Grand Opening

Welcome to the first ever Fisch's Philly Sportsline column. Fittingly so, we officially open in the midst of a hopping spring training for the Phillies down in Clearwater. However dreamy the city's name may sound, there are many situations, such as roster-cuts and player roles, that are extremely unclear. The 5th starter race is still as wide open Charlie Manuel's mouth during last year's World Series. Jamie "Father Time" Moyer and Kyle Kendrick (shunned from the big leagues in 2008) continue to be the frontrunners for the position. Placido Palanco's transition form second to third base seemed to be going rather smoothly until Palanco did his best Blake Griffen impersonation and strained his knee on a routine fly ball. Cole Hamels' spring dominance has been reassuring for Phils fans but has also set expectations for this upcoming summer, and more importantly october, extremely high. But overall, the biggest question during the 2009 postseason was and still is the bullpen. Anchored by last season's "Light's on" Brad Lidge, the pen is filled with inconsistency and inexperience. However, there is still room for optimism. Lidge is now coming off reconstructive elbow and knee surgery and is believed to be rehabbing with a vengeance with the memory of Johnny Damon's double-steal burned in his brain. In order for the Phils to boast an NL Champ 3-peat and raise another World Series Championship flag out in centerfield, Lidge needs to return to hs 2008 form. Asking for another perfect season isn't exactly ideal, but begging a closer with a 90% save conversion rate needs rise from the ashes of what was Lidge's torn elbow and almost shattered knee. J.C. Romero is also coming off an elbow surgery of his own, and and Antonio Bastardo as well as Ryan Madeson are poised for an important middle/one out relievers.

If the beginning and middle of the lineup stay healthy and consistent, managerially, executively, competitively, and weather permitting, the Phils should be poised for another deep postseason run. At the end of the day, an NL East championship and National League pennant championship as well should be well within the reach of these phightens!