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Philadelphia Phillies: 4 bold predictions for the 2019 season

By Jeffrey Powell

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits in the first inning during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 09, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits in the first inning during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 09, 2019 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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How will the 2019 Philadelphia Phillies season play out? Here are four bold predictions that will absolutely, positively,100 percent happen… Maybe.

Pitching, defense, and timely hitting; that’s how championship teams are built. To the surprise of many, the 2018 Philadelphia Phillies received quality innings from a relatively young, unproven pitching staff. Despite the team’s lackluster hitting and atrocious fielding, the Phillies held onto playoff hopes for much of the season until their dying hearts faded with the setting summer sun.

At 3:05 PM this afternoon, that sun officially rises once more.

Thanks to the busy offseason maneuverings of general manager Matt Klentak, the 2019 Phillies appear much improved. Harper, Realmuto, McCutchen – names that once evoked fury inside the brick facade of Citizens Bank Park – are set to don red pinstripes (or cream-colored third uniforms) and bolster an already talented squad.

Also joining the fray is Jean Segura, who brings his reliable bat and handy glovework to the friendly confines in South Philadelphia, along with veteran reliever David Robertson, who looks to help shut the door on opposing team’s hitters late in games.

Second-year manager Gabe Kapler has many new toys to play with. Last year we saw a whole lot of shuffling between players, batting orders, and bullpen pieces. This year with five key All-Star additions and one number change later (Kapler now wears No. 19 after relinquishing his No. 22 to McCutchen), his toy chest is overflowing.

But what does it all mean?

The sun may be shining Thursday, but how long till it sets on 2019? Will it set on 2019? Do the Phillies have a realistic shot at making it to the promised land and securing their first championship trophy since the beloved 2008 squad?

I’ll answer all those questions and more as we prepare for the start of the 2019 Philadelphia Phillies.

Before we ring the bell, folks, here are four absolute certainties you can bank on for the season ahead…

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