Phillies Week in Review 3/17-3/23: Rollins on the hot seat, Asche wins out, and more injuries

March 23, 2014

By Andrew Sifari

@Wild_Sifari

Record: 2-2-1

                   3/19                           3/20                   3/20                        3/21                          3/23

                     L                               W                      L                              T                             W

Games:  PHI @ TOR           PHI @ HOU      PHI vs.  TOR            PHI vs. BOS            PHI vs. MIN 

                  6     -   11              6    -      3           1       -    3                 2     -    2                  5   -      1           

This week was eventful for the Phillies, whose chances for winning have gotten no better as of late. Speculation swirled after a report from ESPN’s Buster Olney suggested that the Phillies are open to trading shortstop Jimmy Rollins. General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. vehemently denied this shortly afterwards. Rollins would do the same later, citing his full no trade clause.

It was announced in the beginning of the week that Cliff Lee would start on Opening Day for the Phillies. This would be the second opening day start of Lee’s career, the other coming in 2009 as a member of the Indians. Lee went 14-8 with a 2.87 ERA for the Phillies last season so, with Cole Hamels out, it probably wasn’t a hard decision to go with Lee.

From the Review: The Rollins situation mirrors that of McNabb's in Philly

March 20, 2014

By Nick Tricome
@itssnick215

Donovan McNabb will forever be regarded as one of the better quarterbacks in Philadelphia football history, but even he was forced to deal with fledgling fan support during his final years as people grew weary of his attitude and personality.

McNabb overstayed his welcome in Philadelphia and it seems now the same can be said of Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

What to look for from Gonzalez

February 15, 2014

By Andrew Sifari

As Spring Training begins, one of the big question marks for the Phillies entering camp is Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. The Cuban right-hander, signed to a three-year, $12 million deal last August, has been the subject of much speculation in the time since teams began scouting him in earnest last April.

Bats a question heading into Spring Training

February 13, 2014

By Steve Bohnel

Spring Training is just around the corner,with the Phillies' pitchers and catchers already reporting.

One of the biggest problems for Philadelphia last season, however, was probably their offense. Finishing in the bottom half of the Major Leagues in batting average (21st at .248), runs (26th at 610), and on-base percentage (24th at .306). The Phillies have some work to do once April rolls around.  

Spring Training brings optimism, but questions

February 13, 2014

By Nick Tricome

February is a special month for all baseball fans.

As pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training, it's a time of optimism, as fans begin to wonder if maybe this is the year for which ever team they follow.

That optimism is still there for the Phillies--the first signs of baseball coming back are hard not to get excited about--but at the same time, there is a lot about this team that makes you think.