Phillies Could Face Overhaul After Disappointing Postseason

Phillies Could Face Overhaul After Disappointing Postseason
John Nestor

Philadelphia, PA

There's no debating that the Phialdelphia Phillies were one of, if not the best team on baseball during the regular season. But that got them nothing but a Game 5 home loss when it counted.

A stunning 1-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 of the National League Division series at home ended a season that held such promise with a big empty thud.

Roy Halladay did his part, and will be back. He allowed a first-inning run and nothing else but the Phillies offense went flat against Chris Carpenter.

Now Philadelphia is left to wonder what's next with little degree of certainty about what the makeup of next year's team will be.

The one certainty is that Halladay, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee will be back to once again make up on of the best starting rotations in baseball. Roy Oswalt could be on his way out as Vance Worley, Kyle Kendrick and Joe Blanton could win the fourth and fifth spots.

The biggest changes could come in the infield.

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins had a good postseason and is a good defensive shortstop but is aging and wants a five-year deal. Slugging first baseman Ryan Howard has a torn Achilles and will be out to start the new season at the least and Chase Utley can't totally be counted on to play a full season with knee issues.

Third baseman Placido Polanco has been regarded as one of the better No. 2 hitters in the league but battled injuries much of the second half of the season and could be on his way out of town.

One of the first things the team must decide is if Ryan Madson is their closer.

Madson developed into a top closer this season but is represented by Scott Boras and will command a hefty contract.

A lot of uncertainty for a team that just a week or so ago looked certain for a trip to the World Series.