A few weeks ago, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and pitcher Cole Hamels were selected player and pitcher of the decade for the Phils. Todd Zolecki decided to consult with some experts to create an all-decade team to fill all roster spots on Phillies.com.
The panel was made up of Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, CSNPhilly.com baseball writer Jim Salisbury, baseball historian Rich Westcott and director of baseball communications Greg Casterioto.
Most of the picks centered around the Phillies 2008 World Series title and were consensus but some sparked debate.
Behind the plate, Mike Lieberthal got the nod. The 2000 All-Star caught the most games in the decade (705) and led all Phillies catchers in runs, hits, home runs and RBIs.
The infield positions were all relatively easy selections.
Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins made the team at first base, second base and shortstop. All three would most likely make the all-time Phillies team as well.
Scott Rolen is not a fan favorite but gets the start at third base. He only played three seasons in the decade with the Phils and left on a bad and lingering note but still makes the team. He leads Phillies third basemen in runs, home runs and RBIs and has two Gold Gloves to his credit with the Phils.
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The outfield was a more debated topic.
Although not very popular, Bobby Abreu’s numbers are too impressive to deny him a slot. He led all Phillies outfielders in runs, hits, doubles and stolen bases. He also made two All-Star teams, won an NL Silver Slugger Award and a questionable NL Gold Glove Award.
Pat Burrell made the list as he became one of the most popular Phillies after their World Series championship. He not only led the parade down Broad St. but led Phillies outfielders in homers and RBIs in the decade.
The third outfield spot was a hot topic but the panel chose Shane Victorino over other possible candidates Jayson Werth, Aaron Rowand and Doug Glanville. The Flyin’ Hawaiian ranks first in triples and second in stolen bases.
Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Brett Myers and Randy Wolf were all unanimous decisions for the starting pitcher spots. They all pitched a lot of games for the Phils and were pretty consistent along the way. Myers led all pitchers in wins with 73 in the decade. Hamels won 48 games but most importantly went 4-0 in the 2008 postseason.
The fifth starting pitcher spot is a strange one. Cliff Lee made the team after only winning seven regular season games.
"Lee makes the rotation based on special accomplishment," Salisbury told Phillies.com. "He was only here half a season in 2009, but his work down the stretch helped the Phils win the NL East, and his work in the first two rounds of the postseason helped them get to the World Series. He also pitched a gem in Game 1 of the World Series."
Lee was chosen over Vicente Padilla (who won 49 games) and Kevin Millwood.
Ryan Madson was selected as the setup man over J.C. Romero and Rheal Cormier. He led the Phillies in holds with 95 by one over Cormier. He also led all relievers with 29 wins.
The closer spot came down to three men: Jose Mesa, Billy Wagner and Brad Lidge. Mesa led the Phillies in saves with 112 but got those saves on mostly uncompetitive teams. Lidge came in second with 72 saves and who could forget his perfect season in 2008?
“Jose Mesa and Billy Wagner both had good runs at closer, but we have to go with Lidge because of his spectacular performance in helping the Phils win the World Series in 2008," Salisbury said.
The manager of the decade was a no-brainer as Charlie Manuel led the Phils to a World Series title and consecutive NL pennants.
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