Schilling left town, it could be one of the league's best staffs.

The Lights Will Go Back Out

Like Rollins and Hamels but more extreme, Brad Lidge was absolutely atrocious in '09. Blowing a league worst eleven saves, grabbing eight losses, and having an ERA over 7.00 was the epitome of a year from hell. Like Hamels and Rollins Lidge can only go up. I do not expect the greatness of '08; his perfection year, but the Phillies won the division with ease this year with a closer who ruined eleven of their games. The bullpen as a whole will be stronger then it was in the post season, with J.C. Romero and Clay Condrey coming back healthy next season. When everyone is healthy it will be easier for Manuel to assign specific roles that will make it easier for the pen to capture some of the greatness it showed in '08.

The bottom line is that the Phillies got to the World Series this year with a lot of key elements not playing even close to their full potentials. While the theme of '09 was repeat, next it is to "redeem" and get the hardware back in Philadelphia.

JD