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5 Things We Learned About Philadelphia Phillies During First Quarter Of 2015 MLB Season

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5 Things We Learned About Philadelphia Phillies During First Quarter Of 2015 MLB Season

Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies,
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The 2015 campaign has been a bit of a disaster for the Philadelphia Phillies, but it’s not like most weren’t expecting that heading into the season. Nevertheless, through the first quarter of the season, we’ve learned a good deal about the Phillies and how the rest of their season is likely to unfold.

5. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley Still Have Something Left in the Tank

Ryan Howard Phillies
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5. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley Still Have Something Left in the Tank

Ryan Howard Phillies
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Early in the season, there were serious doubts about these two, but Philadelphia's two aging veterans have both responded and proved that they aren't done yet. Howard has found his power stroke, and with 10 home runs on the season, he's on pace for over 30 this year. Meanwhile, Utley was a disaster early in the season, and despite still being below the Mendoza line, he's shown signs of life by hitting over .300 the past two weeks.

4. Pitching Is Not A Strength

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies,
Howard Smith - USATODAY Sports

4. Pitching Is Not A Strength

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies,
Howard Smith - USATODAY Sports

Cole Hamels and Aaron Harang are having good seasons, while Jonathan Papelbon has been reliable when called upon. But other than those two, the Phillies have not pitched well this year. The Philadelphia pitching staff is in the bottom third of the league statistically, and on days in which someone other than Hamels or Harang starts, the Phillies have had all kinds of trouble winning.

3. They Will Be Sellers This Summer

Toronto Blue Jays v Philadelphia Phillies
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3. They Will Be Sellers This Summer

Toronto Blue Jays v Philadelphia Phillies
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It's obvious the Phillies are a long way from being competitive in the NL East, and they need to do some serious rebuilding to get things turned around. This will lead Philadelphia to be sellers at the trade deadline. Howard, Hamels, Papelbon and Harang are all among the big-name players who could be living out their final days in Philadelphia, as they could soon be sent out of town as the Phillies start their rebuild.

2. Freddy Galvis Is A Keeper At Shortstop

Freddy Galvis
Eric Hartline - USATODAY Sports

2. Freddy Galvis Is A Keeper At Shortstop

Freddy Galvis
Eric Hartline - USATODAY Sports

Half of Philadelphia's infield is on its last legs, but the shortstop position looks secure for years to come. Galvis has stepped into Jimmy Rollins' shoes and had a breakout season. Galvis is hitting over .300, been a quality defensive shortstop and become a catalyst at the top of Philadelphia's lineup, making shortstop one position the Phillies don't have to address as they rebuild.

1. Last Place in the NL East is Inevitable

Severino Gonzalez, Philadelphia Phillies,
Jeff Curry - USATODAY Sports

1. Last Place in the NL East is Inevitable

Severino Gonzalez, Philadelphia Phillies,
Jeff Curry - USATODAY Sports

Technically, the Phillies are battling it out with the Marlins for the right to avoid last place in the NL East, but in the end we know it's going to be Philadelphia at the bottom. Once Miami starts to get some of their injured players back, they'll have a far more talented roster than the Phillies. They are likely to lose some key players through trades, leaving Philadelphia with a team that will finish dead last in the division.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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