The Philadelphia Phillies are a -135 favorite to win the National League East, the clear cut choice to win the National League +300, and sport the lowest odds to win the World Series (+630). But it doesn't seem so
are on the roster.
According to Nate Silver, "the steepest part of the aging curve -- when a hitter experiences the most manifest decline in his abilities -- tends to come between ages 32 and 34." It can be devastating enough to an offense when two or three hitters enter this period of accelerated decline at the same time. The Phillies are entering it as a team.
The Philadelphia Phillies are coming off their fifth straight season as the top team in the National League East. For the first time in years they’re looking vulnerable, which prompted one scout to suggest that “Other than those three pitchers, they’re not very good”.