That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies best single season performances by position over last 50 years

By Kerry Kauffman

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 27: Chase Utley #26 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by Ryan Howard #6 after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on September 27, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 27: Chase Utley #26 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by Ryan Howard #6 after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on September 27, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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An all-time Phillies lineup features the organization’s greats from top to bottom

During this offseason, we have put together many top ten lists in franchise history. Adding a little twist to that theme, I have the top single-season performances by position over the last 50 years with a batting order if all these players could magically play simultaneously.

The greatest Phillies of all-time now come together in an all-time lineup for the ages.

Batting order:

1- Lenny Dykstra (1993) – center field

Dykstra has his best season of his career during the 1993 NL Championship season. He led the league in runs, hits, and walks and hit .305 with 44 doubles, 19 home runs, 37 stolen bases and a .420 on-base percentage.

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PHILADELPHIA – OCTOBER 27: Chase Utley #26 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Tampa Bay Rays during game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 27, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /

2- Chase Utley  (2007 or 2008) – second base

The Phillies all-time second baseman hits second with either his 2007 or 2008 season. Both seasons were excellent and in fact, any of his seasons from 2005 through 2009 would suffice. In 2007, Utley had 48 doubles, 22 home runs, 103 RBI and a .332 batting average. In the World Series championship season of 2008, he had 41 doubles, 33 home runs, 104 RBI, a .292 average and .915 OPS.

3 – Ryan Howard (2006) – first base

The best offensive first baseman in franchise history, Howard was an all-star and league MVP in 2006. He hammered 58 home runs, drove in 148 with a .659 slugging percentage and 1.084 OPS. Howard had several other top-notch seasons that could have landed him in this lineup, but 2006 was his best.

PHILADELPHIA – AUGUST 12: Former Philadelphia Phillie and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt shoots hot dogs into the stands during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park on August 12, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 8-7. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA – AUGUST 12: Former Philadelphia Phillie and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt shoots hot dogs into the stands during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park on August 12, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 8-7. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

4 – Mike Schmidt (1980 or 1981) – third base

The greatest player in franchise history and best third baseman of all time, Schmidt lands is his customary cleanup spot. MVP in both 1980 and 1981, both are equally impressive. In 1980, Schmidt belted 48 home runs, knocked in 121, had a .624 slugging percentage and 1.004 OPS. In the strike-shortened 1981 season, he led the league in home runs (31), RBI (91), runs (78), walks (73), on-base percentage (.435), slugging percentage (.644) and OPS (1.080). Nothing more needs to be said.

5 – Greg Luzinski (1977) – left field

Batting behind Schmidt in the 1970’s, Luzinski has to land in the same position here. In is finest major league season, Luzinski was second in the NL MVP voting. He hit .309 with 35 doubles, 39 home runs, 130 RBI, a .594 slugging percentage and .988 OPS. Luzinski’s last season in Philadelphia was 1980 before finishing his career with the White Sox.

6 – Bobby Abreu (2004) – right field

Like others in this lineup, Abreu had several seasons that could have made this list. In 2004, he had his finest overall season with 47 doubles, 30 home runs, 105 RBI, 40 stolen bases, a .301 average, .428 on-base percentage and .971 OPS. He was also a two-time all-star with the team and retired after the 2014 season with the Mets.

7 – Jimmy Rollins (2007) – shortstop

The greatest shortstop in franchise history had an MVP season in 2007. Rollins had 38 doubles, a league-leading 20 triples, 30 home runs, 94 RBI and 41 stolen bases. He also won his first of four Gold Glove Awards.

8 – Mike Lieberthal (1999) – catcher

Lieberthal had a solid 13-year career with the Phillies and is the franchise leader among catchers in career home runs. His finest season was in 1999 in which he hit .300 with 33 doubles, 31 home runs, 96 RBI and a .914 OPS. He finished his career in Philadelphia in 2006 and retired after playing in 38 games for the Dodgers in 2007.

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9 – Steve Carlton (1972) – left-handed starting pitcher

The greatest pitcher in team history, Carlton’s best season was with the 1972 team that won only 59 games. He went 27-10 with a 1.97 ERA, 30 complete games, eight shutouts, 346 2/3 innings pitched and 310 strikeouts. He led the league in wins, complete games, innings, ERA, strikeouts and won his first of four Cy Young awards.

Roy Halladay (2010) – right-handed starting pitcher

In his first season in Philadelphia, the late Roy Halladay was stellar. He pitched a perfect game in the regular season against the Marlins and no-hitter in the playoffs versus the Reds. He led the league in wins (21), complete games (9), shutouts (4), innings pitched (250 2/3) and won his second and final Cy Young award.

Next: Top 10 Phillies starting and relief pitchers of the 1970's

Brad Lidge (2008) – closer

Lidge had his best season in Philadelphia for the World Championship team of 2008. He was a perfect 48-for-48 in saves including the postseason. Lidge was 2-0 with a 1.95 ERA during the regular season, striking out 92 in 69 1/3 innings.

Tug McGraw (1980) – closer

If the 2008 Lidge is tiring or the matchups are more favorable for a lefty, one can always count on the 1980 McGraw. He had a stellar 1.46 ERA and allowed only 62 hits in 92 1/3 innings while saving 20.  Both Lidge and McGraw ended the World Series with strikeouts.

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