MLB Season Preview – Philadelphia Phillies
In the 2009 World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies were disappointed in their quest to win back-to-back World Series titles. The New York Yankees beat the Phillies in Game 6: could 2010 be a repeat?
The Phillies have high hopes for 2010, with some new stars joining the club, and perhaps just as important, stability with proven players who have made Philadelphia home. The top six hitters in the line-up remain the same: speedster Jimmy Rollins, switch-hitter Shane Victorino, Chase Utley in the clean-up position, home run crusher Ryan Howard, steadily-improving Jayson Werth, and crafty Raul Ibanez know their positions and each other, which can only be seen as a plus defensive-wise.
Exciting new players have joined the Phillies this year. Right handed starting pitcher Roy Halladay comes from the Toronto Blue Jays, and is already working out at the Phillies training facility in Clearwater, Florida. Halladay has a win/loss ratio of 148 to 76, an earned run average of 3.43, and a lifetime strike out total of 1495.
Right handed bullpen reliever JC Ramirez comes from the Seattle Mariners organization.
Placido Polanco was a Philly from 2002-2005. He played second base for the Tigers, but will play third base this year for the Phillies. He brings a .285 batting average, a .351 on base percentage, and a .396 slugging percentage. He is a very good situational hitter.
Oddsmakers have the Phillies at 6-1 betting odds to win the 2010 World Series, behind the New York Yankees at 11-4, and tied with the Boston Red Sox, also at 6-1.
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