35 Reasons to Believe

The Phanatic Magazine kicked off its 35 straight days of Phillies on February 25, one article per day detailing each member battling for position as the season begins. Also, look for Michael Rushton's season outlook, which will cap the offseason look at the Phillies on Opening Day -- April 2nd against Atlanta.

DAY 15: Geoff Geary

By Eric Redner
The Phanatic Magazine

At least Geoff Geary knows where he'll be on April 2. Geary was drafted by the Phillies in the 15th round (434th overall) of the 1998 amateur entry draft, but had trouble getting a full-time job with the club as he had bounced back and forth between the big league club and the farm.

Last year, however, he exceeded everyone's expectations and led the team in appearances (81) and innings pitched out of the bullpen (91 1/3). With a 7-1 record, he had a career-best 2.96 ERA and struck out 60 while walking just 20. He had a team best ERA for pitchers with over 25 innings pitched and also had the lowest ERA in the National League for relievers with over 80 innings pitched.

In a bullpen that was unreliable through much of the year, Geary was a steadying force that was turned to more and more frequently, especially after Arthur Rhodes went down with injury and left the setup role vacant.

Should Ryan Madson return to his previous form and Geary maintain his success from last season, the Phils might not be so bad in the middle part of the pen. If Madson should slip, though, Geary will be expected to repeat his success from last season.

Spring has not been kind to him as he as been charged with three runs in 4 1/3 innings of work, a 6.23 ERA, while getting knocked for eight hits. The 30-year-old righty will be playing his fifth season in the big leagues. In 159 career appearances he has a 10-2 record with a 3.78 ERA over 200 innings.

After making close to the major league minimum his first four seasons, he became eligible for salary arbitration in the 2006-2007 offseason. He asked for $925,000 and was offered $750,000 by the Phillies. The two sides agreed to a one-year contract worth $837,500 to avoid arbitration.

Geary seems to be pumped up for the season as he has changed his offseason routine. In the past he used to exhaust himself in workouts and towards the end of season he was worn out so he gave himself some rest this past winter. "This time, I wanted to give myself rest and be able to strengthen. Not 100 percent, but really close," Geary told Michael Radano of the Canden Courier-Post "You have a dead period. I want to have maybe a dip then a drop -- progressively be at my top when the playoffs or the World Series come."

You have to like Geary's mind-set for when he wants to be able to perform at the top of his game. Here's hoping he gets the opportunity.

Tomorrow: Ryan Madson