Kool Aid? Maybe...but I think the Phils are going to be good

[Irish George]

Much depends on Howard's health, but making the big assumption he plays 145 games or more, I say the Phils make the postseason.

None of the fans I have talked with share the opinion, but I think the AJ Burnett signing is a very good one. I like the Marlon Byrd signing. I think Jimmy benefits from Bowa on the coaching staff, Utley will be Utley and Chooch is allowed to take the drug that makes him a .300 hitter! Revere is back. I even like having Abreu back in a platoon/DH in interleague role.

Top of the rotation is solid. Not worried about Cole.

I like Asche, and Ruff will either contribute off the bench of bring a pretty good prospect in a trade.

Papelbon is about the only thing not to like for me.

[Ellsworth]

You spending a lot of time in Colorado, brah?

[Irish George]

eat your heart out, Bartman!

[nerd]

Much depends on Howard's health, but making the big assumption he plays 145 games or more, I say the Phils make the postseason.

None of the fans I have talked with share the opinion, but I think the AJ Burnett signing is a very good one. I like the Marlon Byrd signing. I think Jimmy benefits from Bowa on the coaching staff, Utley will be Utley and Chooch is allowed to take the drug that makes him a .300 hitter! Revere is back. I even like having Abreu back in a platoon/DH in interleague role.

Top of the rotation is solid. Not worried about Cole.

I like Asche, and Ruff will either contribute off the bench of bring a pretty good prospect in a trade.

Papelbon is about the only thing not to like for me.

The key is always Howard. Someone had a stat...in Howards last 162 starts the Phillies are 93-69. He may strike out a ton.... but he really is the big piece.

[Loki]

The Big Piece

The team will go as Moe Howard goes. They really could shock the league. But that's really captain obvious kind of stuff. For the Philly fans, I hope it happens.

[Diggle]

If having a shot at the wild card is good then I agree. One last run

[Ellsworth]

O/U I believe is 76 wins for phillies?

I bet Cubs are 60. Chumps

Globetrotters this Sunday, IG!

[Irish George]

hope you get to see the Generals

only one of Red's four teams out on tour are wearing the Generals colors.

[Brandonn]

I think Howard has a bounce back year. I also think Jimmy actually is done and will have another horrendous season.

I rate the combo if Jimmy+Cole as more important than Howard. Problem is I don't have much faith in either of them.

[capitaleagle]

It's all about staying healthy, obviously, but they really could keep things interesting if they do. I know nobody was thrilled with the Byrd signing but I think some people forget how god-awful right field was for the team last year. If Byrd is just ok defensively and at the plate, that's a huge upgrade over Delmon Young. And he might actually be pretty good.

Same for first base, the bullpen, the rotation. If Howard is finally back to an ok form, that changes the entire dynamic of the lineup. If Burnett can do what he did in Pittsburgh, that's a great no. 3 pitcher. What if Mike Adams really is back?

A lot of things need to go right but I don't think there's any question these guys know this is probably their last chance to make a run together.

[Irish George]

jimmy had a great year defensively

I think Howard has a bounce back year. I also think Jimmy actually is done and will have another horrendous season.

I rate the combo if Jimmy+Cole as more important than Howard. Problem is I don't have much faith in either of them.

Nobody would have said Bowa had a "horrendous" year if he had put up the same numbers. I want to see Jimmy be more patient at the plate, but he is still one of the game's best shortstops. there are enough other bats in this lineup and even in down times he is a pretty clutch hitter. Im not worried about J-Roll. Cole will miss a couple starts at most, which shouldn't matter that much over the long haul of the season.