We're a Shell of Our Former Selves in Philadelphia

We’re a Shell of Our Former Selves in Philadelphia

 

 

When I look at the roster for the Philadelphia Phillies, two things come to mind. The first is that Ruben Amaro should be fired. The second being that this team is the old champion race horse that should be taken behind the shed and put out of its misery but its handlers keep running it into the ground because they don’t have that young stallion to take over. The Phillies roster consists of “Baseball Old” talent that has dealt with so many injuries and is washed up beyond the point of being able to contend. 

They had no chance of competing with Atlanta or Washington, and with the changes made in New York and Miami, along with the arrival of prospects at some point in those cities; the Fightin’ Phils could be limping to a last place finish. There are a few young players on the team, namely Dominic Brown, Cody Asche, and Darin Ruf but I personally don’t see these guys turning into anything more than decent bench players. The Phillies have adopted the Yankees formula of sacrificing the future for the present. The Yankees have somewhat learned their lesson, not being so quick to pull the trigger on prospects or tradable assets, and Philly will learn that same lesson this year but for the present, they live with the consequences of that strategy. 

Ryan Howard will be a black hole at first base, Chase Utley can still hit but his footwork and range have suffered, and Jimmy Rollins might have died two seasons ago and the Phillies refuse to tell anyone because there’s a good chance there’s been a corpse playing shortstop. Add to this the Cole Hamels injury this spring and the signing of the most overrated pitcher in all of baseball, A.J. Burnett and you have the makings of No Division for Old Men. Start looking forward to football season Phillies fans because it is most certainly not going to be sunny in Philadelphia this summer.

 

We will be back tomorrow with a look at the Tampa Bay Rays and breakout candidate Wil Myers. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @changingspeeds for all our coverage of the national pastime.