Let's begin with a biggie....
Cole Hamels does not re-sign with the Phils. If you were Hamels and you were looking at this club right now, would you sign a long-term deal with an aging bunch who figure to be entering a lengthy rebuilding phase soon? Moreover, if you were Hamels, wouldn't you want to test the market given you would likely be the premiere free agent pitcher available? So long, Cole.
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Roy Halladay has a mediocre year. Of course, mediocre for Halladay would be pretty good for just about anyone else, so what exactly do I mean by "mediocre"? Halladay goes 13-11.
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Ryan Howard doesn't play at all this year. Chase Utley does play, but not much nor well.
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The middle of the Phillies bullpen will be a disaster.
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The Miami Marlins will win the division if their pitching remains healthy.
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Jonathan Papelbon will surrender a career-high number of home runs.
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Jimmy Rollins will step up to fill the vacuum left by his injured infield mates and have a solid year. He will be the leader on and off the field.
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The Phillies will officially switch from long ball to small ball without the power of Howard and Utley. The trouble is, they will be relying on some fairly old folks to provide the spark.
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The Phils will not fare well with Jim Thome starting at first base. The first pop up down the right field line will reveal just how long past his prime Thome is.
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In a desperate move to get some power into the lineup, Charlie Manuel will be forced to give John Mayberry more playing time despite his awful Spring. Pundits will point out there is little correlation between an awful Spring and the regular season. Mayberry will take over the starting job by May.
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By the end of the season the second toughest ticket in town will be much easier to come by.
