The Phillies are defending their Championship. Can they do it again?

Having a good pitching staff did not stop Philadelphia from trying to construct a very good pitching staff. That's exactly what they did when they acquired Cliff Lee from the Cleveland Indians. Of course, Lee had been a Cy Young Award winner. Just like C. C. Sabathia before his trade to Milwaukee.

Starting pitching, huge bats in the middle of the batting order and good team chemistry have been the cornerstones of the Phillies since early last season.
Charlie Manuel holds everyone and everything together.

The offense begins at first base. Ryan Howard is one dangerous hitter who has the capability of changing a game, busting a game wide open or ending a game with one vicious swing of his bat. Once again, he has hit more than 40 homers and has driven in over 120 runs. All that and he hasn't even struck out 200 times. His weight loss prior to spring training assisted his agility at first base, making him much better at the position. Add in a helping of Chase Utley at second and a hitting recipe emerges that can give any opposing pitcher nightmares. Utley hits home runs, scores runs, drives in runs and steals bases. He is a complete player when healthy. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins has not had his best season. He has improved lately, but he really struggled the entire season to get his batting average up to his standards. Rollins has had a good season for most middle-infielders, but he hasn't been Jimmy Rollins. He has hit some big home runs and he's scored in the 90's but his season hasn't reflected his norm. He's solid at short and still a very good player. Pedro Feliz could be a bit of a weak bat in the order, but Greg Dobbs is always available to hit from the left side of the plate.

Philly's outfield features some players that are generally flying under the radar. To begin, Jayson Werth has hit more than 30 homers and has driven in 90 plus runs. Most average fans wouldn't know the name Jayson Werth. He's one big bat that adds power and credibility to the Phillies awesome lineup. Left field belongs to Raul Ibanez, a player the Phillies signed as a free agent in the off -season. Ibanez is a streaky hitter, but he can get hot in a hurry and stay hot for a week. He is outstanding in the clubhouse. The speedy and scrappy Shane Victorino brings energy to center field. He's a better than average outfielder with the ability to make things happen at the plate. He brings speed on the bases and gets himself in scoring position for the big bats.

The pitching is anchored by two very good lefties. Consider having both Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee on the same staff. Both are capable of winning every time out. Both can lose their rhythm quickly and become just another ordinary guy on the mound. However, the chance of that happening might be once every four starts for each of them. Less often for Lee. If Charlie wants to break up the lefties, he can insert right- handed Joe Blanton between them. Blanton really has had a "break out" year for Philadelphia and can give his Manager 7 innings each time out. Then there is the experience of Pedro Martinez to consider for the rotation. He not only has experience,, but he still has ability. He has also had a sore neck. Does Charlie put him in as the fourth starter? Third starter? If at all, where and when? If not, what about another lefty? How about J. A. Happ, a young rookie who has had a fantastic season. But he could also join Jamie Moyer and Brett Meyers in the bullpen. Pitching depth. There isn't anything like it. Nobody has the pitching depth of the Phillies. Starting and relieving, up to a point. And that point is the sticking point.
Who closes games? Wow-here it is Playoff time and the Phillies don't know exactly who closes in the Playoffs. Sticking point? More than that. It might be the Only point. Do you, Charlie Manuel trust Brad Lidge to be your closer as long as your team is in the Playoffs? I didn?t think so. Enter Ryan Madson. Charlie may or may not go with Lidge. He may or may not go with Madson. He may or may not win the Division Series. That's how important a closer is in any short series. Want proof?
Ask Brad Lidge if he doesn't still have nightmares about Albert Pujols taking him deep. Very deep. In a big game. Charlie likes to sleep. We'll see who closes the big games. For now, let's just leave that an open issue. We won't really know until the moment arrives.

I like most everything about the Phillies. I like their hitting, their defense and their starting pitching and middle relief. I especially like them in the Division Series. They are the World Champions and in general, they can play that way.