PHILADELPHIA -- Deep and balanced could be the most popular words used this season when describing the Phillies' starting rotation.

For a team that boasts five solid citizens instead of a bona fide ace in the mold of Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez or Roger Clemens, that's understandable -- and exactly what the Phillies hope for in 2005.

"People look at a No. 1 now as a guy with blazing stuff -- a Randy Johnson or a Clemens," said manager Charlie Manuel. "But a No. 1 doesn't have to throw 100 [mph]. A No. 1 has to know how to pitch, get people out and take you deep into the game."

While Johnson and Clemens have those qualities, Manuel believes Jon Lieber is the type of pitcher he is talking about. The veteran right-hander -- signed to a three-year, $21 million contract this winter -- doesn't throw 100 mph, but makes up for it with pinpoint location.

Lieber walked just 18 in 176 2/3 innings versus 102 strikeouts for an astounding strikeout-to-walk ratio of 5.20. Basically, he throws the ball exactly where he wants.

The 34-year-old has been an ace before -- with the Cubs -- and performed well in that capacity. Manuel also felt that Lieber looked healthy and strong at the end of last season.

• 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

"He's a control guy," said Manuel. "I like his stuff and I like how he pitches. He has command of all his pitches. I've seen him pitch a lot over his career, and I like the fact that he got stronger over the second half of the season. I saw him pitch two games last year and they were tremendous. He always goes deep into games and keeps you in the game."

Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla, Cory Lidle and Brett Myers fill out the rotation.

Wolf and Padilla represent question marks, as each fought tendinitis last season and missed about six weeks. Wolf's elbow wasn't quite right when he returned, and he was shut down for a second time in August.

Wolf had a 2.91 ERA in his first 10 starts of the season, but a 5.52 ERA after his return. Though Padilla had some initial success after returning, his ERA rose by more than a run overall.

The story for Myers was one of inconsistency. His 5.52 ERA was the second-worst among National League starters with at least 150 innings.

Opposing players and scouts have raved about Myers' devastating curveball and moving fastball, and scratch their heads at what has become maddening bouts of inconsistency. Myers posted a 2.16 ERA in his 11 wins, but had a 9.30 mark in his 11 losses. In no-decisions, his ERA was 6.88.

"My year was disappointing ERA-wise, but I did win 11 games," he said. "I just didn't have the season that I wanted. I struggled a lot and have to put together more back-to-back good starts, instead of one every now and then. I was disappointed and I'm sure the fans were, but I don't plan on any of that happening this year.

"Last year was a learning experience for me. I want to go back to what got me here, have fun and go out and pitch. I'm an aggressive [pitcher]."

The Phillies know what they have in Lidle -- a ground-ball specialist who went 5-2 with a 3.90 ERA in 10 starts with Philadelphia last season, quite an improvement from his 7-10 record and 5.32 ERA with Cincinnati.

Manuel refuses to dwell on the injuries and inconsistencies that plagued the staff last season. A positive person, the new skipper always looks ahead.

"We had a lot of injuries last year, but forget about that," he said. "Right now, we have a healthy staff. All of these guys are capable of consistently taking us deep into games. I see no reason why they can't."