Philadelphia Phillies: A Lineup Full of Questions
March 30, 2011 by Tom Mechin
Filed under Fan News
Charlie Manuel’s got a lot of decisions to make. The Phillies’ offense could be in trouble.
After losing Jayson Werth in the offseason and then Chase Utley once Spring Training started, there seems to be little, if any protection for Ryan Howard in the Phillies’ lineup. Manual will have to juggle players in, out and around Howard to provide him with protection and help pick up the slack when he fails to deliver.
Over the past few years the biggest topic debated within the Phillies’ lineup is whether or not Jimmy Rollins should remain in the leadoff spot. His low on base percentage and propensity to try and be a power hitter has worn on fans who want to see a true “table setter” at the top of the lineup.
Charlie Manuel has shown his stubbornness; his unwillingness to remove Brad Lidge from the closer role in 2009 may have cost them a championship. His inability to adapt his lineup in 2011 may do the same.
Here is a look at the Phillies’—could and should be—lineup to start the season.