Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt is spending some time coaching the Phillies in Clearwater.
And what arguably the greatest third baseman in baseball history sees in the 2011 Phillies seems on par with what fans keep talking about.
"If a team is built around something and it can be built around the four greatest starters maybe ever assembled on one team, you feel like you really got a chance, a strong chance of having a great year," Schmidt told MLB.com.
Of course Schmidty is giving a nod to the Phillies four aces -- Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.
But is he as optimistic as shortstop/soothsayer Jimmy Rollins?
J-Roll recently predicted the Phillies could possibly win a Major League record 116 games this season. Schmidt thinks that 100 should be a reasonable goal.
He attributes the starting staff, bullpen, defense and hungry hitting to the long list of things the Phillies do right -- especially the four aces.
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Schmidt realizes, though, that the Phils need to step up their offense this year.
"I think there was a lot of underachieving on the offensive side of this club last year, I think they would all admit that."
Despite the batting woes and some possible holes in the bullpen, Schmidt strongly believes the Phillies make it work, especially under General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr.
"They do it right here," he said.
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