Inside The Playbook

First Week of Spring Training: Philadelphia Phillies

By: Lily Zhao

(phillysportsblogs.com)

SEASON PREVIEW: The 2011 Philadelphia Phillies set a franchise record of 102 victories, winning the NL East division for the fifth straight year. With the return of aces Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, the Phillies will be strong on the mound once again. A strong veteran core returns, but the team is aging and still plagued by injuries. Star slugger Ryan Howard is recovering from his last Achilles tendon tear, while second baseman Chase Utley is battling knee problems. This season, the NL East looks to be top heavy. Aside from the Phillies, the Atlanta Braves bring in a strong pitching staff, but questions remain if young hitters Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman can generate enough offense. There is also excitement from Miami Marlins fans. With the signing of Jose Reyes, a brand new name, manager, ballpark and higher expectations, it seems the Marlins are serious in being competitive in the league.

ON THE MOVE: Catcher Sebastian Valle's statistics last season were sufficient enough to supplant himself as Carlos Ruiz's possible replacement. With Ruiz likely to become a free agent after the 2012 season, Valle's defensive upside and work ethic is an encouraging sign for Phillies fans.

Phillippe Aumont is another player looking to make a splash this season. He was one of the players Philadelphia received when they traded Cliff Lee to the Mariners after the 2009 season. He initially struggled to adapt to the major leagues, but in a relief role last season, dominated with his fastball and curveball.

(ESPN.com)

KEY BATTLE: Pitcher Dontrelle Willis is also bidding for a starting position in an already star-studded pitching rotation. Signing Willis was a low risk move for manager Charlie Manuel, but it is still to be seen if Willis can be the player of old. In less than two innings during last Tuesday's game against the Houston Astros, he gave up five hits and five earned runs. Willis is also nursing a sore forearm which is affecting his ball delivery.

NEW FACES: Boston Red Sox fans can now see Jonathan Papelbon closing another door. After many years under the microscope in Boston, the closer is able to get a fresh start in Philadelphia. Papelbon signed a four year, $50 million contract and has already taken a step forward in Philly by pleasing the fans.

For those Phillies fans who remember Jim Thome, voted the nicest man in the MLB, he's back in the lineup. His second stint in Philadelphia includes a $1.25 million, one-year contract. Manuel's plan is to slowly get Thome back in the rotation. The 41-year-old hit .256 with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs with the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indian last season. Thome will be expected to add power off the bench and could be called upon to play first base because of the injury to Howard.

(blogs.suntimes.com)

BREAKING OUT: John Mayberry Jr. who hit 15 home runs last season in just 267 at-bats will be expected to fill the void that Raul Ibanez left. The Phillies need a right-handed power player to balance out a very left-handed lineup. Mayberry's maturity and development last season helped him move forward in plate development and refining his swing. For a team that is aging and needs a spark of offense, Mayberry could very well make 2012 his breakout year.

ALL EYES ON: As good as the trio of Halladay, Lee and Hamels are, the Phillies will need to get production out of their fourth and fifth starters. The final two spots will presumably go to Vance Worley and Joe Blanton. However, both Blanton and Worley still have areas of improvement they need to work on. Blanton gave up two hits and struck out one in two scoreless innings. Worley gave up two runs in his first start and is working on a new approach to his changeup.