2008 Philadelphia Phillies MLB Picks & Predictions

Jimmy Rollins said that the Phillies would be the team to beat in 2007 and his psychic abilities proved true as they ended a 14-year playoff drought with their first division title since 1993. The reigning league MVP has already stated that he doesn’t plan on giving up the title of NL East champs in 2008 either. Find out with the MLB predictions in Jimmy Boyd’s 2008 Philadelphia Phillies preview if Rollins can back up his words again.

Starting Rotation/Bullpen

If the Phillies win the NL East again in 2008, it will be because of the starting pitching as there is no question that the batting order is exceptional. Left handed ace Cole Hamels will get the ball on Opening Day and rightfully so. He went 15-5 last season with a 3.39 ERA. Hamels has a shot to be the Phils’ first 20-game winner since Steve Carlton did it in 1982. Brett Myers could be an ace on quite a few teams around the league and give Philadelphia a one-two punch to rival any in the division. After spending a year as closer he’s back in the rotation and will be hungry to take the mound every sixth day. There is an obvious drop off after these two, but Kyle Kendrick has shown potential. The Phils’ won 13 of his 20 starts after he was called up from double-A. He went 10-4 with a 3.87 ERA. If he can do that again, Philly will be ready to talk World Series. 100-year-old Jamie Moyer continues to show that changing speeds and being accurate can win ball games. The ageless wonder has reached double-digit wins in 11 of the last 12 seasons. Adam Eaton went 10-10 last season and had an ERA over 6.00. He can win 10 games again. He’s not going to be a 3.00-type ERA guy but he can pitch in the 4.00 ERA range.

The bullpen starred late last season as the Phillies chased down the Mets with Myers, Tom Gordon, and J.C. Romero mowing down hitters. Brad Lidge comes in from Houston and will take over closer duties. Consistency has been an issue with him, but he has a powerful arm and playing on a contender could ignite him. Gordon’s health is imperative as he can still get it done and Romero will be that consistent seventh and eight inning guy. Expect him to be a workhorse.

Batting Order

Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard all finished in the top eight in 2007 MVP voting so the offense will be ready to do its damage again this season. Rollins leads off. He hit 30 homeruns, had 94 RBIs, and added 41 thefts. Centerfielder Shane Victorino brings even more speed to the top of this order. He stole 37 bases on 41 attempts last season. Second baseman Chase Utley is the other half of the best middle infield in baseball. He led all MLB two-baggers with 103 RBIs despite missing a month last season. Ryan Howard is the other MVP on this team. The big first baseman slugged 47 homeruns and added 136 RBIs in ’07. Leftfielder Pat Burrell pounded out 30 long balls and added 97 RBIs in the fifth spot in the order. Expect another big season in a contract year. Rightfielder Geoff Jenkins has quietly hit 20 or more homeruns in seven of the last 10 seasons. Catcher Carlos Ruiz had a solid rookie season and third baseman Greg Dobbs is another steady stick in this stacked lineup.

While oddsmakers like the Mets in the NL East, I like the Phillies to repeat. The Phils’ have a slightly better offensive lineup and a starting rotation with the prospects of holding up better. Plus, now Philly has confidence on its side.

There is only one choice for your 2008 MLB betting and that’s Jimmy Boyd. The 2007 MLB Handicapping Champion goes for a repeat this year and his clients will enjoy the cash rewards that come along with it. Sign up for a season package of our baseball picks and stick it to your man all summer long.

Odds to win NL East: 2/1
Odds to win 2008 NL Pennant: 7/1
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 20/1

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