With Cliff Lee joining a highly-touted rotation, the Phillies were expected to glide toward a fifth straight NL East title. But spring training injuries to second baseman Chase Utley and outfield hopeful Domonic Brown indicate that Philadelphia might need bounce-back seasons from Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard more than originally thought.
This club is aging fast Rollins has lost a step, Ibanez is ancient, Polanco is hurt for the thousandth time. Utley has knee problems. This could get ugly easily.
That all said, the Phillies are still the class of the division but they are being caught up to fast. We think they will pull it out again this year, but there need to be some big offseason changes next year to keep it up.
The offense may be a problem, but the rotation remains solid with the return of Cliff Lee it gets better.
The Phillies captured the last four NL East titles and figure to be the favorites to win again this season. Few teams can match up with their rotation, but the pressure will be on Lidge and Madson to hold the leads that the staff gives them.
Our pick: 1st place NL East
Video: Jim Bowden previews the 2011 edition of the Philadelphia Phillies
