Lauber: Manuel believes Phils’ offense can improve

It’s no wonder, then, that manager Charlie Manuel believes the Phillies can be even better in 2009 if only their offense can exhibit more consistency.

“I look for our offense to be a lot better,” Manuel said last week. “[Chase] Utley can be better. [Jimmy] Rollins can be better. He was more consistent the last two years than he was last year. [Ryan] Howard proved three years ago he could hit .300, and if he does that, he’s going to hit anywhere from 45 to 60 home runs. And we’ve got to get better at the bottom of our lineup. At times, that really hurt us.

“We definitely can improve from an offensive standpoint. I like our team. Our team is solid, and I look for us to be better than we were last year. Really, I do. I know we can.”

Thanks to Philly, Stake Barnald.