There are also defensive concerns for a team that will score lots of runs despite its propensity for striking out. While Pat Burrell's ability to man the No. 5 hole behind Howard will be a constant topic of debate, at least No. 5 has a puncher's chance with a bat in his hand. In leftfield or running the bases - I use the term lightly - Burrell simply lacks the foot speed to be as much as average. His strong arm is mostly wasted if he can't cut off balls down the line or in the alleys, a deficiency that shows up more in big parks on the road than in the cozy Money Pit with its short power alleys and scant foul territory. Howard is not a doubles-eater at first.
Bill Conlin: Pennant cleaver
Those ready to crown Phillies need to curb your enthusiasm
(Page 3 of 3)
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The other corner will be manned a majority of games by Wes Helms. The righthanded power hitter has logged - no pun - 305 games at third during his seven-and-a-fraction seasons. His fielding average at the position is .936. By comparison, Scott Rolen's is .966. Range? Wes averages 2.14 total chances a game. Rolen averages 2.93, which comes to 128 more total chances over 162 games. Abe Nunez, a port in any storm, will get significant time at third with his .952 fielding average and 2.75 total chances average. When Manuel starts Moyer, who forces righty hitters to pull the ball on the ground, the skipper might want to pencil Nunez into the No. 8 spot.
Bottom line? These Phillies will be a dangerous, interesting and frequently electric team. They will merit your support. Just strap yourself in for a wild, bumpy ride.
Gillick has upgraded Charlie's coaching staff, which underlines the inadequate job of teaching by the organization men the College of Coaches have replaced.
A blow-the-doors-off trade - Aaron Rowand and/or Jon Lieber - could change some things. But buy into the hype at your peril. Exuberance is OK, but be rational. This is, after all, a franchise that will suffer its all-time record 10,000th loss this season.
It will take a little of the 1993, go-to-hell attitude for this team to smooth its rough edges and dethrone the Mets and fight off the Braves - don't forget them. But winning the East is a must. The Cardinals will not stumble to 83 wins this time around and manage to win a World Series.
Mid-to-high 80s appears about right for this team. Nobody said it would be easy to get out of this not-quite-enough rut and end a cruel streak of six straight seasons with between 80 and 88 victories. *
Send e-mail to bill1chair@aol.com.
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