Modell Sporting Goods Opening Day

It's Modell's Sporting Goods Opening Day in Phillies Nation, a day rivaled only by Peanut Chews College Opening Night in terms of magnitude. The Phillies begin their March to the 2007 World Series with a matchup against the rival Atlanta Braves. Each team sends their ace to the mound, with Brett Myers facing John Smoltz.

It might be just the Aquafina talking, but I really like the Phillies' chances this year. The Braves aren't the "Braves" any more, the Mets' impressive offense might not be able to overcome their weak starting pitching, and the Marlins have some non-roster invitee named Alejandro De Aza as their starting CF. I have no clue who that is, therefore the Marlins are not a factor. Obviously. As for the Nationals, well, I expect the Phillies to fatten up on them like Lieber fattens up on a Dunkin's breakfast. A Division Title is well within reach fot the Fightins'.

It's not just the weaknesses of the divisional opponents that make me optimistic. The Phillies have a strong lineup.

C: Rod Barajas, Carlos Ruiz - Ruiz has plenty of upside, and Barajas has some pop to counteract his sub-.300 OBP. No Sal Fasanos to be found here.

1B: Ryan Howard- 70 HR this season. MVP. 900 K salary. Bazillions in endorsements. My only question about him is how his future riches will affect the allowance given to him by Mama Howard.

2B: Chase Utley- The best 2B since Rogers Hornsby. With a marginally cooler 1st name.

SS: Jimmy Rollins- Top 5 SS becoming a Team Leader.

3B: Wes Helms- One of the 65786483 3B better than Abe Nunez.

LF: Pat Burrell- Patrick Brian will be more focused this year: 30 HR, 100 RBI.

CF: Aaron Rowand- If he gets off to a good start, and White Sox CF/punter Darin Erstad gets off to a bad start, the Phils might be able to trade Rowand. Hopefully, BEFORE Rowand displays his "grit" by damaging himself (which would diminish his already minimal trade value) by running into a wall, or worse damaging a useful Phillie in a collision.

RF: Shane Victorino- Fast. Hawaiian. Two good CF traits. Did I mention that Rowand needs to go...

SP: Brett Myers, Cole Hamels,... Brett made a mistake last year. He's better now. Expect at least 17 wins. Cole should have been ROY after his tremendous 2nd half. They have other starting pitchers (and also some "relievers"), but thinking about them will temper my optimism.

Bench: Jason Werth (serviceable player), Michael Bourn (like Victorino, only less Hawaiian), Abe Nunez (I would trade him for half of a glass of Hawaiian Punch.)

25th player: The Phillies have room for one more player. I think it might be Albert Pujols, who would probably supplant Helms at 3B. It could also be Johan Santana, who would be a serviceable #3, behind Brett and Cole. It will NOT be Rudy Seanez, who is on the Dodgers' roster right now.

Prediction: 95 wins. Division Title. World Series Champs in 7 games over Red Sox.

Go Phils!