The Phillies’ spring training opener against Florida State was highlighted (if that’s the right word) by top pitching prospect Phillippe Aumont’s outing.

The 6-7 right-hander allowed five runs on three hits while issuing three walks in 2/3 of an inning.

“It’s the first outing, you have to start with that,” Aumont said . “I can’t do worse than that. We’re just going to have to build on that.”

As for the rest of the game:

• Every Phillies regular started the game except for Shane Victorino, who is nursing a sore shoulder.
• Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a single and stole second base in his only at-bat.
• Top position-player prospect Domonic Brown singled, knocked in a run and scored twice.
• Dane Sardinha went 2-for-2 with four RBIs.
• J.A. Happ pitched two scoreless innings
• Jesus Sanchez, the only player left from the Bobby Abreu trade to the Yankees in 2006, struck out the side in his only inning of work.
• The Phillies rallied from a five-run deficit to win, 13-6, in eight innings.
• Drew Naylor didn’t allow a hit and fanned four in two innings of work.

Jimmy Rollins is at it again.

The chatty shortstop tends to make bold statements at this time of year. This season is no different.

Rollins said Roy Halladay is the best in baseball, “… as far as pitching is concerned. Everyone knows he can’t hit.”

Rollins’ comments come a few days after Johan Santana declared himself the best pitcher in the NL East.

It’s never too early to make predictions.

We’ve seen Jimmy Rollins’ prognostications ring true.  Carlos Beltran? Frankie Rodriguez? Uh, not so much.

Until proven otherwise, the Phillies should be the favorite to win their fourth consecutive NL East title. Getting there, however, won’t be easy.

Spring training is still about a month away. To kill time, let’s take a quick glance at the Phillies’ competition, how they fared in the offseason and whether or not they can make some noise in the division standings this year.

ATLANTA BRAVES

The Braves had an abundance of starting pitchers. They re-signed Tim Hudson (a very underrated move) and have two of the top young hurlers in baseball: Jair

Beware of Tommy Hanson and his nasty slider

Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson. They dealt Javier Vas\zquez to the Yankees for fringe outfield talent Melky Cabrera.

The Braves’ biggest offseason move was the signing of closer Billy Wagner, who showed flashes of brilliance after he was traded to Boston last summer. If Wagner can stay healthy, he can be a top closer again. Something tells me he’s just about out of gas.

Atlanta signed another dinosaur, Troy Glaus, who could see time at first base. Glaus is coming off an injury-plagued final season with St. Louis.

Oh, and let’s not forget Eric Hinske, who Phillies fans will always remember for whiffing at a Brad Lidge slider to clinch the World Series.

The Braves’ biggest void is at second base. Martin Prado is a good utility guy, but not a starter. They missed out on signing Chone Figgins.

The wild card in 2010 could be outfielder Jason Heyward, a prospect with a boatload of potential.

Aside from Chipper Jones (if healthy) and Yunel Escobar (if hustling), the Braves are lacking offensive firepower.

FINAL VERDICT: Pitching will go a long way for Atlanta. The Braves have arguably the best staff in the division.

PREDICTION: Third Place.

FLORIDA MARLINS

Is 2010 the year Cameron Maybin puts it together?

With an increased spending budget, the Marlins were able to lock up ace Josh Johnson to a long-term deal. The allowance likely means the Fish will not continue seeking trade options for erratic second baseman Dan Uggla, who is arbitration-eligible and is bound to be semi-overpaid in 2010.

The Marlins traded perennial stiff Jeremy Hermida to Boston.

As expected, Florida didn’t make a huge splash in free agency. They let effective middle reliever Kiko Calero walk away on the open markett, though.

This could be the year the young Marlins grow up. There are plenty of studs on this team — Johnson, Hanley Ramirez and Chris Coghlan to name a few — and they always give the Phillies fits. Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Anibal Sanchez and Chris Volstad all have another year of big league experience under their belt.

Cameron Maybin could have a breakout season manning centerfield.

FINAL VERDICT: It seems like it’s said every year that Florida has the best young pitching staff in baseball. The youngsters are a little more wiser this year. Something tells me the Marlins will be a problem all season.

PREDICTION: Second Place.

NEW YORK METS

I can sit here and rip the Mets, but I won’t. I give the front office geniuses kudos for making an impact in free agency by signing Jason Bay, a consistent, if not

Jason Bay can't save the Mets

overrated, top-tier left fielder.

