| Team Information
The Philadelphia Phillies look like for all the world like a team ready to make its mark by winning the National League East and perhaps moving on to the ultimate prize. They finished 88-74 last year, two games out of first place. Unfortunately, fourteen games over break even was not enough top get them into the playoffs, much to the disappointment of fans. General Manager Pat Gillick is wondering what he must do to make up the difference for the Phillies to win it all.
The team’s web site proclaims, “…when the Phillies were formed in 1883, history was in the making. Now, as the 21st century begins, the Phillies are the oldest, continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional sports…” I’m not sure how great an accomplishment that is, but when you’ve earned one World Series trophy since 1883, you must accentuate the positive. That aside, the Phillies are indeed a historic franchise. Their fans can proudly celebrate a roster of highly acclaimed players who have graced their presence down through the decades. Stars like Lefty O’Doul, Robin Roberts, Mike Schmidt and Greg Luzinski left their mark on team and baseball history. It’s always fun to look back and remember such heroes but it’s the here and now that fans really care about.
You ask, what about the Phillies pitching? The much-traveled Cory Lidle won thirteen games last year and needs to increase that total. Gillick brought in Ryan Franklin to bolster the staff. Veteran Jon Lieber will be back. Ryan Madson is the guy fans look to, hoping he takes the next step. The Phillies bullpen will have Rheal Cormier returning and Tom Gordon arriving to handle late inning duties. Manager Charlie Manuel has a pretty good team to guide for 2006. Has GM Pat Gillick provided all the tools he’ll need to overtake Atlanta or out-distance the Mets? It’s a long way from 1883 and that first Phillies team. Perhaps this current one will make them proud.
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