PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

The Phillies won the most games in the Majors last season, finishing with a 102-60 record. A wild card team won the World Series!

In spite of the standings, the Phillies were a good hitting team, but not extraordinary, ranking 13^th in runs scored, 16 in batting average and 11^th in on base percentage and only 17^th in slugging percentage. However, the pitching was the story, finishing 1^st in ERA, quality starts and 3^rd in batting average against them. (.240)

JONATHAN PAPELBON

As far as Free Agency goes: Raul Ibanez left for the Yankees after 1 year in left field, Brad Lidge RHP, 1.04 ERA went to Washington, Ryan Madson RHP 2.37 ERA, to Cincinnati, Jimmy Rollins SS re-signed with the team for 3 years and $38 million, Brian Schneider C re-did his gig for 1 year and $800,000, Laynce Nix LF, replaced Ibanez for 2 years and $2.5 million, Jonathan Papelbon 2.94 ERA, 31 saves, from Boston for 4 years, $50 million, and Chad Qualls RP from San Diego 3.51 ERA, 1 year $1.15 million, Jim Thome 1B from Cleveland to a 1 year $1.25 million to cover for the loss of Ron Howard, Dontrell Willis SP, from Cincinnati 5.00 ERA for 1 year and $850,000.

The Phillies took care of what they needed and quickly. They are missing a huge component in Ron Howard, but until he returns, they are still good, good enough to go all the way.

They should still win their division, but by not as much.