The Philadelphia Phillies remained right on the Braves heels for most of the 2005 season thanks to a potent batting order that included 2nd basemen Chase Utley (.291 28 105), and outfielders Pat Burrell (.281 32 117) and Bobby Abreu (.286 24 102). Shortstop Jimmy Rollins (.290 12 54) and veteran catcher Mike Lieberthal (.263 12 47) also contributed to provide the Phillies with a well-balanced lineup. Perhaps the biggest offensive surprise was the emergence of rookie 1st baseman Ryan Howard (.288 22 63) who stepped in to replace the inured power hitting Jim Thome. Howard hit an impressive .298 mark after the all star break, launching 19 homeruns while playing in 67 games. His .323 batting average against righties helped keep the Phillies close and landed Howard National League Rookie of the Year. The Phillies ended the 2005 season with a respectable 88-74 record, finishing 2 games behind the Eastern Division leading Atlanta Braves. Philadelphia finished second in the National League with a team batting average of .270 (eighth in MLB).
The Phillies 2005 pitching was led by newly acquired Jon Lieber (17-13 4.20) who was picked up from the Yankees in the 2004 off season....
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