Bay’s addition will help a guy like David Wright, who should no longer feel a burden batting in the middle of the lineup. Bay will drive in 90-110 runs this season, but I won’t expect him to hit more than 15 home runs in the abyss — err, I mean, Citi Field.

Jeff Francouer revived his career in Flushing, Queens last season.

Carlos Delgado is coming back, right? Jose Reyes, my favorite player in the whole wide world, is dangerous if healthy. That’s a big if.

The Carlos Beltran Situation is a big mess. OK, let’s be honest: The Mets are still a mess.

We can applaud Johan Santana and give the brass credit for sticking with John Maine another year. K-Rod is still one of the best closers in the game, but the bullpen (much like the Phillies’) is still a question mark..

Big Mike Pelfrey is a No. 3 at best. The thought of Oliver Perez is funny.

There’s some OK young talent, notably Daniel Murphy. They never figured out a way to get rid of Luis Castillo.

FINAL VERDICT: Poor David Wright. He deserves better.

PREDICTION: Last Place.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

The Nationals were busy signing guys no one else wanted, a clear indication that they are still one of worst teams in baseball. That said, I think they’re moving in the right direction and will find a way to move out of NL East basement.

Jason Marquis will stabilize the pitching staff just a little. Ivan Rodriquez is on his last legs, but he’ll definitely help the team’s young pitchers.

I expect we’ll see Stephen Strasburg by August.

Orlando Hudson remains on the Nats’ radar.

Ryan Zimmerman is a Top 5 third baseman, but he can’t do it all. Adam Dunn is Adam Dunn. Uhh … there’s not much else worth talking about here …

FINAL VERDICT: The Nationals will lose 90-plus games, but they’ll be tough to beat on some days. I’m looking forward to seeing Strasburg sooner than later.

PREDICTION: Fourth Place.

REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS

Phillies (91-71)

Marlins (85-77)

Braves (82-80)

Nationals (71-91)

Mets (69-93)

The Phillies exercised Jimmy Rollins’ club option for the 2011 season.

“Jimmy has always been an integral part of our club, not only on the field, but in the clubhouse as well,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. “He has been a big part of the team’s success over the past three years and there is no doubt that we want him to be a part of that in the future.”

Placido Polanco, who played  in Philadelphia from 2002-05, signed a three-year,$18 million contract with the Phillies Wednesday to play third base.

Polanco won a pair of Gold Gloves at second base in Detroit and is a career .303 hitter. He will replace Pedro Feliz at the hot corner, a position change Polanco embraced.

“We’re very happy to have Placido back in a Phillies uniform,” said GM Ruben Amaro Jr. “He’s a professional hitter who will enhance our lineup. As a Gold Glove infielder, we’re very confident that he will make a smooth transition back to third base. Polly also gives us some added versatility at second base if and when Chase needs a rest.”

Polanco’s first stint in Philadelphia began in July 2002 when he was acquired from St. Louis for Scott Rolen. Polanco finished the season at third base, replacing Rolen, but was the Phillies’ starting second baseman from 2003 to the beginning of 2005. A few months into the season, Polanco was traded to Detroit to make room for Chase Utley at second.

Polanco said during his press conference that he “never wanted to leave” Philadelphia.

Last season, Polanco batted .285 with 10 home runs and 72 RBIs for the Tigers.

All in all, this is a great signing by the Phillies. Talks between Phillies management and Polanco’s representatives intensified over the last 48 hours or so. Thus, it’s sort of a surprising move, considering the Phillies had major interest in mark DeRosa.

Polanco, though, is the best option. Yes, he’s a minor downgrade from Feliz defensively, but Polanco is arguably one of the best contact hitters in baseball. Plus, the guy hardly ever strikes out. It’ll will be interesting to see where he hits, but the common thought is Polanco will hit No. 2 between Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. I like him there instead of Shane Victorino because Polanco is the prototypical No. 2 hitter. Victorino’s speed will come in handy in the No. 7 hole… so, I’m all for it.

Another year, another Gold Glove for both Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino.

It was announced Wednesday that Rollins won his third consecutive Gold Glove award, while Victorino has taken the hardware in two straight seasons.

Rollins is only the fifth Phillie to win three Gold Glove awards.

Rollins’ career fielding percentage of .983 is second all-time in baseball among shortstops.

“I would like to thank the managers and coaches who felt I was worthy of a Gold Glove Award,” Rollins said in a statement. “Defense is a very important part of my game and it truly is an honor to be recognized as one of the best defensive players in the league.”

Victorino’s .997 fielding percentage was the second best in the National League among outfielders.

