The day has finally come. You don’t need to send chocolates and flowers (it is unlike Philly sports fans to send such a warm welcome anyway). You don’t need to buy cards. What you need is to get your goosebumps ready because the 2008 Phillies are on their way. Pitchers and catchers are to report to spring training in Clearwater, FL today in what some people are calling “Valentine’s Day”. I can only assume this is because they are so in love with what they saw last year, they can’t wait to see more in 2008. I can’t say I blame them. Try not to shiver when you watch this.

With a new season upon us, let’s assess how the Fightin’ Phillies will enter the ‘08 campaign.

OUT WITH THE OLD
C Rod Barajas (signed with Blue Jays) [I linked this because those of you that remember the '07 season probably don't believe me]
OF Michael Bourn (traded to Astros)
RP Geoff Geary (traded to Astros)
2B Tadahito Iguchi (signed with Padres)
SP Jon Lieber (signed with Cubs)
SP Kyle Lohse (free agent, unsigned)
3B Abraham Nunez (signed with Brewers)
OF Aaron Rowand (signed with Giants)

IN WITH THE NEW
SP Kris Benson (signed to a Minor League contract with an invitation to spring training)
INF Eric Bruntlett (acquired from Astros, signed to one-year deal)
RP/SP Chad Durbin (signed one-year free agent deal)
3B Pedro Feliz (signed two-year free agent deal with option for 2010)
OF Geoff Jenkins (signed two-year free agent deal with option for 2010)
RP Brad Lidge (acquired from Astros, signed to one-year deal)
OF Chris Snelling (acquired from Rays, signed to one-year deal)
OF So Taguchi (signed one-year free agent deal with option for 2009)

Overall was the off-season a success? It is probably too early to tell, but if one had to judge now, it would appear the Phillies did fairly well in spite of the expected departure of Aaron Rowand. After signing Kris Benson yesterday to a minor league deal the Phillies don’t seem to be banking on Benson being in the starting rotation on Opening Day. That being said it looks like even though the Phils didn’t land a big name starting pitcher this off-season, they will have their options when they leave Clearwater.

Possible Starters
LHP Cole Hamels
RHP Brett Myers
RHP Kyle Kendrick
LHP Jamie Moyer
RHP Adam Eaton
RHP J.D. Durbin
RHP Chad Durbin
RHP Kris Benson

Big things are expected from the 2008 Phillies. Last season they broke the 14-year spell since they were last in the post-season which was 1993 when they won the pennant. This time around not only are they expected to advance past the first round but NL MVP Jimmy Rollins set the bar even higher when he predicted the Phils to win 100 games this season. Hey, last season the guy predicted the Phillies would be the team to beat in the NL East, and we all know how that turned out.

I know I’m not the only one psyched for the 2008 season. Hell, the guys at “We Should Be GM’s” are already predicting the promotions [1] [2] for this season. The ADD Show is definitely looking forward to a new season for the Phillies and we will start early. In a mere 23 days we will report from spring training as we spend a whole week with the Phillies in Clearwater. As the Phillies enter training camp unscathed, let’s hope they come home to Philadelphia the same way.