Due East Realty

A preview of the National League East (in order of projected finish).

Philadelphia Phillies

It has been a few months since Brad Lidge’s overpowering slider stuck out Eric Hinske to win the 2008 World Series, but the euphoria that swept through Philadelphia remains. Remember, it had been 25 years since a professional team in Philadelphia won a championship. With four professional teams, that was a 100 season drought (including some work stoppages).

As the 2009 season begins, the Phillies are favored to win the NL East for the third straight year as they retain the same core that won them a World Series last October. Pat Burrell has departed for Tampa, but the Phillies brought in Raul Ibanez to take his place. Ibanez will be less of a liability in the outfield and on the base paths than Burrell, and his power numbers should get a nice boost as he moves from spacious Safeco Field to Citizens Bank Park.