“I take a lot of pride in fielding my position, so it is an honor to be awarded with another Gold Glove this season,” Victorino said in a statement. “I would like to thank the managers and coaches who voted for me and who believe that I am one of the best in a league full of outstanding players.”

It has been  24 hours since the Phillies relinquished their World Series championship to the New York Yankees. Hell, the Yanks were the better team. 

But… they weren’t a FAR superior team.

In fact, you could argue the Phillies could have repeat had Brad Lidge not blown up in the ninth inning of Game 4. If Lidge gets out of the inning unscathed, and the Phillies scratch out a game-winning, the Series is tied.

Oh well. No sense in playing the coulda/shoulda/woulda game.

So, what went wrong? Hmm, I can think of three things…

Ryan Howard was terrible

The Big Piece was having a tremendous postseason. He had won the NLCS MVP and came into the World Series with 14 RBIs in the playoffs.

After winning the NLCS in five games, the Phillies had a week layoff and that, I feel, was detrimental to Howard’s groove.  Granted, the Yankees’ left-handed pitchers kept the slugger in check, but when a guy is that hot coming into a series and all of the sudden goes soft, it begs the question about too much rest.

Howard is a streaky hitter. He’ll carry the team for a month or two straight. He was doing that in the playoffs until the lengthy time off.

Howard batted .174 with one homer, three RBIs and a World Series-record 13 strikeouts. That’s not the kind of performance I expected. His MIA status was huge.

Pitching: The Yankees were better

Duh, right?

Lidge was awful, as we know. So, too, was Cole Hamels.

The only reliable pitcher was Cliff Lee. Matter of fact, it was that way for the entire playoffs. Whereas the Yankees had three guys they could count on in Andy Pettitte, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett… the Phillies’ starting pitching was a big question mark.

Last year, the Phillies had an untouchable bullpen. This year? Argggh.

The year-long instability caught up to the Phillies at the very last moment.

Clutch hitting was nonexistent

The Phillies got back to the World Series behind the strength of clutch hitting. Jimmy Rollins, Howard, Jayson Werth, Carlos Ruiz … those guys all came through in the NLDS and NLCS.

Really, the only guy that was consistent in the World Series was Chase Utley… and even he stranded a lot of guys on base when he wasn’t smashing home runs.

Well, those are just a few reasons why the Phillies aren’t preparing for their second straight parade down Broad St.

As my former middle school baseball coach once told me, “When you don’t play as good as your opponent, you will not be as good as your opponent.”

Yeaaah.

The Stud

The Man who saved the World Series.

Chase Utley made sure the Phillies would play a Game 6 in the Bronx. The slugging second baseman hit two home runs, tying Reggie Jackson for most round trippers in a single World Series (five).

Utley’s second homer – a solo shot in the seventh – proved to be the game-winning run.

The Story

The three-days rest experiment failed for the Yankees in Game 5.

A.J. Burnett, who was brilliant in Game 2, was rocked right from the start. In the first inning, Jimmy Rollins singled, Shane Victorino was hit by a pitch (more on that in a second) and Utley hit a first-pitch fastball out of the yard. That set the tone for the Phillies, who with their back against the wall, came out firing.

Burnett pitched two-plus innings and allowed six runs. So, you got to believe the lack of proper rest hurt the guy. And you’ve got to believe Joe Girardi is having some reservations on pitching Andy Pettite in Game 6…

Anyway, the Philleis adjusted well to Burnett and made him pay.

Meanwhile, Cliff Lee was effective for the Phillies. Lee didn’t dazzle like in Game 1, but he gave a gutsy performance. The Yankees scored a quick run in the first inning, but the lefty pretty much shut them down until the eighth, when Alex Rodriguez smashed a two-run double to cut the lead to 8-4. Lee lasted seven-plus frames and gave up five runs on seven hits. Again, it wasn’t his best, but it was certainly good enough.

The Phillies bombarded Burnett and went quiet until the seventh, when Utley and Raul Ibanez launched homers to make it 8-2. Those were two HUGE runs.

Like a zombie that never dies, the Yankees kept crawling and crawling their way back in the game. Against Ryan Madson in the ninth, the Yanks got the first two guys on base before Derek Jeter hit a 6-4-3 double play to kill the rally.

So you thought.

Johnny Damon had another amazing at-bat, eventually getting on when he roped a single to left field. Madson, though, struck out Mark Teixeira to end the game. Great job by Ryan to work himself out of trouble.

