Are The Phillies NL Favorites in 2010?

Are the Phillies the outright favorite to win the 2010 National League Championship? In 2009, the Philadelphia Phillies made their second consecutive World Series appearance but fell short in winning back to back World championships - losing to the New York Yankees in six games. Some in the Phillies front office felt they were one good starting pitcher away from repeating as World Champions.

Well, the Phillies front office decided to make a MLB update and acquired a MLB top-5 starting pitcher. The Phillies acquired Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays for three minor leaguers during the off-season - a great move.

The Phillies are in great shape for 2010. The power in their lineup is back.  Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, Jimmie Rollins and Jayson Werth will again make up one of the most powerful hitting offenses in all of baseball.

But does the signing of Roy Halladay put them over the top?

In the off-season the Phillies traded away LHP Cliff Lee to the Seatlles Mariners. The Phillies obtained Cliff Lee for the playoff run in 2009. Lee went 4.0 with a .156 ERA. With the trade, the Phillies lose an invaluable commodity - an effective left-handed starting pitcher. They also lose his playoff experience and composure.  Halladay has never pitched in the playoffs.

But the addition of Halladay gives the Phillies a sure 20 game winner and a proven 200+ inning guy. Halladay will be the second best pitcher in the National League, behind San Francisco Giants Time Lincecum. The addition of Halladay makes the rotation better and adds a guy who can give some pointers to the younger throwers, specifically sophomore starting pither J.A. Happ.

Halladay will be followed by Cole Hammels, Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ. The final spot in the starting rotation between old man Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick will be decided in spring training.

All-in-all, the Phillies will still be the favorite in 2010 to 3-pete as National League champions. The hitting and defense are proven but the question is will their starting lineup be enough to beat the likes of the reigning MLB World Champions, the New York Yankees.

We'll just have to wait until autumn. Maybe the "Halladay season" will start early in Philadelphia!