NL East

Going into spring training this year, the one team that fans picked to make the World Series (at least out of the National League) was the Philadelphia Phillies. 

In what can only be called a Cinderella story, the team landed prize pitcher Cliff Lee as they beat out the two favorites in the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees. Combined with their strong lineup, the Phillies were expected to be the top team in the National League and easily make it to the Fall Classic.

I was listening to a radio interview with New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez yesterday and, if you believe his words, then there is a scenario that Mets followers have to consider.

Most of us know that Rodriguez will be owed $17.5 million for 2012 if he finishes 55 games for the Mets this season. Now, the consensus is that he will be dealt, long before that happens, courtesy of ownership.

Heading into 2011, one player is generating more anticipation than any other. 

It's not Stephen Strasburg, as he's still six months away from being fully healthy. 

It's not Bryce Harper; he likely won't even sniff the big leagues this season.

It's Danny Espinosa, the rookie second baseman who burst on the scene for the last few weeks of the 2010 season.

Lately, while scouring the Internet for any new Mets talk, I have been seeing a lot of discussion about the future of Jose Reyes with the team.  A lot of people are talking about what Reyes could be traded for or possible replacements for him next season, and they seem resigned (or in some cases even receptive) to the idea that next year, a new player will man shortstop.  

With the Grapefruit League in full swing now, there is plenty of news and notes making it's way out of Philadelphia Phillies' camp, and it isn't all bad (though, most of it is, so don't say I didn't warn you.)

Be it injuries or hot starts, spring training always seems to have its fair share of surprises for the Phils.

The grocery list of Phillies' player injuries has just grown a bit longer.  It began with Chase Utley's bum knee, moved on to a broken hand bone for Domonic Brown, a sore neck for Ben Francisco and now, Brad Lidge has joined the party.

Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt... What is and what isn't with the best 1-2-3-4 of the decade?

They're not going to win 80 games. They're not going to have the top three Cy Young vote getters. They're not all going to stay healthy.

They're not all going to win 20 games or make 30 starts. In fact, I bet they don't all make 25 starts.

They will be good enough to win the NL East. They will be very difficult to beat in the playoffs.

Recently, Terry Collins has surprised everyone by naming Luis Hernandez his starting second baseman. Hernandez is a young switch-hitter who has nice ability at the plate, but has had limited time in the major leagues.

The latest news out of Port St. Lucie is that Luis Hernandez has won the job at second base and is manager Terry Collins' choice to be the Opening Day starter.

Regardless of whether or not Sandy Alderson allows this to happen, one thing is certain:

It looks like Daniel Murphy is on the move to a new position. AGAIN.

Philadelphia may legitimately have the greatest rotation in the history of baseball. The law of averages says probably not, but the eye test certainly screams yes.

However, the Atlanta Braves have something that Philadelphia simply does not: a healthy, complete team. With injuries and key weaknesses spreading across their team, the Phillies look to be nothing more than paper champions.