Thursday, March 12, 2009

Fantasy baseball preview: Philadelphia Phillies

BY ADAM RONIS

PROJECTED LINEUP
Jimmy Rollins (SS): Prior to last season, Rollins had at least 628 at-bats in seven consecutive seasons. The ankle injury limited him to just 556 at-bats last season. Rollins stole 47 bases in 50 attempts. He's not a 30-homer guy. That was a career year two seasons ago. He should get 15-20. I think he bounces back. Has speed, good contact hitter and should score a lot of runs.
Shane Victorino (CF): Speed is the attraction. He'll also score runs hitting No. 2 and hit 14-18 home runs.
Chase Utley (2B): Coming off hip surgery and still not sure if he will be ready for Opening Day. Still an elite second baseman and if he definitely plays Game 1, he is a first-round pick.
Ryan Howard (1B): Could boost his average, but it still won't be good. His contact rate is just awful with all those strikeouts. Of course, he is one of the few guys you could pencil in for 40-45 home runs and 130 RBIs. You decide if you want to draft a three-category guy in the first round.
Jayson Werth (RF): Like Werth a lot. Has never stayed healthy, but was good when he got the chance to play every day last season. Improved against righthanders. I see 20-20 with the upside for more.
Raul Ibanez (LF): Been very consistent and often undervalued in fantasy. Keep in mind he is 36.
Pedro Feliz (3B): Decent power; will hurt average.
Carlos Ruiz (C): Has been a disappointment.

PROJECTED ROTATION
LH Cole Hamels: Heavy workload last season for a guy with a history of injuries. Pitched 40 more innings than the year before. Don't overpay.
RH Brett Myers: He bounced back after minor league demotion and finished strong. Home runs hurt him in the first half and he induced more grounder and allowed less fly balls in the second half. Could be a good value pick.
LH Jamie Moyer: Just don't see him repeating last season.
RH Joe Blanton: Will throw a lot of innings. That's the best I can say.
RH Kyle Kendrick: Just not very good. Happ could win the job.

PROJECTED CLOSER
RH Brad Lidge: Almost impossible to duplicate last season. Will Philly fans boo when he blows first game of season? He's an elite closer.

SETUP
RH Ryan Madson
LH J.C. Romero

OTHERS TO WATCH
J.A. Happ (LHP)
Chan Ho Park (RHP)
Geoff Jenkins (OF)
Jason Ellison (OF)
John Mayberry (OF)
Greg Dobbs (3B)
Ronny Paulino (C)
Chris Coste (C)

POSITION BATTLES
C: Ruiz vs. Paulino
5th SP: Kendrick vs. Happ

TOP PROSPECTS
Carlos Carrasco (RHP)
J.A. Happ (LHP)
Lou Marson (C)
Jason Donald (SS)

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