2013…
The title may be a little misleading… but, before even taking a look at what our hopeful Phillies have in store for the 2014 season, let us look at why there is only room for growth in the clubhouse and a winning season.
Let me just throw out a bunch of random facts here for yah that the heartbreaking 2013 season brought:
Charlie Manuel went 53-67 and Ryno went 20-22
Luckily the Phillies ended below the $178 Million luxury tax.
$138.5 Million guaranteed to 10 players.
A Ryan Howard who failed to produce in the 80 games he played, which seemed to plague the entire offense, leaving Cole Hamels with a 8-14 record who had more quality starts than Max Scherzer (21-3).
Finally, we said farewell to one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game. AS PHILLIES FAN WE GOT TO SEE HIM DO IT IN RED PINSTRIPES!!
2014 — High hopes
I was incredibly ill the past week, in that time I got to start to really think about baseball and the upcoming season. The joy it brought thinking about watching endless games, going to games, and playing catch outside.
During that same time period I got to watch the 2008 Phillies World Series Game 5 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. I remember that day perfectly. The suspended game due to the rain delay and just wanting Brad Lidge to come out and win the World Series for the Phillies, it seems just like yesterday.
Carlos Ruiz was the Catcher for Brad Lidge, Ryan Howard bulldozed both of them from First Base, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins both jumped on the dog-pile next. Don’t forget the incredibly young boy from California who won the World Series MVP — Cole Hamels.
These same guys have been the core of the Phillies for over 6 years.
Do not get me wrong for one second, I love the guys mentioned above probably more than any other sports players I have ever been attached to.
When Ryan Howard Tore his Achilles Tendon against the Giants who ended their 3rd straight World Series trip, it was like noticing your dog that you love so much finally start to get old.
2014 is the year of the Rino (Ryno).
There are guys in the Phillies organization that are ready to blow up and make an impact.
Here is my opening day line-up:
Honorable Mentions: Maikel Franco, Marlon Byrd, John Mayberry, Jr.
Right Field will be the highest contested position in the Phillies clubhouse this Spring and all year. Darin Ruf proved himself with his bat all last season. His big league power is nothing to mess with. John Mayberry though looked the most comfortable defensively, this is where Ruf highly lacks. Finally, you bring in the veteran dark horse signing of the off-season. Marlon Byrd, somebody who I believe should only come off the bench to pinch hit.
Next to Right Field, the next position ready for some home cleaning is obviously First Base. Ryan Howard sadly needs to be replaced by upcoming young-gun Maikel Franco. He is 21 years old from Azua, Dominican Republic, and is ready to prove his worth at First. Sorry to say it Ryan, but I think your replacement is here, and he is young and a lot hungrier to play ball than you are.
2014 reminds me a lot of 2008 and we all know what happened then. This team structurally is built for success and has a lot of the right pieces, young and old to be able to bring Phillies fans a taste of October baseball again. I have faith in my team and no doubt that they can win in a very tough division.
I don’t know about you, but I see a lot of old and young in that pile right there.
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