Once again, there probably isn’t a need for predicting the Phillies’ final record this season. They’re probably not going to make the playoffs, though we hope they do, and maybe there’s a chance (!), but seriously, we should keep things realistic.
The offense, practically the worst in all of baseball last year, was slightly upgraded on paper. Michael Saunders and Howie Kendrick are an improvement over Peter Bourjos and Cedric Hunter. And a healthy Aaron Altherr is better than 2016 Tyler Goeddel. Plus, one hopes for developmental improvements from Tommy Joseph, Cesar Hernandez, Maikel Franco and Odubel Herrera.