Sorts of Sports

Dominant Phils still have Concerns before World Series Run

(Editor's Note: Introducing Dooley to the SOS team. He's a Philly homer, so take it easy on him.)

The Philadelphia Phillies are in the postseason for the fifth consecutive year and are on pace to set the franchise record for regular season wins. The Phillies only have two plus 100 win seasons in their history, the last coming in 1977. But Phillies fans would agree that anything short of another World Series Championship would be unsatisfactory. The Phillies were the favorites to win the 2011 World Series after signing Cliff Lee in December 2010. Along with Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt, and surprise rookie Vance Worley, the Phillies boast the fiercest starting rotation going into the playoffs.

However, baseball fans that have closely followed the 2011 Phils’ season see that the defending NL East Champions have some weaknesses. The Phillies team average is slightly above .250, which is in the middle of the pack of MLB teams. While their dominant starting pitching has boosted the Phils to the most wins of any team, a lack of offense can surely hurt the team in a short playoff series. Phillies fans should also be concerned about Ryan Howard, who has a .278 postseason average and only seven homeruns in 41 postseason games played.

The Phillies have also have had their share of injuries. Important bats such as Placido Polanco, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, and Carlos Ruiz have all spent some time on the disabled list this season. While all have been reactivated, if any of these players have a lackluster October, this could spell trouble for the Phils.

The biggest question mark for the Phillies is their bullpen. JC Romero is gone, Jose Contreras is out for the season, and young pitchers David Herndon, Michael Stutes, and Michael Schwimer are not strong relievers. With experienced pitcher Joe Blanton coming off the DL, he will probably boost the bullpen. Kyle Kendrick might also be sent to the pen after his stints in the starting rotation.

Brad Lidge, who went 48 for 48 in save opportunities in 2008, has not been the same since then, largely due to injuries. He has had a limited role as the setup man for Ryan Madson this season. Madson, who most likely will be the closer in the playoffs, has 30 saves this season, but is not as dominant as Lidge was during the Phillies last championship title.

The Phillies can win the Commissioner’s Trophy in 2011, but significant contributions are needed from the entire team if they want to raise a second championship banner in four years.