NL East spring training update

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are getting older and are no longer the World Series threat they were at the end of the 00’s.  Ryan Howard is hitting .185, Chase Utley is hitting .182, and Jimmy Rollins has a batting average of .133.  Those are the big three that have been the backbone of Philadelphia’s offense.  If that lack of production continues into April and onward, it could be a long season for the Phillies.  They all no longer all-star locks and the bad numbers now could very well carry over into the regular season.

Pitching seems to be Philadelphia’s strength, but there are some worrisome ERAs thus far.  Cliff Lee sits at 4.15, Kyle Kendrick’s is 7.20, A.J. Burnett has a perfect floor routine of 10.00, and Mike Gonzalez has a staggering 16.87.  Cole Hamels has yet to pitch and likely will not throw until at least after April.  Those are the projected starters for Philadelphia, and it’s not good news.  If the Phillies don’t have any offense or pitching, how are they going to win any ball games this year?