A Phillies prediction

The Phillies today are tied for first place. Of course, they have not yet played a game. Yes, it is Opening Day, when hope springs eternal.

The question facing the Phillies and their Phans today is fairly simple: Can this core group rally after last year's injury-plagued disappointment of a season for one final run for glory?

It says here they can.

Why? I can tell you in one name. And it is not Ryan Howard, who will be back in his familiar cleanup spot after missing the first half of last season recovering from Achilles surgery.

And it will not be Chase Utley, who again is looking frisky as he is back in the starting lineup at second base after two straight seasons in which he was AWOL for the beginning of the schedule.

And it is not Roy Halladay, who remains something of a question mark after another spring training filled with questions about his health and, more importantly, his velocity.

And it is not about Charlie Manuel, who keeps that same, easy-going, down home manner despite being on the last year of his deal with the heir apparent coaching third base. That would be Ryan Sandberg.

And it is not about Cole Hamels, who appears to be on the verge of a monster, Cy Young-like year.

The difference this year, it says here, will be Dom Brown. He was the best player in Clearwater. Now he has to prove it was not a fluke. Brown has shown flashes before, only to revert to his old ways and disappoint once again.

This is the year Brown lives up to his stature as the top Phils' prospect, and one of the best players in the league.

I don't think Brown will be enough to lift the Phillies over the Braves for the NL East crown. Yes, I said Braves. I think tonight's foe is the best team in the East. The Phillies will snag a Wild Card berth. The Nats? I'm still not sold. They need to prove it to me first.

I think this Phillies team wins 87 games and snags a Wild Card. After that, who knows. They need Halladay to be at least some facsimile of his old self. Their bullpen is much-improved. And I think they will be a much more effective team offensively, especially if Ben Revere is in the leadoff spot. Are you listening, Charlie?

Disagree? Let me know. Post a comment here on this blog. Then join us tonight for a live chat during the Phillies opener in Atlanta at DelcoTimes.com.