No Phillies fan should be surprised if this team loses 100 games this season. In 2014 there were no 100 game losers the Diamondbacks lost 99 but just the year before in 2013 the Astros lost 111 and the Marlins 100. The White Sox missed by a game with 99 losses.
In 2012 the Astros lost 107 and the Cubs 101.
So here comes 2015 and there is great excitement in Chicago on both the north and south sides. The Cubbies will roll out a power house line-up of youth. In 12 days or so Kris Bryant will lay claim to rookie of the year, Soler will be the most exciting new Cuban to take the league by storm and Lester and Maddon will show them the way back to a winning season and probably a wild card. And that only scratches the surface of their youthful talent. Russell is waiting in the wings and so is Schwarber.
The White Sox will have Carlos Rodon to back up Chris Sale and Tim Anderson their SS of the future is not far away. Avisail Garcia is healthy and a player to watch and of course Abreu and Eaton.
The Marlins are being mentioned as a team in the NL East that can hang with the power arms of the Nats and for the Astros there is at least George Springer, and Correa. Maybe Mark Appel and Colin Moran make their former college presences felt in the big leagues this season.
So how hard will it be to watch the 2015 Phillies? I would say if you ever tried to pull your own tooth it will be at least that hard but there are a few reasons. Let's start with the old:
Chase Utley-Only the best 2b in Phllies history and a guy that if it weren't for injuries would be an easy HOF member. The Angels could come calling for him soon and he may be willing to go this time. The Angels are being reported to have interest and a deal may hinge on Josh Hamilton's suspension. The Angels have limited money available so that would all need to be cleared up before a move is done.
Cole Hamels-The Best lefty since Lefty in Philly. While we have him I will enjoy every start. Cole has been a master of his craft and I am dumb founded a team on the cusp hasn't done what it takes to land Hamels on their opening day starting roster. As time into the season encroaches on a teams hopes it will be a move hard to pass up for someone. Injuries have already wreaked havoc for some teams with high hopes and you bet their will be others. We just need to hope Cole stays healthy himself.
Now the new:
Ken Giles won't have many opportunities to save games but his innings will still be fun to watch.
Odubel Herrea has been a pleasant spring surprise as a Rule 5. He looks the part of a top of the line-up catalyst. And its fun to say his name.
Asche could take steps forward and be closer to his minor league averages than his MLB averages. I think there is more there for Cody as he gains confidence and experience.
At some point down the road Hamels may be gone and we could possibly see Aaron Nola at CBP. Possibly Jesse Biddle a once touted 1st round local kid gets himself back on track and finally makes a start or 2 or 10 in Philly.
Franco is a guy that if he had a decent spring would probably have made the 25 man roster. He tends to (in his young career) have better second halves than first halves. Strangely he had a torrid winter ball season. He is a little over aggressive in my opinion. If he straightens out his approach he could be a fine MLB player.
That's not much I know!
The 2015 baseball season will go on and there are plenty of story lines and new young players to watch. I'll be watching baseball for sure.
