PHILADELPHIA — These days, whenever Jimmy Rollins utters his three now-famous words, there can be no dispute. The Phillies, without argument, are the "team to beat." They even have the World Series trophy to prove it.
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But that doesn't mean they don't something to prove.

Once the Phillies report to Bright House Field in Clearwater and start spring training -- pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout Saturday --they'll plot a course to validate last year's championship by winning another.

And it won't be easy.

The Phils' division rivals have improved. The Mets strengthened their bullpen by signing closer Francisco Rodriguez and trading for J.J. Putz to pitch the eighth inning. The Braves signed right-hander Derek Lowe and traded for Javier Vazquez. The Marlins still have Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla and plenty of young, talented pitching.

However, the Phillies have retained almost their entire world championship roster by hiking their payroll above the $130 million mark.

"Our goal now is to repeat, but we're going to have to work even harder," manager Charlie Manuel said. "Believe me, we're definitely capable of doing it again."

But not before they answer these questions during seven weeks in the Florida sun.

Who is the No. 5 starter? The most intriguing spring training competition will be between a veteran (right-hander Chan Ho Park), a rookie (lefty J.A. Happ), a reclamation project (right-hander Kyle Kendrick) and a top prospect (right-hander Carlos Carrasco). It will be fascinating to watch.

Happ, 26, was impressive in two late-season starts against the Braves, perhaps giving him the inside track. But he also may be a solution to the Phillies' need for another lefty reliever while J.C. Romero serves his 50-game suspension.

Park, 35, revived his career in the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen last year and his greatest value still may be as a multi-inning reliever.

Manuel insists he hasn't forgotten Kendrick, who won 21 games over the past two seasons before fumbling his rotation spot last September.

Carrasco is the wild card. He has electric stuff and last year in the minors he finally showed the maturity to match it. He almost certainly will pitch in the majors, but is he ready yet? He won't turn 22 until March 21 and has made only six starts (and posted a 1.72 ERA) in Class AAA.

Has the shine come off Chris Coste? The first indication that the Phillies' faith in Coste may be waning: He started only nine of the final 26 regular-season games and made one start (as the designated hitter) in the playoffs. But the flashing neon sign that Coste's job may be in jeopardy came in December when the Phillies traded for catcher Ronny Paulino.

Paulino, 27, started 119 games for Pittsburgh in 2007 before losing his job last year and receiving criticism for a questionable work ethic. But if he comes to camp in shape, he could push Coste.

Regardless, Paulino and Coste may be mere placeholders until 22-year-old Lou Marson arrives from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

How much will the Phillies miss Romero? A lot, considering he held left-handed hitters to a .102 average (10-for-98) last season. But Romero took an over-the-counter supplement that triggered a positive drug test and resulted in a 50-game suspension that will leave him ineligible to pitch until June 1.

Thus, Scott Eyre is the lone incumbent lefty in the bullpen. Lefties batted .220 (11-for-50) with one homer against him last year. For his career, he has limited lefties to a .242 average. But Eyre will need help and, although the Phillies have spoken to free-agent lefties Will Ohman and Joe Beimel, they're reluctant to offer either more than a one-year contract.

Will Chase Utley be ready for Opening Day? Utley thinks so. The Phillies are less certain.

Athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said last week that Utley's rehabilitation is going according to plan. But it has been only 11 weeks since the All-Star second baseman underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right hip. He hasn't swung a bat or run at full speed and until he's cleared to do so (possibly by next week), the Phillies won't have a definite timetable for his return.

One thing is for sure: Utley will push to play as soon as possible.

Who's right for the bench? Like the starting lineup, the bench is overstocked with left-handed hitters (Greg Dobbs, Matt Stairs, Geoff Jenkins), prompting general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.'s recent overtures to righty-swinging free agents Nomar Garciaparra, Moises Alou, Mark Grudzielanek, Ty Wigginton, Rich Aurilia and Kevin Millar.

The Phillies may be more likely to find right-handed help on their own roster. Coste is a .261 career pinch-hitter, so he could have a role even if he isn't the backup catcher.

And keep an eye on 6-foot-6 outfielder John Mayberry, acquired last fall after hitting 20 homers in the Texas farm system.

i am excited about this mayberry guy, but there is not room for him in the outfield.

Is that the OF they got from Texas? If so, I've heard very good things.

During a demotion to the minors, he went a combined 0-5 with a 7.02 ERA in seven starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Double-A Reading and Class A Lakewood.

I'd been thinking this would be a distinct possibility. We've paid Adam Eaton the rest of his $9M owed to please just go home -- and stay there

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3940074


I found this part especially incredible...



I mean that's just.... good fucking god. I believe you are quite simply in the wrong profession, my good sir.

I remember the day they signed him, my friend Bri called me as I was backing out of my driveway. As I drove down the street I remember yelling "8 fucking million a year for a pitcher with a 5 ERA???!?!?!?!?! They are going to regret this one, this might be the worst signing yet".

Man, is Leslie Guidel from CSN not a total MILF or what??

I've loved her since the first day she was on the air.

Not a big fan of the new girl, she looks odd to me for some reason.

odd, like she shouldnt have clothes on? totally agree

any chance ruben amaro is interested in taking over for joe banner and tom heckert? its like night and day with these two teams