Key additions: RHP Roy Halladay, 3B Placido Polanco, C Brian Schneider, RHP Danys Baez, RHP Jose Contreras, 1B/OF Ross Gload, INF Juan Castro
Key losses: LHP Cliff Lee, 3B Pedro Feliz, RHP Brett Myers, OF Matt Stairs, INF Eric Bruntlett, RHP Chan Ho Park, LHP Scott Eyre
Spring storylines
The 'Doc' is in: The arrival of Halladay, arguably the best pitcher in baseball, has the Phillies even more confident about going for a third straight National League title. If LHP Cole Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, can return to form — he has entered camp in better shape and intent on developing a third pitch — they can form the top 1-2 combo in the league.
Taking the fifth: The most compelling position battle will be for the final rotation spot, with seemingly ageless LHP Jamie Moyer, 47, competing against up-and-coming RHP Kyle Kendrick. Moyer has the experience (and 258 victories) but also underwent three surgeries in the past four months. Kendrick, 25, has come into camp in great shape and is learning under the tutelege of Halladay.
Bullpen bounceback? Veteran closer Brad Lidge, who was 48-for-48 in the Phillies' 2008 World Series championship run, struggled last season, leading the majors with 11 blown saves. But after offseason surgeries to repair his right elbow and knee, Lidge is confident he'll return to form.
Stadium: Bright House Field, Clearwater
Tickets: Single game — berm and standing room $12, picnic terrace $20, tiki terrace $22, baseline box $23, field box $25, premium box $27, club section $33
More information: (727) 467-4457; phillies.com
MARCH
4: Yankees
5: at Blue Jays
6: at Pirates
7: Rays
8: at Yankees
9: at Braves, 7:05
10: at Blue Jays
11: Tigers
12: at Tigers (ss)
12: at Rays (ss)
13: Twins
14: at Orioles
15: at Pirates
16: Tigers
17: Yankees
19: Orioles, 7:05
20: at Tigers
21: Orioles
22: Yankees
23: Rays
24: at Braves
25: Astros
26: at Yankees. 7:05
27: at Twins
28: Pirates
29: Braves
30: at Astros
31: Blue Jays
APRIL
1: Pirates
2: Pirates at Citizen Bank Park, 7:05
3: Pirates at Citizen Bank Park
Loading...