We’ve gathered all of our Phillies Nation contributors in one room and figured out which players will have the biggest seasons. If they all come true, the Phillies should have no problem winning 100 games.
Seriously, we’ve got our opinions on who will be come up large this year for the Phils. What say you?
————————–
“I expect a big year from _____________”
Corey Seidman: Michael Young, who I don’t think is as “done” as some. Young still had an elite line-drive rate last season and I could see him hitting something like .282/.338/.415 for the Phillies, which would be quite valuable compared to the ugly third-base offense they’ve gotten since Scott Rolen left.
Ian Riccaboni: Phillippe Aumont, who enters 2013 as a player for the first time healthy with a defined role at a defined level. When Aumont was acquired in December 2009, Aumont was a starter-turned-reliever who was about to become a reliever-turned-starter-turned-reliever in 2010. He has faced unfortunate luck health-wise but enters 2013 with health and continuously improving control on a crazy curve that he has started to throw for strikes. Just turning 24, Aumont will become a premier reliever for the Phillies in 2013.
Eric Seidman: Roy Halladay. A 30 GS, 225 IP, 2.60 ERA, 5+ K/BB year. Because he’s Roy Halladay, I love him, and the Phillies won’t go anywhere if he isn’t Halladay-esque.
Jay Floyd: Phillippe Aumont. With his high-90’s fastball and filthy slider, this imposing 6-foot-7-inch hurler, building off of his success at the big league level last year, will get his control under wraps, lower his walks issued and could become a challenger for the set up role out of the bull pen.
Jon Nisula: Domonic Brown. I think this is finally his time to shine and show Phillies fans why he was a top prospect and why he was an untouchable trading piece in the deal for Roy Halladay. I think he has the capability of hitting around 25 home runs and driving in 90 RBIs this year.
Don M.: Antonio Bastardo. Bastardo had a great 2011 season (.264 ERA, 0.931 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 146 in 64 appearances), but struggled to live up to his lofty expectations last year. Newly-signed free agent Mike Adams is penciled-in for the setup role, meaning Bastardo will be a vital weapon in navigating the all-important and overlooked 6th, 7th, and 8th innings. Bastardo’s career mark of 11.6 SO/9 will be what the Phillies need when it’s time to stop a rally, and help get the ball into Jonathan Papelbon’s hands.
Ryan Dinger: Chase Utley. After missing a large chunk of games for the second year in a row last season, Utley came back and posted a .365 OBP, a .793 OPS and continued to post elite numbers on the bases and above average numbers in the field. Reports have Utley being in good shape for the start of 2013, and, assuming those are accurate, his numbers should be even better with a full season of plate appearances. Plus, there is the little matter of a contract year for Utley, which has proven to be a great motivator for players in the past.
Brian Michael: Ryne Sandberg. I want to believe the hype surrounding our rookie third-base and infield coach, but I’d like at least see something in 2013 that shows he’s ready to take the reins. It could be improved base-running, a higher fielding percentage, even a well-managed game after Charlie gets tossed.
Amanda Orr: Cole Hamels. Even though he already has his contract, he will show that it was well deserved. He will show that he can be the ace of the staff even with Halladay and Lee in the rotation. I think he will make a push for the Cy Young Award, assuming he’s healthy. But he has proved that he can still pitch well even if he isn’t quite 100%. I predict 2013 will be his best season in the majors to this point in his career.
Pat Gallen: Domonic Brown. Let’s face it, he has to break out or those grumblings of him being a bust will grow so loud, the Phillies might be forced to give up on him. I’ve been saying for two-plus years now that Brown needs time and needs a full season before we truly know what he is. But if he can’t stay healthy or doesn’t cash in on his opportunity, then the Phillies, and the fans, will be disappointed. If Dom hits 18+ homers and sports an .820+ OPS, the Phils may have a solid right fielder.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.