MLB Playoff Preview: The Philadelphia Phillies

In a year in which the Philadelphia Phillies set a record for being the first franchise in sports to lose 10,000 games, it is ironic that they are going to the playoffs. The Phillies caught the New York Mets on the final weekend of the regular season to win the National League East Division. The 89-73 Phillies edged the Mets by one game.

Philadelphia is led by 2006 National League MVP first baseman Ryan Howard. Ryan Howard ranks third in the majors in home runs (47) and RBI (136). Howard could be the NL MVP again this year. Second baseman Chase Utley (.332 22 HR 103 RBI) ranks third in the NL in hitting and in doubles with 48. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins (.296 30 HR 94 RBI) is second in the National League with 212 hits, and leads the National League with 139 runs scored. Outfielders Pat Burrell (.256 30 HR 97 RBI) and Aaron Rowand (.309 27 HR 89 RBI) had productive seasons for the Phillies as well.

Cole Hamels (15-5 3.39 ERA) and Kyle Kendrick (10-4 3.87 ERA) anchor the Phillies starting rotation. They are joined by veteran Jamie Moyer (14-12 5.01 ERA) Other starters to watch are Kyle Loshe (9-12 4.62 ERA) and Adam Eaton (10-10 6.29 ERA). Injuries to Freddy Garcia and Jon Leiber have depleted the Phillies starting pitching depth.

Philadelphia's bullpen is led by Brett Myers (5-7 4.33 ERA) with 21 saves. Tom Gordon (3-2 4.73 ERA) has 6 saves and Antonio Alfonseca (5-2 5.44 ERA) has 8 saves for the Phillies. J.C Romero (2-2 1.92 ERA with 1 save) leads the team in appearances with 71 and has a team low ERA. Another pitcher to watch is Clay Condrey who is 5-0 with 2 saves and a 5.04 ERA.