The two-time defending NL Champion Philadelphia Phillies made a big splash this offseason, trading away their ace, Cliff Lee, and receiving arguably the best pitcher in baseball, in Roy Halladay from the Blue Jays as part of a mega three team deal. Halladay proved he was worth every penny of the $60 million contract he received from the Phills on opening day. Halladay went seven strong giving up just six hits and allowing one earned run, while striking out nine. Granted he was facing last year’s worst team in the Washington Nationals, but it’s great to see Halladay sharp in his first outing of the year. Another key acquisition had a big day for the Phills, as former Tiger Second Baseman, and now Third Basemen, Placido Polanco, went 3-5, hitting a Grand Slam, and knocking in 6 RBIs.
The Phillies completely dominated the hapless Nats 11-1 in the opener, and they looked as good as ever as they try to reach their third World Series in a row. The Phills were off today, but play in Washington again on Wednesday when Cole Hamels will take the mound for the first time this season, as he looks to rebound off of a very forgetful 2009 campaign, and tries to regain the 2008 magic when he led the Phills to a World Series Title. Hamels was just 10-11 last season with a 4.32 ERA in 32 appearances. If Hamels can step up and fill that number two spot in the rotation like he is capable of, the Phillies will have one of the most dynamic 1-2 punches in all of baseball at the top of their rotation. Halladay is an immediate CY Young contender, and Hamels must give him some protection as the number two guy in the rotation. J.A. Happ, Jamie Moyer, and Kyle Kendrick close out the starting rotation. There are a lot of question marks in the 3, 4 and 5 spots in the rotation, all the more reason why Hamels must have a great year.
