MLB Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Players Who Will Improve in 2012
Coming off a franchise- and league-best 102-win season in 2011, the Philadelphia Phillies certainly have a lot to feel good about.
However, an early and unexpected exit from the postseason has left an overwhelming sour taste in the mouths of the Phillies Nation. The team has undeniably been built around the starting rotation, and they performed admirably, if not spectacularly from start to finish. But the offense simply lacked consistency all year long. Luckily for the Phils, over the course of the season, the lineup was able to muster enough run support to complement the exemplary efforts of the pitching staff.
The offensive shortcomings are something that must be addressed. And who knows? Maybe the answer to a poor offense is even better pitching. Regardless, right now it doesn’t look as if Ruben Amaro Jr. intends to make a big splash in either the free agent or trade market. This means that the boost will have to come in house—something this group of guys is perfectly capable of doing.