Many Phillies fans are focused on the big-name injuries of Howard and Utley as our biggest cause of concern. While these injuries are certainly going to affect the team’s offensive production and defense, to a lesser degree, I think our bullpen is of utmost concern (again, Pap, aside).

Bastardo’s stuff is 5 mph below where he needs to be and has been through Spring Training. Stutes has had some injury problems and can’t seem to place his pitches. He also looks like he’s pitching scared at the first sign of trouble. Contreras is on the DL. Herndon is, well, Herndon. I’m surprised he’s on the team, yet again. Kendrick gives us glimpses of both hope and horror. Yet I remain optimistic for his performance this season.

I’m not one of the loonies already on the ledge for the 2012 season, by any means. I think we can do more than just tread water with the juggling of Thome, Nix, Pierre, Wiggington, etc., considering our starting pitching. But in 2011 we had some luck with some of our bullpen guys, particularly Stutes and Bastardo, having great seasons (relative to expectations). It’s still early, but it wouldn’t appear that we can hold the same level of confidence this year for our collective bullpen performance.

So somewhere in between the Howard/Utley injuries and a seemingly weaker bullpen we can still string some wins together. Our starting pitching, thought great, would seemingly have a tough time performing much better than they had last year. So with an improved NL East, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out in the end.