NL East 7 Question 7

2011 MLB Season Preview

Biggest Questions in the NL East

7. What does the loss of Jason Werth mean to the Phillies offense?

For the past few years, the Phillies offense has been the best in the National League. However, there are big questions surrounding the Phillies offense in 2011. While you still have speed at the top of the order with Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino, and you still have power with Utley, Howard, and Ibanez, the Phillies will be missing one key component: a right-handed bat.

After division rival Washington signed Jason Werth in the offseason, there isn’t a right handed bat in the middle of the Phillies order. This could really hurt the Phillies when it comes to late game situations. From the 3 spot in the order until the 7 spot in the order, you have nothing but left handed hitters (Utley, Howard, Ibanez, and Brown).

I understand that those left-handed hitters are all excellent, and I know that each of those guys
will produce over the course of the season, but the Braves have gone out of their way to make sure they are ready for that part of the Phillies order late in games. The Braves have Eric O’Flaherty, George Sherrill, and Jonny Venters who are all left-handed and who will be expected to come in a shut down the middle of the Phillies order. Usually, with a right-handed bat positioned between left-handed hitters, you might have to remove your left-handed pitcher from the game. This won’t be a problem in 2011, because your left-handed specialist can come in and pitch an entire inning. Also consider that there are three guys who could pitch for the Braves in that situation, and you have worry about the Phillies ability to score runs late in games.

Domonic Brown had only one hit in 13 at bats last season versus left-handers. Only Chase Utley hit better against lefties than righties in 2010.

With all of the focus on the Phillies pitching, their offense could be their weakness.

26 Days Until Opening Day!

Question 6 tomorrow!