Coming off their World Series championship in 2008, the Phillies were instant contenders with very few changes occurring on the field during the offseason. Veteran Pat Burrell went unsigned, and was replaced by former Seattle Mariner Raúl Ibañez.
The club also brought in veteran pitcher Chan Ho Park to help solidify the starting rotation behind their young World Series MVP, Cole Hamels
Unfortunately, Brett Myers was injured, and Hamels and Kyle Kendrick were not as sharp as they were the previous year. Chan Ho Park was also moved to the bullpen in favor of future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, who was essentially signed off the street during the season.