The Offseasons Biggest Questions

1. What will the 2009 outfield look like?

-The 2008 outfield started with a few questions. 1. Can Pat Burrell have a year where he is consistent? We all know the answer now. He started hot, and become ice cold. (What's cooler than being cool?) 2. Could Shane Victorino live up to the success and popularity that Aaron Rowand had in Philadelphia? Answer: Absolutely! He surpased all expectations, and is now one of the most popular outfielders in the game. 3. How will the platoon of Geoff Jenkins and Jayson Werth shake out? Answer: It was WERTH giving Jayson the opprotunity.

-In 2009, the Phillies will have Victorino, Werth, and Jenkins, but Pat "The Glove" is another question. Manny Ramirez is a free agent. Will the Phillies take a shot? Will the Phillies make another run at Colorado Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday? So much to think about it. We here at thewebgem.com are glad it isn't up to us, although, we love Pat a Burrell.

2. Arbitration

The Phillies will have 10 players up for a salary increase, and after winning the World Series who can argue the fact that they deserve it? Some key names that will be heading to the meeting rooms are Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, and Ryan Madson. These are all players that the Phillies will want to keep happy.

3. The Rotation

We can all agree upon the fact that the Phillies rotation was sick at the end of the year with Cole, Brett, Jamie, and Joe (Blan-Ton). The Phillies will have Hamels, Brett, and Blanton at the top. It's guranteed, but what about Jamie Moyer? He led the team in wins this year, and was at times untouchable. He throws a dead fish that most young hitters look baffeled with. Jamie is a free agent and will most likely take a paycut to stay in his beloved him town. The 5th starter is the biggest question. Will the Phillies give Kyle Kendrick another shot? Will they let impressive youngster JA Happ take the hill or will they turn to their top prospect Carlos Carrassco? Remember at the 2008 trade deadline Carlos was the player they refused to let go of.

4. Will '09 be the year of Greg Dobbs?

If we have anything to do with it. Absolutely. More to come on that campaign.