A. The rotation in Philly is among the league's finest. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee are undeniable frontline starters. In a short playoff series they would create nightmares for any opposing manager. The issue here is whether the team can make the playoffs. Matt Garza and Ricky Nolasco are good complimentary arms to Halladay and Lee. Both have the potential to win double digit games, make 30 plus starts while logging 190+ innings, and approach a K/IP. Yet, who knows who the fifth starter will be. Again, the Melkonian has taken the approach of the best players at any given position at any given cost. Consequently, there is NO depth at all on this pitching staff.
B. The bullpen is fairly good as well with some unheralded arms. John Axford was a one hit wonder that the Melkonian will soon realize. There are veteran late inning relievers, Motte, Rauch, Putz and Valverde, but the question remains as to who will bridge the game to the late guys. Unless the strategy is to allow each arm to pitch one inning, it could take forever to finish these games. Either way this is a bullpen that relies on its starters pitching late into games to create favorable matchups. May need to acquire lefty reliever or three to stop Yuma's stud Votto.
C. The lineup is as intriguing as the rest of the team. First, two tremendous sluggers in Adrian Gonzalez and Alex Rodriguez anchor the lineup that MUST get power from these two. Andre Either provides 20 homers and 90 rbi with a consistent batting approach. In right, Ichiro will also likely leadoff and provide a must sparkplug to the lineup. I am guessing that a combination of small ball and balanced approach will be the strategy here. Adam Jones, Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler, and Matt Weiters/Miguel Montero must supplementary seasons for this offense to work. Defense and defensive range looks to be an added bonus in this lineup. It could really bail out some relievers and starters.
D. Intangibles are limited. By limited I mean there are not many players in the organization. This will greatly affect the organization's effort to acquire needed pieces, like a lefty reliever. The matchups in the bullpen are great if the matchup is not against Votto and company. I like the potential for speed and the great range of the defense. If the sluggers are slugging this lineup should consistently score a few runs to aid the pitching staff. Overall this team could easily challenge for a spot in the postseason as a wildcard but simply does not have enough power, depth, or tradability to contend for division crown.
