The Philadelphia Phillies didn't have a terrible season last year. Their solid second-half finish allowed them to post a respectable .500 record at 81-81. But, with a healthy squad Charlie Manuel might lead his team back to the playoffs this season.
Chase Utley's knee condition appears to be manageable, not career-ending. Ryan Howard's torn Achilles' tendon is healed. Roy Halladay's right arm is sore, but didn't fall off.
If just those three players produce full-season numbers this season, the Phillies should spin five games in a different direction. That would give them 86 wins.
Looking at the bullpen, Mike Adams will hopefully channel Ryan Madson. As long as Adams remains as effective as he has been in his career, turn another five losses into wins. That would put Manuel's squad above 90 in the plus column and directly competing for the second National League Wild Card Spot.
Carlos Ruiz has been suspended for the season's first 25 games. Even without the PED's, he should still be solid behind the plate and a decent hitter while he's standing at it.
Any starting rotation that includes Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee and any infield that contains Jimmy Rollins' glove, can't be counted as losers.
General manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. has changed half of his starting lineup since last season. The presence and performance of Darin Ruf, Mike Young, Delmon Young and Ben Revere (not necessarily in that order) will obviously impact this season.
As long as this mix of veterans and increasingly younger players avoids the injury bug, it will compete in a highly competitive National League for a chance to dance in the fall ball.
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