By the way, I can’t stop raving about Damon. He’s MVP if the Yankees go on to win it…

One big concern is the health of Victorino, who was pulled in the eighth inning. He got drilled by a Burnett fastball right on his knuckles. X-rays taken were negative and Victorino said afterward that he feels fine. We’ll see.

The Turning Point

You can look at the Jeter twin-killing in the ninth. That prevented another nightmare on Broad and Pattison, for sure.

Utley’s first-inning bomb sent a pretty loud message. The Yanks had gotten a quick run off Lee, so they had the momentum right away. Utley’s homer really gave the Phillies early hope that, yes, they can do this. They can comeback from a 3-1 deficit.

You know, if nothing else, I’m just glad as hell the Yankees didn’t celebrate in Philly. Honestly, it won’t hurt as nearly as much if they win it all in New York.

The Next Game

It’s Game 6 on Wednesday night as Pedro Martinez takes the mound for the Phillies. It’s almost certain that Pettitte will start for the Yankees, but no official announcement has been made.

If I had to put a number on it, I’d say the Phillies have about a 25 percent chance of doing this. If there is a Game 7, I can almost guarantee we’ll see Lee in some capacity.

Then again, you gotta win Game 6 first, so … that’s a moot point right now.

Brad Lidge took the brunt of the blame for Game 4′s ninth-inning disaster.

The key play of the World Series came when Johnny Damon stole second base … and kept on running because, well, nobody was covering third base.

Baseball 101 would suggest that Lidge should have been over at third. Every player has to be moving on every play… usually… because, usually, all pitchers have to do on a stolen base attempt is duck for cover. Except for rare instances such as this.

Because the Phillies had the shift on Mark Teixeira, Pedro Feliz had to take the throw at second base.

However, in a situation like this, Lidge shouldn’t have to worry about being an infielder when his focus should be on getting out of the inning unscathed. Instead, Ruiz should have been darting to third base. Charlie Manuel mentioned that in his post-game press conference …

This play could have been avoided all together. Here’s why:

• Carlos Ruiz has no business throwing in the first place. Ruiz was in a vulnerable position. Instead of throwing from an upright position, Ruiz fired from his knees. He got nothing behind the throw, which explains why Feliz had to jump in front and use his body to block the ball… which prompted Damon to keep chugging.
• The shift on Mark Teixeira. Why? The slugging first baseman has done next to nothing at the plate. I understand the Phillies were playing percentages, but a standard defense would have worked there. Instead, Feliz was all the way over near the second-base bag, had to take Ruiz’s throw and, well, the rest is history…
• Where was J-Roll? He was on the other side of the bag… but he could have taken the throw. Rollins admitted it was his bad for not handling the stolen base attempt. Obviously, had Rollins been there, Feliz could have been in a better position to cover third.

Unfortunately, we’re dealt with what we got. The Yankees capitalized on the Phillies’ mistakes.

Damon, as far as I’m concerned, won the Yankees that game. Yes, A-Rod delivered the huge go-ahead RBI double, but Damon worked a helluva at-bat, managed to get on base and manufactured the winning run. Heady baseball on Damon’s part, no matter how you look at it.

World Series Game 5

Phillies vs. Yankees

7:57 PM at Citizens Bank Park

In order to express the importance of tonight’s game, I turn to the most prominent Philadelphia sports athlete of all time; Hugh Douglas.

“It’s do or die. It’s do or die baby. It’s do or die. DO OR DIE. do or die!” Ok so maybe that’s not the exact quote, and maybe he’s not even close to prominent, but you get the picture. This is it for the Phillies, one last shot behind Cliff Lee to show any sign of life, or become the 27th team to fall victim to the Yankees towering payroll.

So this will be the second time the Yankees see Clifton Phifier Lee (Seriously, what were his parents thinking?). The same with the Phillies on Burnett. Both pitchers led their teams to wins in their last starts, but one will fall short tonight.

The Phillies better hope Burnett throws beach balls and they can establish a good, ehh I don’t know…20 run lead, before handing the ball over to their bullpen. Actually, I’d probably be biting my nails with any lead when Lidge comes in.

Is there really anymore to say? I can’t really get excited facing elimination. I’m disappointed in this team and the way that they have played through out the whole series. Ibanez and Howard are atrocious. And last night when Rollins and Victorino lead off and get on base in whatever inning and Utley, Howard, and Werth not only can’t knock them in, but can’t even advance them on an out. It’s like watching the Mets play their heartless baseball.

Here’s to sending this back to New York…I wouldn’t mind a couple more games eh?