While many are disappointed that the Phillies didn't get to the playoffs, I'm looking at this season from a different perspective. We should celebrate a team that was not expected to contend, yet battled until the last weekend before bowing out of the Eastern Division race.
Fans can examine over and over again the many one-run losses that should have gone the other way, but it would be a waste of time. The team had weaknesses that cost a few games, but let's not lose sight of the fact that an 86-76 record is 21 wins better than last year's 65-97 mark.
This winter will be interesting. Expect some significant roster moves as general manager Ed Wade looks to fill in some gaps. Remember, however, that all the team needed after the 1999 season was a good second starter and a proven stopper in the bullpen. Andy Ashby and Mike Jackson didn't work out, and the 2000 campaign collapsed in less than a month.
Expectations will be higher next year, and we'll have to see what Wade does as he tools with the roster. We all have opinions. Here's mine:
First and foremost, sign Scott Rolen to a new contract, regardless of the cost. He's worth fair-market value, and failure to keep him will guarantee that the Phillies will lose the small fan base that is still loyal. And let's not forget that he hit .289 with 25 home runs and 107 RBIs.
Things were rough early on when the personality clash with manager Larry Bowa made headlines, but the two have had time to adjust to each other. Both want to win badly. I want to see them do it together in Philadelphia.
Offensively, nobody had an outstanding year, but Rolen and Bobby Abreu remained consistent. Abreu's average dipped a bit (.289), but his power numbers increased (31 HR, 110 RBIs).
Pat Burrell belted 27 homers, but he also struck out 162 times. He needs to play winter ball to learn how to hit breaking balls, and the club should exert any pressure necessary to force him to do this. Opposing pitchers adjusted to Burrell long ago. Now he must do likewise.
Defensively, the club is fine, assuming a healthy Mike Lieberthal is behind the plate next season. Todd Pratt will probably be the backup catcher, and Johnny Estrada will get some more seasoning at Triple A.
That said, the two regulars most likely to be traded are Travis Lee and Doug Glanville because the club has other options at first base and in the outfield, respectively. Personally, I'd really hate to see Glanville go.
On the mound, Omar Daal (13-7) will return if the Phillies pick up his contract option, which is not a given. Barring a trade, Daal, Robert Person (15-7) and Randy Wolf (10-11) will anchor the rotation. David Coggin and Brandon Duckworth are good bets for the last two spots, but I think the team will pick up a veteran hurler.
The bullpen and bench need overhauls. Jose Santiago and Jose Mesa are the only keepers in the pen, and Tomas Perez (.304) and Brian Hunter (.276) were adequate off the bench. The team needs to upgrade both areas.
Bowa might not get it, but he deserves strong consideration for manager-of-the-year honors. The fiery skipper was himself early on, which was anticipated, but I was more impressed with how he adjusted as the season progressed. His approach didn't work with everybody, and Bowa may have finally learned that lesson.
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