Philadelphia Phillies

                 "There is no question that this current run of five, six years is the strongest baseball era in Phillies history."  A quote from the great Mike Schmidt, the best third baseman in major league history, and former Philadelphia Phillie.  A man who is arguably the greatest player in this storied franchise's history was stating that this time period was better than his own star-studded, championship rosters of the Phillies of the 80s.  I'm not one to argue with a legend, I am agreeing with what he said, however with the recent string of injuries and the Phillies becoming one of the older teams in the league raises the question, is this the end of an era?  The team that won the World Series in 2008 and ended the drought of Philadelphia not having a championship are no longer young superstars, but are now aging veteran players.
                Lets take a look at what changed this franchise around, I decided to start this new era with the hiring of Charlie Manuel back in 2005.  The Phillies had become a perennial doormat in the National League East and were desperately looking for a manager to help right the ship in Philadelphia.  Known to the fans as Uncle Charlie, Manuel has built the Phillies into one of the premier teams in major league baseball on top of bolstering his resume.  Ryan Howard was a big part of that, winning the rookie of the year in 2005 and becoming the NL MVP in 2006.  Since being hired with the exception of losing 3 more games from 2005 to 2006 the Phillies have the best record in baseball in 2011 with 102 wins.
                In 2007 the Phillies won the NL East and made the playoffs for the first time since 1993.  Despite being swept in the NLDS to the Colorado Rockies Philadelphia got the taste of October baseball I had missed and haven't looked back since.  Jimmy Rollins was named the MVP the second consecutive year a Phillies player had won an MVP.
                In 2008 the Phillies won the division again with the help of newly acquired closer Brad Lidge was perfect in save opportunities that year going 41 for 41 and 7 for 7 in the playoffs en route to the Phillies winning the World Series in 5 games against the Tampa Bay Rays.  Pat Gillick was named executive of the year, and Manuel was named manager of the year while the Phillies celebrated down Broad Street before Utley's infamous speech.
                In 2009 the Phillies looked to defend the title and become the first NL team to repeat as World Series champions since the Big Red Machine in Cincinnati in the 70s.  The Phillies gained former Cy Young award winner Cliff Lee at the trade deadline to help power the Phillies back to the World Series.  The Phillies lost to the Yankees in 6 games bringing home their 27th title.
               During the off-season the Phillies traded away Cliff Lee but on the same day acquired Roy Halladay from Toronto.  In a move that seemed the same as moving from Belvedere to Grey Goose Phillies fans were ecstatic to have Halladay but wondered why they couldn't have both.  Halladay lived up to the hype winning the Cy Young becoming only the 5th player in MLB history to win a CyYoung in both leagues.  He also tossed a perfect game winning 1 --- 0 over the Flordia Marlins, as well as throwing only the second ever post-season no-hitter in his first playoff game.   The Phillies also acquired veteran pitcher Roy Oswalt from the Houston Astros at the trade deadline.  The season had a bitter end though as they lost to the eventual champion San Francisco Giants in the NLCS.
               Phillies mania was at an all time high before the 2011 season.  With the surprise re-signing of free agent pitcher Cliff Lee the Phillies created arguably the best rotation in baseball history.  Four aces, two right handed, two left-handed, a star studded lineup, and some of the best relievers in the game.  Phillies were favored to win the World Series and rightfully so.  The Phillies won 102 games in the regular season, marking the first time in history that the Phillies led baseball in win.  That matched up with the NL winning the all-star game meant that the table was set for the Phillies to have home field advantage throughout the playoffs and win another title.  They picked up all star outfielder Hunter Pence at the trade deadline to give the Phillies what they thought was the only weak spot on the roster, a right handed bat behind Howard.  The Phillies lost to the eventual champion St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS and severly underachieved the expectations of World Series or bust.
               Chase Utley has left training camp to see a knee specialist.  Utley's injury history is well documented and quite frankly signs have been pointing towards this for the last few years. I am not trying to diminish anything that he has achieved in his career.  A valid argument could be made that he should have at least one MVP award in his trophy case as well.  Is it time for Phillies fans to begin to wonder if the player that was named to the all MVP decade team and perennial all-star is finally done?  I'm going to say yes, each day it begins to look more and more like the sure fire hall of fame second basemsn may never again play at the level we are used to seeing.
              The injury to Ryan Howard was a large enough obstacle to overcome, but paired with Utley not being the opening day second baseman creates a panic in Phillies fans.  The two best players in a baseball lineup, your three and four hitters are out for an unknown amount of time when your club has had trouble scoring runs in recent years cnnot be something that Charlie Manuel and GM Ruben Amaro Jr. are pleased to see.  Lets not write off  the Phillies just yet, they so still have the best pitching rotation in baseball with the aces Roy Halladay, and arguably the best closer in the game right now because while Mariano Rivera is a legend, he is over 40 and not getting any younger.
              Halladay will turn 35 this season and Lee will turn 34.  They both still have productive years ahead of them and we have seen in the past when elite pitchers can still throw into their 40s.  Bothof these guys are number one top of the rotation guys and are a luxury for the Phillies to have, but they now have added pressure to try and prevent the other team from scoring because of the possible lack of run support.  Hamels as a number three starter is what makes the Phillies rotation so dominating, having a player who would be a number one or two on any other team.  Hamels is only here on a one-year deal though this year and could possibly walk after the season.  Amaro Jr. does not seem too fond of having three pitchers making 20 million or more a season.  This season Phillies fans need to really cherish what a treat it was to have a team accomplish what they have.
              Of course fan experience has a huge impact on this franchise.   Citizens Bank Park is among the best ballparks in the league consistently among the leaders in attendance each year.  The Phillies currently have an active streak of 204 consecutive sellouts, second in baseball to only the Boston Red Sox.  The Phillies are the record holders for attendance from season to season, a record that they break year after year.  The Food Network awarded Citizen Bank Park as the ballpark with the best eats.  This is also the first baseball stadium to join the EPA and go green.
              "Its fun to look at the squad around here, its like being at an all-star game."  Hunter Pence couldn't have said it any better after he made his debut for Philadelphia in 2011.  Like any great team there is a solid core of players that are the foundation for this fanchise.  Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, TRyan Howard, and Shane Victorino are all players that came through the Phillies farm system.
              These five players have combined for 13 all-star appearances in 7 years.  As a team the Phillies have generated quite the trophy shelf over the years.  Their awards include: 2 GM of the year awards, a manager of the year award, 2 Rookies of the year awards, 2 different MVPs including only the 2nd player in MLB history to win rookie of the year and MVP in consecutive seasons, a Cy Young award winner, a perfect game, a playoff no hitter, a reliever of the year award, 22 all-star appearances by 15 different playeres, 6 silver slugger awards, 6 golden gloves, 5 division titles, 2 national league titles, and a world series victory in 2008.
             Acquiring Hunter Pence last year is beginning to prove as a brilliant and possibly team saving move.  Anytime acquiring an all-star position player that is an upgrade but with the recent string of injuries Pence along with Cole Hamels are now the foundation and building blocks for this franchise that despite all the past success most players now on the wrong side of 30.