Picture Of The Day

Picture Of The Day
Flyers Stanley Cup Champions Parade From The '70s

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Spring Training is in the Air #7

With only 9 days left until Pitchers and Catchers report I have decided to do a 9 part series in which each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate it. Think of this as a way to make these last 9 days go by faster. I will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009 Lineup should be set.

#7 3rd Base

Pedro Feliz is one of the best defensive third basemen in the league. We also found out this year that he has a pretty solid bat too. He came up big many times in 2008. Most notably the game winning RBI in Game 5 of the World Series. During the offseason he had back surgery that has bothered him all throughout his career. If he isn't able to start come opening day Greg Dobbs will take his place. Dobbs saw a decent amount of time last year. He was very good at the play and was an above average fielder. I think Charlie will use the two of them the same way he did last year. It's a win-win situation either way. If Pedro starts you get a solid glove and a clutch bat; If Dobbs starts you get a average glove but a better hitter. I believe if Feliz is 100% healthy he will get a majority of the starts because the lineup is loaded with left handed bats. I expect another solid year from Pedro, hitting around 20 home runs and keeping his average around .270.

Overall Grade: B

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