Phillies and a successful season?

Baseball season is upon us, and for many teams and organizations it is a chance to reestablish themselves and prepare for a successful season. However, in the Phillies case, reestablishing  is out of the question, as well as preparing for a successful season. Bad luck has once again struck the Phillies, with an injury to Cole Hamels, an infection for Freddy Galvis, and horrible starts to Spring Training for many other players. This season looks like a possible failure for this Phillies team, many experts are preparing for the worse to happen. It might be time to sell ship, and give up with the team of veterans. Though passion lacking, injury prone, and aging stars make up this team, I do believe a successful season can occur, but a lot of things need to go right:

1. Ryan Howard
The main thing for this season is Ryan Howard must perform and stay healthy. The Phillies know that they are not going to get the same Ryan Howard that they once had. Howard is not going to play for the Phillies and hit 40 homeruns with 140 RBI's. However, they will need Ryan Howard to perform to a certain extent. They will need Ryan Howard to this season in particular, with his power lacking, to focus on hitting for average. If Ryan Howard can give the Phillies a .300+ average and have close to 100 RBI's, the Phillies will have a chance to perform and possible be a playoff team.

2. Chase Utley
Chase Utley has to stay healthy this season. With all of Utley's knee problems, it seems to many Philadelphia fans that this may be one of Chase's last seasons in the big leagues, or at least with the Phillies. However, Utley has always given it 100% on the diamond, and if he stays healthy their is no reason why he can't hit .320 with 20 homeruns in the three hole. He will be another reason if this team makes the playoffs.

3. The Pitching Staff
This season is one of great importance for the Phillies pitching staff. With the loss of Roy Halladay the team has brought in many replacements. Now the question is can they stay healthy and can they perform up to par. With Cole Hamels already being hurt, doubts are starting to creep into many people's minds that they will not be success. However, if Cole can get healthy before the start of the season they may be able to have a good year. The other huge question in the rotation is Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick needs to step up this season, and take on a larger role in the pitching rotation. Kyle Kendrick showed flashes of brilliance last season, as well as his struggles. It can be assumed that A.J. Burnett will perform up to par, and Cliff Lee will be his dominate self as well. The last question in the staff is Roberto Hernandez, he will have to give the Phillies good innings this season. Hernandez will need to pitch as a 5th starter can, and keep the Phillies in games.

These are the three main things that need to go right for the Phillies to have a successful season. They need the veteran leaders to help out the younger players, as well as help guide them to success. This team stills has the potential to be a successful squad they just need things to go right for them.

-Brett