Dosage of Phils

Pedro Feliz Signs With the Phils:
-Not a bad move for the Fightin's, bringing in a 6th or 7th man in the order to take over at hot corner. He's 32 but can hit for some pop. He had a down year last year, but brining him in at a modest 2 years with an option for a 3rd is not a bad idea. I feel like we could see another David Bell, however, the Phils left themselves flexible in the situation by giving up only $8.5 million over those two years. If he can just make contact with the ball and put it in play, the Phillies will get what they paid for. Somewhere around 84-88 rbi would be about right, and he should hit about .275-.280 in the ballpark and lineup. However what overshadowed that move for the Phils was the news that...

Johan Santana Shipped to New York:
-The Mets won the ultimate prize of the 2008 offseason, by acquiring 2-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana. They gave up a package of 4 decent prospects, but it was nothing that the Mets could not handle. However, does this outright make them better than the Phillies? As a Philadelphia fan, it's hard to come at this question with a clear mind, but we can break it down.

The starting pitching is still relatively equal. As much as the Phils back end of the rotation is shaky, so is the Mets. Both teams have two great pitchers at the top of the rotation. I believe they are about even however, because we do not know what to expect from Pedro. However, the Phillies do not have a 2-time Cy on their team. That can make a huge difference. EDGE METS

The lineup for the Phillies has a definite advantage though, especially brining in Pedro Feliz and Geoff Jenkins. The Phillies will strike out a ton, yet they get on base so much that it nearly negates the fact that they whiff so damn much. The Phillies bench is also stronger than the Mets in nearly every aspect. Defense within the starting lineup is also just about equal. We'll give the lineup/bench to Philadelphia. EDGE PHILLIES

The bullpens for both teams, as for all teams, can and will be an issue at some point in the season. However, the Phillie seem to have plug the holes by getting Brad Lidge and re-signing JC Romero. Aaron Heilman is a decent reliver for the Mets, but the Phillies just have more power at the back end. EDGE PHILLIES.

This will be close in the end, there is no doubt about it. It always comes down to the pitching in the end. The Mets have the starters and the Phils have the relivers. Both have great lineups. Everyone, start getting excited for the '08 season. Should be a hell of a ride in the NL East.