|
 |   |
EVENTS AD PARTNERS
|  |
1999 Recap: A dominant Curt Schilling and an emerging offensive nucleus kept the Philles in the playoff hunt throughout the first half of the season. The club was 13 games above .500 as late as August 6, but then the pitching staff imploded and Scott Rolen was sidelined with back problems. The Phillies dropped 34 of their last 44 games to fall out of wild-card contention. 1999 Highlight: Three regulars enjoyed career years -- RF Bobby Abreu (.335-20-93) CF Doug Glanville (.325-11-73 RBI) and C Mike Lieberthal (.300-31-96). 1999 Lowlight: After a brilliant first half (13-4, 3.13 ERA, 133 K, 7 CG), a heavy work load caught up with Schilling, limiting him to just two starts in the final eight weeks. Manager: Terry Francona (220-266 in three seasons with Philadelphia) Coaches: Hal McRae (hitting), Galen Cisco (pitching), Brad Mills (first base), John Vukovich (third base), Ramon Henderson (bullpen), Chuck Cottier (bench) Camp Site: Jack Russell Memorial Stadium, Clearwater, Fla. Reporting Dates: Pitchers & catchers Feb. 18; full squad on Feb. 23 Additions RHP Andy Ashby, RHP Chris Brock, RHP Mike Jackson, IF Felix Martinez, RHP Mark Brownson, RHP Carlos Reyes, IF Tomas Perez Subtractions: RHP Carlton Loewer, RHP Steve Montgomery, RHP Adam Eaton, C Bobby Estalella Spring Cleaning: Curt Schilling has begun throwing since shoulder surgery in December. He hopes to be ready by Opening Day, but May appears more likely. RHP Andy Ashby will will assume the role of ace in the meantime with RHP Paul Byrd and RHP Robert Person serving as the No. 2 and No. 3 starters. Signing Ashby to a long-term deal will be a priority during the spring. RHP Chris Brock and LHP Randy Wolf will round an inexperienced rotation. Many teams passed on closer Mike Jackson because of his age (35) and apparent arm trouble, but his experience should help a bullpen which includes Wayne Gomes and the oft-injured Jeff Brantley. Former Golden Spikes Award winner Pat "The Bat" Burrell will get a serious look in camp and will eventually displace Ron Gant in left field. Burrell will also split time at first base with Rico Brogna, who is coming off knee surgery.
Key Acquisition: For years Phillies fans have been clamoring for more pitching and GM Ed Wade responded by signing Ashby and Jackson -- both veterans who began their careers in the Phillies organization. Ashby strengthens the starting rotation while Jackson brings 39 saves with him from Cleveland. He assumes the closer role from Wayne Gomes, who converted 19 of 25 save opportunities last season. The Future is Now: RF Bobby Abreu is on the verge of stardom. In 1999, he became the first Phillie to reach 20 HR and 20 SB since Von Hayes in 1989. At 24, he ranked amond the league leaders with a .335 average (3rd), .446 on-base pct. (3rd) and 118 runs (t-5th). To go along with the offensive production, he has one of the strongest and most accurate arms in the National League. Abreu is poised to make his All-Star debut this season and contend for his first batting title. Opportunity Knocks: After the disappointment of losing J.D. Drew, the Phillies have pinned their future hopes on Burrell, the top overall pick in the 1998 draft. Last season at AA Reading, he hit .333 with 28 homers and 90 RBI. Trading Ron Gant would open up a spot for him in the outfield, but if Gant can't be moved, Burrell will probably wind up at AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre to get some at-bats. Rico Brogna is only under contract through the 2000 season, so a long-term future at first base appears to be in Burrell's future. Prospects to Watch: 1B/OF Pat Burrell, OF Josue Perez, SS Jimmy Rollins, INF Pete Rose, Jr.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
