29-year old switch hitting Jimmy Rollins was incredible last season and he will look to have another season like it in 2008. He played in 162 games last season and he was 212 for 716 (.296 avg, .875 OPS) with 139 runs scored, 30 homers, 94 RBIs and 41 stolen bases. Rollins also had a good season defensively as he only made 11 errors in 162 games at SS while showing slightly above average range. Look for Rollins to have another MVP type this season batting at the top of the potent Phillies’ lineup.

Eric Bruntlett will give Rollins a breather if he ever needs one in 2008. Bruntlett played in 63 games at SS last season for the Astros and he made 7 errors while showing above average range.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: A+

29-year old lefty swinging 2B Chase Utley continues to get better every season. He played in 132 games for the Phillies last season and he was 176 for 530 (.332 avg, .976 OPS) with 104 runs scored, 22 homers, 103 RBIs and 9 stolen bases. Look for Utley to have his best season ever in 2008 with Ryan Howard batting right behind him. Utley also has good range at 2B defensively and he made 10 errors in 132 games.

30-year old righty swinging Eric Bruntlett was acquired from the Astros with Brad Lidge in the off-season and he will be one of the top utility players on the Phillies this season. He played in 80 games for the Astros last season and he was 34 for 138 (.246 avg, .629 OPS) with 16 runs scored, 14 RBIs and 6 stolen bases.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: A+

28-year old lefty swinging Ryan Howard had a great season in 2007 and look for more of the same this year. Last season, Howard played in 144 games for the Phillies and he was 142 for 529 (.268 avg, .976 OPS) with 94 runs scored, 47 homers and 136 RBIs. His does have a problem with whiffing as he struck out 199 times last season. Don’t look for him to cut down on his swing however as he’s probably the best pure power hitter in all of baseball. No one can hit the ball further that Howard can, period! Howard has been incredible the last two seasons for the Phillies as he has scored 198 runs, whacked 105 homers and driven in 285 runs!

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: A+