"Injuries will have a tremendous impact on what happens in the division," Jones said. "The team that stays the healthiest will probably win."
The quest for the NL East title is widely viewed as a three-team race. Arguments can be made as to why the Phillies, Mets or Braves should win the division.
Health is the X-factor for all three teams. All three are counting heavily on players with iffy health records.
Let's start with the Phillies.
Ace lefty Cole Hamels, who is so crucial to the team's chances, is as brittle as he is talented. He has never made it through a full professional season without a trip to the disabled list.
The back end of the rotation is a concern, with Adam Eaton's ailing back and swollen ERA. Kris Benson is the rotation's safety net, but he's still recovering from rotator cuff surgery and might not be ready to contribute for a couple of months.
The Phillies' bullpen has two gnawing health question marks. It is assumed that Lidge will be 100 percent healthy and ready to go sometime in the first two weeks of April. But, remember, he had surgery for a similar cartilage problem in the same knee in November. If he has another flare-up, Tom Gordon becomes the closer. That's the same Tom Gordon who missed significant time last season with a tear in his shoulder, a tear that is apparently still there. Gordon has worked hard to stabilize and manage the shoulder. But is it realistic to expect him to make it through a season problem-free at age 40?
Hamels, Lidge and Gordon are absolutely essential to the Phillies' hopes this season.
If they stay healthy, the Phils will be in good shape. If not? Trouble.
The situation is similar in New York and Atlanta.
