With the 2006 Major League Baseball season just underway, Philadelphia fans question: Will this year be the year for the Phillies?

Several roster moves make the Fightin’ Phils’ season look slightly more favorable this year. During the off-season, the team acquired centerfielder Aaron Rowand for Jim Thome from the Chicago White Sox. This should drastically improve the Phillies’ outfield. In addition, the team signed relief pitcher Tom Gordon, who will serve as this year’s closer after the team lost Billy Wagner to the free agent market.

Much is anticipated from first baseman Ryan Howard, who hit .288 with 22 homeruns in only 88 games last year. With statistics like these, Howard should quickly become a dominant force in the National League (NL). Expectations are equally as high for second baseman Chase Utley, who was ranked second among all second baseman by several sources including ESPN prior to the season.

Although the Phillies look much better on paper this year, so too does the NL East division as a whole, which will make it that much more challenging for the team this season.

“The NL East as a whole threatens to raise the standard of play in its division to a level not seen since the late 90s. I think the Phillies will be competitive; however I don’t think that they have enough pitching or enough offense compared to the other teams to win the division,” said Jason Seher (’07).

Going into the first game, all eyes will be on shortstop Jimmy Rollins as he chases Joe DiMaggio’s record 56-game hitting streak. Currently, Rollins has gotten a hit in 36 consecutive games dating back to last season.

The Phillies begin their quest for their first championship since 1980 on Monday at 3:05 p.m. versus the St. Louis Cardinals.