PHILADELPHIA -- Consistency should be the popular word when describing the 2005 occupants of the Phillies' corner infield positions.

The word particularly pertains to third baseman David Bell, who is nothing if not that. With the third baseman's good health last season came a source of quiet leadership and toughness that he couldn't provide during an injury-filled 2003 season.

While Bell might not replace Scott Rolen in the hearts and minds of some fans, his knack for getting a hit when it's most needed hasn't been overlooked by teammates. In close and late situations last season, Bell hit .371 with four homers, and he batted .297 overall with runners in scoring position. Teammates said on many occasions that there was no one else who they'd rather have up in a crucial spot.

Across the diamond is another player who opposing managers hate to see at the plate when the game is on the line: Jim Thome. Still one of the league's premier power hitters, Thome pounded 42 homers in 2004. He also collected 105 RBIs, tying Bobby Abreu for the team lead.

By his own admission, Thome had some bizarre struggles with runners in scoring position, hitting .203. Giving credence to this being an anomaly is the fact that he batted .305 in those situations during the two previous seasons.

• Catchers: Lieby to return • Corner inf.: Models of consistency • Middle inf.: Utley takes over at 2nd • Outfielders: Lofton brings experience • Starting rotation: Lieber new ace • Bullpen: Wagner looking to rebound • Bench: Polanco keeps Phil's versatile

"Thome is one of the best hitters out there," said manager Charlie Manuel. "I know he can hit 50 homers. He didn't last season, but he can. He always been a guy you can count on."

Manuel said he'll experiment with the batting order in Spring Training, as he decides whether to bat lefties Abreu and Thome back-to-back, or try righty Pat Burrell into the cleanup spot. Though Thome's preference is to bat fourth, he's said many times that it doesn't matter.

Generally, his spot in the batting order hasn't affected his consistent power production. He's clubbed at least 42 homers in four straight years and averaged 120 RBIs a year during that span. That said, Thome's 2004 totals were the lowest of those four seasons, and he'll look to improve on it. Never one to make excuses, he finally admitted in September that nagging finger injuries contributed to his occasional struggles.

Still, Thome reached a personal milestone on June 14, when he crushed career homer No. 400 off Cincinnati's Jose Acevedo. Assuming a 40-homer season, Thome would move up on the all-time list from 35th to 26th.

Meanwhile, Bell hit for his highest batting average and on-base percentage, at .291 and .363, respectively. His 77 RBIs was one shy of his career high, set with Seattle in 1999. He struggled defensively, however, committing a career-high 24 errors.

Bell and Thome must be careful with injuries in 2005, as each played in 143 games last season. Bell battled nagging leg and back problems, while Thome dealt with separate injuries to three of his fingers. Thome also missed some time after a collision with catcher Todd Pratt.

Should Bell suffer a long-term injury, Placido Polanco could fill in for as long as needed. The team's second baseman last season, Polanco will serve as a utility infielder and super sub in 2005. If Thome misses time, Polanco could also play second base, with Chase Utley moving to first. If Thome was out for a significant period, it could lead to a huge opportunity for top prospect Ryan Howard.