Papelbon, Bullpen Key To Phillies Success

Over the past five seasons, Phillies fans have known what to expect from their beloved team. Each year they were able to make deep runs into the postseason, and won the World Series in 2008. 


However, with 2012 MLB season right around the corner, nobody has any idea what this season will bring. With Ryan Howard and Chase Utley missing (at the bare minimum) a month or two of the season, the Phillies offense are missing the centerpieces of their offense. 


The Phillies are by far the oldest team in the MLB so much so, 90% of the team are AARP members. Granted, that is an exaggeration, but you get my analogy...I hope.


Nonetheless, this Phillies team is older veterans, and did nothing to change the trend this offseason. 


The Phillies signed Jim Thome (41), Ty Wigginton (34), and Juan Pierre (34), among others.


There is no doubt the Phillies will still be able to put up a lot of runs. Hunter Pence, and Shane Victorino will carry the load of the offense, and the emergence of John Mayberry Jr. will help a lot. Carlos Ruiz and Rollins will still be able to contribute, although their numbers may not be as great as in past years.


Even with a few faces missing from the Phillies offense, the bullpen will be the most crucial factor this season. 


As much as we hope, it is not realistic to think Hamels, Lee and Halladay can throw complete  games every night. 


That is where the bullpen, who were 8th best in the MLB in 2011, come in.


With Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson moving on, younger relievers like Mike Stutes and Antonio Bastardo will be relied on even more heavily this season.


That is concerning, because after pitching 58 and 61 innings respectively, both Bastardo and Stutes showed strong signs of arm fatigue at the end of the season.


Manager Charlie Manuel will have to use them wisely if he wants the duo to play well the entire year.


With one full season under their belts, the Phillies are hoping the tandem can carry the load once again in 7th and 8th inning situations. 


Two more key factors, as well as new faces: Chad Qualls and Jonathan Papelbon. 


Qualls pitched 74 1/3 innings with San Diego last year, with a 3.51 ERA. Not great, but it is a hell of a lot better than his 7.32 ERA with TB/ARZ in 2010. Quite frankly, the Phillies have put a lot of weight on a guy who has not had a good season since 2008.  


I think the Phillies would be better off with Ryan Madson right now than Qualls. Yes, I know Ryan Madson needs Tommy John Surgery....I stand by my statement.


Ruben Amaro Jr. better hope his Magic 8 ball is right, and Qualls turns out to be a good signing.


Even more risky of a signing than Papelbon (and a hell of a lot more likely to pay off), the Phillies signed Pap to a 4 year, $50 million contract. $12.5 million per year is a lot for a closer who has not had an ERA under 2.00 since 2009 (3.90 in 10, 2.94 in 11). 


The Phillies can never afford to blow a save, and in a division that becomes more and more competitive each year, every win counts.


No matter what, the former Red Sox closer for sure is a better option than Ryan Madson. But if Papelbon, who does a fantastic Terry Francona impersonation, can hold it down in the 9th consistently, he will be worth every penny. Still though, Madson > Qualls. 


This could be the final run for this Phillies dynasty, and the bullpen will have to play well the entire season if they even want to consider a World Series run.