Now that Spring Training is underway, it's that time of the year where the predictions start rolling in! People like to analyze their favorite teams and place their bets on which team will prevail in the upcoming season. The Phillies have had quite a remarkable and exciting offseason, and people around the league are taking notice! Most people would agree that the Phillies are a lock for the post season, and many are considering them as World Series contenders. As a result, seven Phillies have been ranked among the Top 100 Players in Baseball this year! Check out who made the cut below:
Shane Victorino came in at #82 on the list. Shane plays strong baseball in center field, is very fast, and has an infectious Hawaiian charm!
2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels is #71. Hamels had a very strong 2010 season and improved a lot after his difficult run in 2009. Cole probably would have been higher on the list, but the Phillies either failed to protect his quality starts or allowed the Bullpen to blow the game seven times for Cole in the 2010 season. His 12-11 record did not reflect the quality pitching he threw all season.
Roy Oswalt, just one part of 2010's H2O and 2011's R2C2, was ranked at #51. Since Oswalt was added to the team last season, he has proved that he can still pitch.
Philadelphia's comeback kid, Cliff Lee, came in #31. Lee has pitched in the World Series for the past two years. Hopefully this year he will get the win, and some of those Philly cheesesteaks that he loves!
Fan favorite, Chase Utley, came in at #26. Clearly, Chase is still "The Man" as the great Harry Kalas once exclaimed. Any coincidence that Chase wears #26? We'll probably never know!
Ryan Howard is ranked at #25. Howard was 8th in the league in 2010 with 31 home runs.
Last, but certainly not least, is Roy Halladay. Halladay was ranked #2 on the list. 2010 was a historical year for Halladay, who reached many milestones including pitching a Perfect Game and a No-Hitter in the postseason! Halladay proved that he is truly a hardworking, remarkable pitcher! Fans can expect more of his fantastic pitching in 2011.
How well do you think these Phillies were ranked out of the Top 100 Players in Baseball? Do you agree with their placement? Do you think anyone is missing from this list? Share your thoughts and your excitement as the anticipation for the 2011 season continues!