This is unfamiliar, but welcome territory for the Phillies.

For just the second time in the franchise's 126-year history, it opens the season as the defending World Series champions.

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Defending that championship has been a theme this spring.

"I think the biggest thing right now is getting refocused," first baseman Ryan Howard said. "Once we get everyone on that same page -- refocused, forgetting about 2008, because 2008 can't do anything for us in 2009 -- I think we'll be fine. I think we'll be able to make that run."

The Phillies set up pretty nicely for another run. They return everybody to their lineup, except Pat Burrell, as they replaced him with Raul Ibanez. Their rotation appears deeper with the return of right-hander Joe Blanton and the addition of Chan Ho Park. The bullpen should be strong with Brad Lidge serving as the anchor.

They are one of the better defensive teams in the National League.

They have some speed on the bases.

But nothing is given, and manager Charlie Manuel has been keeping his eyes open for complacency.

Manuel said he didn't see any this spring.

But despite the fact the Phillies have the pieces in place, a repeat performance won't be easy. A lot of things have to go right. A lot of things broke their way last year. The Phillies know that, but that doesn't mean they're not going to try.

Calling card
The Phillies had the best bullpen in the NL last season. They were a remarkable 79-0 when leading after eight innings. Lidge went 48-for-48 in save opportunities, including the postseason. Ryan Madson and J.C. Romero were tough in setup roles, and Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre and Clay Condrey pitched well in their respective roles. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said earlier this spring that it is unrealistic to expect the bullpen to be equally as dominant in 2009, but if it can help Philadelphia win games it is supposed to win, it should be a strength.

Achilles' Heel
Baseball people agree that the one thing that might hold the Phillies back are injuries. Can Chase Utley's right hip hold up? Is Cole Hamels' left elbow going to be strong enough to throw 200 innings? Is Pedro Feliz's lower back fully recovered from offseason surgery? If Philadelphia can keep its regulars on the field, it should be one of the strongest and deepest teams in the league. But lose a couple of guys for extended stretches and the Phils could be in trouble.

You'll know they're rollin' if ...
Jimmy Rollins looks like the 2007 NL MVP again. Howard might be the best power hitter in the game and Utley might be one of the game's purest hitters, but Rollins is the igniter. If he gets on base, he causes problems. And because of his speed, he scores a ton of runs. And when Rollins scores, the Phillies win.

You'll know they're in trouble if ...
Jamie Moyer shows his age, Brett Myers isn't consistent and Park shows why he has struggled as a starter since 2001 with the Dodgers. The Phillies' rotation has five potential 200-inning starters, but it's not a given, either.

Testing, testing
Jayson Werth finally gets the everyday job he has coveted, and he intends to prove he is worth it. Some think Werth could be a 30-homer, 30-stolen-base player. If he is, that would be a boon for Manuel, who could hit Werth fifth, breaking up Utley, Howard and Ibanez.

 

Interleague Play
The Phillies get a chance to check out new Yankee Stadium on May 22-24. Three weeks later, they host the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park on June 12-14. That Red Sox series begins a nine-game homestand that includes the Blue Jays and Orioles. The Phillies travel to St. Petersburg to play the Rays on June 23-25 in a World Series rematch and then to Toronto to play the Blue Jays on June 26-28.

The Bottom Line
No matter what Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez says, the Phillies are the team to beat -- not only in the NL East, but the entire league. They return everybody sans Burrell, Geoff Jenkins, Rudy Seanez and So Taguchi from that World Series championship season. They are in good position for a repeat performance, although everybody knows it won't be easy.