2013 PREVIEW
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ast year, almost all Phillies fans had high hopes for their team. With a revamped roster and almost all of their guys healthy, the team seemed to be a possible contender to win it all. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, just like the Eagles would wind up being, the Phillies were a huge bust for all fans; everyone has been disappointed. As we go into the 2013 season, the expectations are definitely not what they were last year. The possibility of a World Series seems a little more probable than being struck by lightning, but in reality, this Phillies team will most certainly be better than last year. Looking at last year, the Phillies had two major injuries that destroyed their season. First, Ryan Howard was out for the beginning of the year with a torn Achilles, and then with a broken toe at the end of the season, putting the Phillies’ biggest power hitter out of the line up for the majority of the season. Chase Utley was also out for a good portion of the season with ongoing knee issues. Cliff Lee, one of the Phillies’ aces, was a major disappointment, considering Phillies General Manager, tried to get rid of him, putting the once clutch Phillie on waivers. With all of the problems, the Phillies still wound up with an 81-81 record, exactly at .500. This coming season, the Phillies have lost Vance Worley and Placido Polanco, but have acquired Ben Revere (outfielder), Delmon Young (outfielder), Michael Young (third baseman), John Lannahan (right handed pitcher), and Mike Adams (right handed pitcher). The Phils have definitely made up for what they have lost thus far. The pitching should improve from a season ago. If both Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay have a stronger year than they did a year ago, along with the same production from Cole Hammels, the Phillies rotation will be improved. Along with the big three starters, the addition of John Think you know who will win? Email or Facebook message us with your Lannahan from Washington and Mike Adams information and guesses. Right answers get from Texas, and a good fifth man in Kyle a point towards our annual prize (see Editors Kendrick, the Phillies’ pitching staff should look Desk for more detail). a lot better this season. Offensively, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley seem to be nearing 100% health-wise, which should help the Phillies score more runs. The additions of Delmon Young and Ben Revere will hopefully help the Phillies outfield production, but this could all be offset by Carlos Ruiz’s 25-game suspension for using Adderall, the drug used to treat ADHD. All in all, the Phillies have gotten better rather than worse and definitely have some promise going into this season. The key is to stay healthy. If the Phillies can do that, this upcoming season will not be what it was last year and the team could really be a contender.
Flyers Hockey Schedule 4/3 vs. Montreal 7:30 pm 4/4 vs. Toronto 7:00 pm 4/6 vs. Winnipeg 3:00 pm 4/9 vs. NY Islanders 7:00 pm 4/11 vs. Ottawa 7:00 pm 4/13 vs. Buffalo 3:00 pm 4/15 vs. Montreal 7:30 pm 4/16 vs. NY Rangers 7:30 pm 4/18 vs. New Jersey 7:30 pm 4/20 vs. Carolina 7:00 pm 4/23 vs. Boston 7:30 pm 4/25 vs. NY Islanders 7:00 pm 4/27 vs. Ottawa 7:00 pm
Sixesrs Basketball Schedule 4/3 vs. Charlotte 7:00 PM 4/5 vs. Atlanta 7:30 PM 4/6 vs. Miami 7:30 PM 4/9 vs. Brooklyn 7:30 PM 4/10 vs. Atlanta 7:00 PM 4/12 vs. Washington 7:00 PM 4/14 vs. Cleveland 3:30 PM 4/15 vs. Detroit 7:30 PM 4/17 vs. Indiana 8:00 PM
Prediction: Phillies loose in the NLDS. April 2013•Insight 27