Philadelphia Phillies- prospects for the season

In 2012 the Phillies failed to clinch the NL East title for the first time in four years, and this season, Charlie Manuel will be hoping to resurrect his fallen superstars to form, in order to propel the team into
the playoffs.

A lack-lustre 2012 season was possibly due to the majority of the club being plagued with injuries, with the likes of Roy Halladay, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard out injured for the majority of the season. Their ages, thirty-five, thirty-four and thirty-three respectively, appear to signal a slide towards the twilight of their careers. Each of them however, are easily among the best players in the MLB. Roy Halladay, the leader of all active players with sixty-six complete games, has won both the AL and the NL Cy Young award, accompanied by a perfect game and a no-hitter in the same season, during his illustrious playing career. Chase Utley is a one club man, much to the delight of Philly fans and is also an eight time All Star. Ryan Howard, the "6,4", "240 lb" first baseman, is a huge power contributor to the Philadelphia offense, averaging 44 home runs a year when healthy. It is this core of vital key players that the Phillies backroom staff will have to keep healthy throughout the season to ensure a playoff berth.

Unlike the rest of the Phillies ageing superstars, thirty-four year old Jimmy Rollins maintained his fitness commendably despite playing perhaps the most physically demanding position (excluding catcher) - shortstop. He was one of the bright spots of the 2012 campaign, leading a visibly weakened infield. Rollins consistently produced spectacular defensive plays and lead the team with 23 homers and 68 RBIs, as well as his scintillating speed causing havoc on the base paths. Juan Pierre, a single year Rollins' senior, enjoyed a return to form last year for a bit part player, leading the team with 37 stolen bases and producing a solid .307 batting average in a Philadelphia uniform. Thirty-four year old Cliff Lee's win-loss ratio belied his true performance as he too constructed a solid year's performance.

The additions of Texas' third baseman Michael Young and veteran reliever Mike Adams just adds to the pressure on the Phillies' ever-ageing staff. Michael Young brings leadership and a veteran presence, along with some offensive pop should he return to his stellar form of two years past. Mike Adams, with an outstanding lifetime ERA of 2.28, has been brought in to fill the void at the back end of the Phillies bullpen, an area which cost the team plenty of wins last season. Albeit phenomenal players throughout their careers, Young and Adams are unlikely to refresh and regenerate the squad's performance.

Contrastingly to the Phillies infield and pitching staff, the outfield has no shortage of youth. With the departures of Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino, the outfield spots were shared by Juan Pierre, John Mayberry Jr, Domonic Brown, Laynce Nix, and to some extent the impressive Darin Ruf. The opening day outfield lineup is a labyrinth of a problem which Phillies General Manager Charlie Manuel will have to solve. Particularly with the recent influx of youthful outfielders, in the form of Ben Revere and Delmon Young. Although they may be roaming the Citizens Bank Park outfield side by side, their styles of play could be no more different. Delmon Young was an integral part of the Detroit Tigers playoff run. For what he lacks in defensive prowess and speed, he makes up with his hitting, swatting 18 HRs and 74 RBIs in 2012. Ben Revere, meanwhile, is yet to hit a major league home run in his first two Major League seasons. He does however boast excellent defensive capabilities and terrific speed; swiping 40 bags in just his second season.

Ruben Amaro's offseason acquisitions will hopefully inject youth and extra ability into a hit-and-miss 2012 team. With the right balance of old and new, experience and desire to succeed, the Phillies will be bounding towards a playoff berth that was sorely missed in 2012. If the 'Big Three,' the fearsome trio of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee, can stay healthy it will give the Phillies a strong base for success. In addition, if the Phillies experienced infield of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Michael Young with an astonishing 18 All Star appearances between them, can stay healthy, the Phillies should not be short of runs either. There are a lot of 'ifs' regarding the Phillies future but if it does all come together, success can be the only option.