A Phuture for the Phillies?

“Can the Phillies actually compete?” This is a question I keep getting asked, and to be honest I don’t have an answer. This Phillies team is extremely interesting, that is because they aren’t good on paper. In reality if you watch a game, it is clear to see that they don’t have the talent to compete in the long run. There are several players that cannot continue to play if the Phillies want to be a playoff team. However, the one thing the Phillies do have is that their division is awful. There is no team in the NL East that is great. Fans and experts constantly say that the Nationals are the team to beat, however lets face it every year they are and every year they lack something. This year it looks like the NL East once again is up for grabs.

The team I picked at the beginning of this season to win it all was the Florida Marlins. Like the Phillies the Marlins are young and have young talent. However, after watching several games it looks like the Marlins are just too young to compete all season. That being said I do not think the Mets will be the powerhouse like they were last season. After watching their play I do not see them lasting the entire season to win the division. This is where the Phillies opportunity lies. The NL East is a mess with the Braves being terrible, Nationals not playing up to expectations, the Marlins being too young, and the Mets struggling pitching.  

This is where opportunity lies for the Phillies. Right now they are getting unbelievable starting pitching and relief from their staff. The bats are coming alive as well, with guys like Herrera and Franco leading the way. Those two hitters and their staff are carrying the Phillies right now. This is leading many experts to say the Phillies should be buyers at the deadlines. Though I agree if they are in a good place at the deadline they should go out and get some more pieces, I do not think they should mortgage the future for it. The Phillies have to be smart making their future decisions with this team.

The Phillies are giving us a taste of the future right now. Though I think they are a few pieces away from being a playoff contender again, I do think they are on their way. They need a better hitting infielder as well as a better right fielder. The team also needs one more quality pitcher in their staff. But, besides those issues the Phillies have truly shocked the world as of right now. If the Phillies can keep their hot streak going, we may see the playoffs soon enough.

-Brett 

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Thank You Jimmy Rollins

This city has given us some of the all-time greats, as well as some guys that were just true fan favorites. Jimmy Rollins was not a fan favorite by any means. He constantly frustrated fans by doing stupid acts on the base paths, at the plate and in the field. However, that does not mean he wasn't a great player and a great person in the community. Now that he is officially no longer a Philadelphia Phillie, it is time to look back and see what he meant to not only fans in this city, but children all around the area. Rollins was a mainstay at the shortstop position for 14 years. Many kids growing up in the area cannot remember a time without the All-Star shortstop. Though for all the shortcomings Rollins had in this city, he was more important than many people realize. Below are some of the most impactful moments Jimmy Rollins had on this city as both a player and a person.

2001: “Rookie Season”

This was Rollins first full season with the Phillies, an opportunity to show the fans what he can do as a player and he did not disappoint. As any fan can remember, Rollins brought so much excitement and energy to a lackluster team. He proved his worth by swiping 46 bags, batting .274, and providing 12 triples. Jimmy finished as an All-Star, the stolen base champion, and 3^rd in ROY voting. For a rookie season this was one of the most exciting in Phillies history, and many fans knew there was much more to come from Rollins.

2007: “Team to Beat”

This season was different coming in, and many reporters saw a different look on the face of Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies wanted to prove to the NL East that they were good, that they could compete and Rollins provided that spark by stating during spring training that they were “The Team to Beat.” Jimmy Rollins now an established star in the MLB, takes Phillies fans on one of the most exciting rides in recent memory. Rollins would not only win the MVP Award this season, but was a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove winner, and would lead his team to the playoffs for the first time in years.

2008: “World Champions”

How could anyone forget this season? A magic year in the making the Phillies fought for the NL East all season and won it. Jimmy helped the Phillies fight all season. Jimmy produced all season; whether it came in the form of a huge base it when needed most or holding up the trophy at the end. Rollins helped provided Phillies fans with memories that will live with us for the rest of our lives.

As a person:

Jimmy not only was a great Phillies player, destined for the Wall of Fame one day. But, Rollins was an even better person. Jimmy provided the community with so many charity opportunities and events. He truly touched the hearts of Phillies fans. Rollins also helped bring baseball back to the inner cities, giving kids a reason to play. Rollins was truly a great player and a great man in this city. 

-Brett 

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