The Philadelphia Phillies finished in the cellar of the National League East in 2014 (73-89), and the team's subtracted enough pieces without getting much in return to project a last-place finish in 2015.
However, this season appears to be more about continuing to dismantle the team's older core, while looking for young player to step up and provide some optimism for the future beyond this season.
With that being said, here's our 3 Bold Predictions for the 2015 Philadelphia Phillies.
1. Ben Revere will hit .310, steal 55 bases
In the midst of a painful retooling process for the Phillies and their fan base, the electricity that the 26-year-old center fielder and leadoff hitter Ben Revere's can provide has gone largely underpublicized. He'll prove to be a solid bargain at $4.1 million in 2015, acting as a catalyst for the team's offense with a .310/.345/.380 slash and 55 stolen bases -- 6 more than he stole last year. While the power and walks won't be there, his singles-or-bust style will be enough to give the Phils some good value.
2. Ryan Howard will be traded by the deadline
The trouble with Ryan Howard's contract is all financial, with the 35-year slugger slated to make $50 million over the next two seasons before being handed either a $10 million buyout or a $27 million salary for 2017. We have a gut feeling that Howard will produce just enough in the first three months or so for a fringe contender in need of left-handed power bat to take a flyer on him -- provided the Phillies eat a significant portion of his deal and don't expect a massive haul in return.
3. Cole Hamels? He'll be traded too
This is the year where a contender pulls the trigger and gives Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. just what he wants for Hamels. With the difference between in the American League between division champion and sitting home for the playoffs likely to be extremely slim compared to other years, expect an AL team to mortgage house to feed the trophy case.
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