Week In Review 1/17 – 1/23

Leave it to Phillies Nation to start the week off with a tough question. PN is always asking the hard hitting questions no one else wants to. Ok, maybe not but we did ask who you thought was the greatest Phillies player from the past decade. The four current Phillies (Utley, Rollins, Howard, Hamels) on the list led the way in a survey that found over 1,300 answers. Bottoming out the group was Scott Rolen with only three votes. To see how it all played out or to get your vote in check out the Poll.

This week, the Phillies did avoid arbitration with pitcher Kyle Kendrick agreeing to a one year deal worth $2.45 million. With the signing of Kendrick, the Phillies payroll is now over $164 million for 2011. Kendrick pitched well last season as a number five starter with an ERA almost five and a WHIP of 1.37. For next season, Kendrick’s role will be out of the bullpen as the long reliever. Joe Blanton will round out the rotation behind the aces and Ruben Amaro Jr seems content on not moving the big right hander.

No other deals this past week from the front office but the team did announce the construction of a brand new HD screen for the outfield. The Phillies are teaming up with Sony Electronics’ System Solutions Group and Daktronics to do a $10 million upgrade to the visual ambience at Citizens Bank Park. The new display, which will be the largest in the National League, will be ready to go for the On Deck Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates March 29-30. The original videoboard was relocated to the Phillies Spring Training Facility at Bright House Field in Clearwater, FL.

A combination of the four aces and the addition of this new HD display is sure to have fans lining up for tickets this season. The team has already sold over two million tickets for games next season. Phillies Nation wants to make it a little easier for you guys to find the best price. Teaming up with TiqIQ you will be able to browse through all the best prices from Stub Hub, ebay, Tickets Now and Ticket Network all at once. So next time you are purchasing Phillies tickets, visit www.philliesnationtickets.com

to find the best prices.

Once again this week we continued counting down the Top Moments from the 2010 season. This week we took a look at #17 and #18. These moments had everything Phillies fans have grown accustomed to seeing at a game. Well, all but one. There were base running mistakes, controversial calls, extra innings and Roy Oswalt in the outfield. What’s your favorite moment on the countdown so far?

PN’s minor league writer Jay Floyd took a look at some more top prospects counting down Prospect Nation. This week we were introduced to Julio Rodriguez, Michael Schwimer and Aaron Altherr. All these guys are super young and have a lot of potential in the Phillies system. Make sure to keep up with all the minor league news on Jay’s site Phoul Ballz.

In case you missed it, our very own Pat Gallen sat down with Dan Roche for CSNPhilly.com’s Lunch Break to discuss some big topics. Like why Philadelphia is the third rudest city in America. Ground breaking stuff here.

Only 22 days until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training!