Philadelphia Phillies Tickets

Philadelphia Phillies 2011 Season Preview The Philadelphia Phillies failed to reach the World Series last year, so they made a big offseason addition to make sure they were the heavy favorite in the National League in 2011.

The Phillies came out of nowhere to land ace Cliff Lee, who spent half a season in Philadelphia and loved his time in the City of Brotherly Love so much that he turned down Texas and New York.

The team also still has Roy Oswalt after acquiring him at last year's trade deadline, meaning their staff has three potential aces and Cole Hamels as a fourth starter.

A big key for the Phillies will be their health. Second baseman Chase Utley and shortstop Jimmy Rollins both missed significant time last year, as did first baseman Ryan Howard. They need their studs to remain healthy if they want to make a World Series run.

It would also help if Philadelphia could solidify the back end of their bullpen. Brad Lidge's constant health issues and inconsistency leaves the closer spot in flux, and the Phillies don't really have an obvious replacement.

The Phillies are clearly the favorite in the National League despite the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants returning practically their entire team from last year. It seems like Philadelphia might be on a collision course to meet Boston in the World Series.