TSL: NL East Preview Philadelphia Phillies

 

 

Ryan Lawrence: Freddy Galvis. Galvis had only played three or four games at second base in his life, and then was asked to do so this spring when it became clear Chase Utley’s knees would keep him off the field. Galvis handled the transition from short flawlessly. He is so good defensively he could probably play anywhere on the diamond. And his bat, which hasn’t been his strong suit in the minor leagues, looks like it’s coming around. If he played regularly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him hit .270ish with double digit triples.

 

 

Jovan Alford: What is the predicted starting rotation for the Phillies for this upcoming season?

 

 

Ryan Lawrence: Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Vance Worley, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton. They set it up this way so Hamels, the longest tenured  Phillies pitcher, gets to pitch the home opener.

 

Jovan Alford: Who do you think on this Phillies team will step up since there is no Ryan Howard or Chase Utley to begin the season?

 

Ryan Lawrence: Jimmy Rollins. I think Jimmy thrives off of having to prove himself and having to carry the team in the absence of those guys. I think he’ll have a big year. Maybe not quite as good as 2007, but there’s no reason he can’t hit .280 with 20 home runs, 30 stolen bases, 100 runs scored.

 

Jovan Alford: How do you think Jonathan Papelbon will fare being in the NL this season?

 

 

Ryan Lawrence: I think he’ll handle the transition without the problem. But closers rarely have perfect seasons (Phillies fans got a little spoiled when Lidge did that in ’08) so I can’t say Papelbon won’t have a bad game or two. But he’ll be pretty darn good. I’ll say he converts 32-of-37 save chances.

 

Jovan Alford: Finally, what are your predictions for the Phillies this upcoming season? (Record wise and if they make the playoffs)

 

 

Ryan Lawrence: I’ll say they win 95 games…. win their division…. and with everyone healthy (Utley, Howard) they’ll roll through the playoffs. With Halladay, Lee and Hamels, they’ll be a tough out in the postseason. With that pitching and a healthy and consistent offense come postseason, they win the World Series.

I would again like to thank Ryan Lawrence for taking some time out discussing the Philadelphia Phillies and contributing to www.totalsportslive.com. Also continue to read Ryan’s articles on the Phillies at www.delcotimes.com and at http://phollowingthephillies.blogspot.com/.