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[Baseball Guru]

SPRING CLEANING


1. Does young Brandon Duckworth have what it takes to be a big winner in 2002?
The Phillies loved the talented righty's composure in the heat of a pennant race last season. If they want to compete with the Braves and Mets in the tough NL East, Duckworth will have to play a big role.

2. Can the bullpen hold up again?
Last year, the Phillies' pen surprised a lot of people by being one of the most dependable units in the National League. So it's only natural to wonder if they can do it again. Jose Mesa had his best season in years, but he's not getting any younger. Neither are Rheal Cormier, Turk Wendell, etc.

3. How is Mike Lieberthal's knee?
The power-hitting catcher was lost for the 2001 season after tearing his ACL on May 12. His return will be a big lift for the Phillies at and behind the plate, provided he stays healthy.

4. Is this the year that Pat "the Bat" Burrell reaches his potential?
When the Phillies drafted Burrell, he was immediately tabbed as a future star. Though he was productive enough in his sophomore season (27 HRs, 89 RBIs), he wasn't consistent enough. Burrell has the talent and strength to be an elite hitter. Now he just has to translate it into results.

5. Will Scott Rolen maintain his tunnel vision despite the fact that he will be eligible for free agency at the end of the season?
In other markets, this might not be as much of an issue. But in Philadelphia, Rolen's future will be a big story -- at least in the media -- all season long. The prolific third baseman has already told the Phillies that he won't sign a long-term extension and that he plans on testing the free-agent waters. But maybe he will have a change of heart.

NEW FACES


RHP Terry Adams -- The Dodgers converted Adams from the bullpen to the rotation last June, and Adams made the transition a seamless one. So much so that Phillies GM Ed Wade signed Adams off the free-agent market with the idea that he will be a key member of Manager Larry Bowa's rotation. With so much youth in the rotation, Adams' veteran leadership could be vital.

OF Ricky Ledee -- The soft-spoken outfielder was once one of the jewels of the Yankees' farm system. Now he's struggling just to keep a Major League job. There is no pressure on him to be a star in Philadelphia. With the everyday lineup set, the Phils just want Ledee to be a viable hitting and fielding option off the bench.

[Baseball Guru]

LONG GONE


Omar Daal -- The Phillies showed how devoted they are to their stable of young pitchers by dealing lefty Daal to the Dodgers without getting an experienced Major League player back in return. Daal got off to a terrific start in 2001 but dropped off considerably down the stretch.

Brian L. Hunter -- His speed off the bench will be missed, but Ledee will offer Bowa more tools -- not to mention more hits -- in the reserve outfielder role. Hunter signed with the Astros.

Dennis Cook -- The veteran lefty never got comfortable in Philly after being traded from the Mets at the end of July. Perhaps a change of scenery -- in this case, Anaheim -- will help the 39-year-old Cook get back on track.

RETURNING FROM INJURY


C Mike Lieberthal -- A healthy return from Lieberthal (torn ACL) will make a significant impact on the Phillies' lineup. But his most important job will be keeping a young pitching staff focused.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK


OF Marlon Byrd -- With veteran center fielder Doug Glanville still in the fold, there's no reason for the Phillies to rush the immensely talented Byrd into the Major Leagues. But Larry Bowa is having a hard time containing his enthusiasm for Byrd. "His work ethic is unbelievable; this kid wants it bad," Bowa said. "He's gone through a lot of adversity. He won't ever be accused of not being a workaholic. He's got one thing on his mind, and that's playing in the big leagues. And not only playing, but being an impact player. If attitude means you're going to play, he's going to play a long time. He could hit three, he could lead off. Obviously, we're going to let him keep progressing."

P Brett Myers -- In the last few seasons, the Phillies have been tremendous at finding talented young pitchers, with Myers serving as the latest case in point. The 21-year-old righty probably won't see the Vet this season, unless the Phils' rotation is dealt multiple injuries. But the Phils are anxiously awaiting the arrival of this 6-foot-4, 215-pound righty.

P Gavin Floyd -- The 19-year-old righty was taken by the Phillies in the first round (fourth pick overall) of last June's First-Year Player Draft. The Phils are hoping that the hard-throwing, 6-foot-6 Floyd, who is murder on righties, will be a star in a few years.

ON THE REBOUND


Turk Wendell -- The righty setup man was positively miserable after the Phillies acquired him from the Mets at the end of July. Wendell made no secret of the fact that he was crushed at being traded. So maybe a full winter of digesting the move will lead to a resurgence from the zany veteran.

THE BOTTOM LINE


The Phillies need to build on last season, instead of letting it go to their heads. They aren't sneaking up on anyone this season. So they have to be just as business-like as they were last spring. One area they need improvement on is for their hitters to be more selective and to make better contact. Manager Larry Bowa vowed to make that a priority this spring.

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.