There was lots to remember and to forget about 2009. It's hard to recall that in June the Phillies moved into first place in the NL East and stayed there the rest of the way. Given all that went wrong with the season, it seems even more remarkable that the Phillies made it back to the World Series. The season had lots of highlights of course, its lowlights, starting with the sudden death of Harry Kalas, were often devastating.Among the things the team had to overcome in 2009: a terrible offensive first half by shortstop Jimmy Rollins, which culminated in Charlie Manuel's sitting him for three days in June; a sputtering start to 2008 ace Cole Hamel's year, followed by a rocky end in the post-season; the loss of two starters (Brett Myers early and Jamie Moyer late) to injury; a year with a closer who went from first in '08 to worst in '09; a bullpen that was riddled with injuries all season long; and a mid-season injury to left fielder Raul Ibanez, which brought his blazing start as a Phillie to a grinding halt.
Among the good: Raul Ibanez, J. A. Happ's stellar rookie season, Jayson Werth proving in so many ways that he can be an everyday player, a slimmed-down Ryan Howard getting down and dirty on defense, Chase Utley's comeback from hip surgery, the steady emergence of Carlos Ruiz, and the incredible mid-season acquisition of Cliff Lee. Gee, I didn't even mention Pedro Martinez. Or the dazzling machinations of Ruben Amaro, Jr. It was in many ways a very good year. Here's to 2010.
