Know Your Enemy: Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies finished with a 73-89 record for fourth place in the National League East, only above the Miami Marlins.

Mar 4, 2014; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure talks with relief pitcher Luis Garcia (57) and the infield after Garcia loaded the bases in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. fired manager Charlie Manuel in mid-August and former Chicago Cubs All-Star second baseman Ryne Sandberg was named the interm manager before he was named the permanent manager with a three-year contract in late September.

Sandberg enters is first full season as Phillies manager with a 20-22 record and five players 35 years old or older, including Marlon Byrd, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Carlos Ruiz. Newly acquired right-hander A.J. Burnett and Cliff Lee also are above the 35 year mark.

Burnett and Byrd were acquired this offseason after Byrd had a career year in 2013. The Phillies brass may see the 37-year-old as the next Raul Ibanez late in his career.

With the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals in the NL East it will be a tough going for the Phillies in 2014 with their veteran heavy lineup.

Projected Starters
Cliff Lee
A.J. Burnett
Kyle Kendrick
Roberto Hernandez
Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez

Projected Lineup
Ben Revere OF
Jimmy Collins SS
Chase Utley 2B
Ryan Howard 1B
Domonic Brown OF
Marlon Byrd OF
Carlos Ruiz Catcher
Cody Asche 3B

Schedule
Phillies @ Cubs April 4-5-6
Cubs @ Phillies June 13-14-15

Note: The first weekend series against the Phillies will be the Cubs home opener.

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