22 Days Away...5 reasons the Phillies are STILL contenders!

81-81, mediocre. It was the lowest win total for the Philadelphia Phillies since an 80 win season in 2002. Spring Training is now only 22 days away, the first Spring Training game vs. the Houston Astros only 33 days away. Baseball is on the horizon, spring is coming!

It was a frustrating 2012 season for the Phillies and phans alike. The bitter taste of the 2011 playoffs lingered as Ryan Howard struggled to get back on the field and never quite looked like he was close to being healthy. The Chase Utley knee saga, Doc on the DL, a sputtering offense, a horrid bullpen. It was a season to forget and forget we will.

---

22 days! April 1st in Atlanta is in clear view, a new breath of life for Phillies phans is here. There's something special about seeing the Phillies take the field in Clearwater, Florida. The beautiful blue skies and palm trees in the background. Even in 30 degree weather back in Philadelphia you can just feel the warmth of baseball. 

There's alot to be excited about for 2013. Some new faces in Ben Revere, Michael Young, and Mike Adams. Chase Utley's knees "appear" to be heatlhy and ready to go for spring, Howard is working towards 100% and Darin Babe Ruf is an exciting uknown. 

This Phillies team, in my opinion, is still capable of winning 95 games, still capable of winning the NL East, and still capable of contending for a World Series. There are alot of things that have to fall into place for all of that to happen but the talent is there. 

Here are 5 things that prove the 2013 Phillies will contend:

1. Phillies still have 3 aces that make up one of the most formidable trio of starting pitchers in the majors. With Kyle Kendrick, and John Lannan rounding out the rotation they are a top 5 rotation. Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels had Cy Young worthy seasons in 2012 (although Lee struggled in the wins and losses category) and Doc CAN still be Doc. Kyle Kendrick had a strong second half and is a strong #4. 
2. With Mike Adams and Jonathan Papelbon the Phillies could aruably have the best 8th to 9th inning combination in all of baseball. With young arms like Aumont, Horst, and Stutes the 2013 bullpen should be greatly improved. 8th inning relief was a HUGE problem for the Phillies last season and this year it will be a strength.
   
3. Darin "Babe" Ruf will be the right handed power bat the Phillies desperately need. Yes, there are a lot of questions surrounding the Phillies outfield but I am all aboard the Babe Ruf train!!
4. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are healthy entering Spring Training. Last year we spent half of the season waiting and wondering when Utley and Howard were going to return. Our offense was in shambles and was pieced together with inadequate replacements. 
5. Experience and leadership: The Phillies clubhouse is filled with guys who have been there before and know what it takes to win. 

So 22 days away, February 12th is rapidly approaching, baseball is amost back!!


Steve Glick

Follow @stevieglick Follow @BLNPhiladelphia