Big Leagues- The World Series favorites in 2010, crashed and burned in the NLCS versus the Giants. Last year they're so called dominate lineup did not produce, and Roy Halladay couldn't carry the whole team. They lost Jayson Werth this year, so you must be thinking why they are number 1 on our list. The answer is simple, Cliff Lee. Now with Cliff Lee the Phillies have the best playoff rotation we have seen with Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, and Hamels. Being able to run out Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee in at least 4 games in a 7 game series gives them a clear advantage. I wouldn't be afraid to draft any four of their top starters to anchor my fantasy team. Last year Ryan Howard had a down year while he struggled with injuries, but expect a bounce back from his down year. You may be able to get him at a discount after Pujols and Gonzalez are off the board. I've pretty much given up hope on the Jimmy Rollins as a top fantasy shortstop. Look for the Phillies to have a great year and make a push towards the 100 win mark. If the season started today their lineup would look like this:
Catcher- Carlos Ruiz
1st Base- Ryan Howard
2nd Base- Chase Utley
Shortstop- Jimmy Rollins
3rd Base- Placido Polanco
Left Field- Raul Ibanez
Center Field- Shane Victorino
Right Field- Domonic Brown
Pitching- Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton
Relief- Ryan Madson, Jose Contreas, Brad Lidge
Top 5 Prospects
OF Domonic Brown- Coming into 2010 the lefty was the 15th ranked prospect by Baseball America, and he had a great season in the minor leagues. Unfortunately, for Brown and the Phillies he struggled mightily in majors. In the majors he had 62 at bats with a .210 average and 2 home runs. That shouldn't stop Brown from getting the first shot at right field with Jayson Werth in Washington. If the Phillies come out and name Brown their starter he could have a Jason Heyward type impact for the Phils.
1B Jonathan Singleton- Singleton was the 8th round pick of the Phillies in 2009, and has been a pleasant surprise so far. Last year as an 18 year old in Single A, he hit .290 with a .393 on base percentage. He had 14 home runs and 77 rbi's in only 104 games. He should make the jump to Double A next year and that will be where his first real test will be at.
RHP Brody Colvin- Colvin was a 7th round pick in the 2009 draft and had a great first full season in Single A as a 19 year old. He started 27 games and had a 3.39 Era in 138 innings. Colvin wasn't overpowering, but at this point the Phillies don't have much for top prospects. He'll start next year at Double A, and projects as a 4th or 5th starter.
RHP Jarred Cosart- Last year in Single a Cosart compiled a 3.79 Era in 14 starts. He struck out 77 batters in 71 innings and had a 7 and 3 record. He has very good control with only 16 walks, and should play well in Double a next year.
LHP Jesse Biddle- Biddle was the Phillies first round pick in the 2010 draft, and he signed early enough to start 12 games in Single A. He was 4 and 1 with a 3.92 Era. He struck out 50 batters in only 43 innings while walking 20. The Phils should leave him in Single A to start the year with a promotion to Double A with any success.
Payroll and Direction- After losing Jayson Werth to the Nationals and their 7 year 126 million dollar contract, the Phillies got an absolutely steal when Cliff Lee took a discount and signed a 5 year 120 million dollar contract. The Yankees were offering upwards to 150 million, but Lee wanted to reunite with Philadelphia and pitch with Roy Halladay. The Phillies don't have much on the prospect front, but they seem to have enough money to get the pieces they need to compete every year. We believe the Phillies are the best team in the majors, and Vegas agrees making them the 13 to 4 favorites to win the World Series.
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