Phillies release Giles, cut Mayberry, Carrasco, 3 others

The Phillies continued trimming down their roster in preparation of Sunday's opener and things are shaping up just as I have predicted. Marcus Giles, who signed with the club in the offseason with the hopes of playing second base until Chase Utley was healthy, was released, likely ending his major league career. Once Utley was deemed ready to play, Giles had to see the writing on the wall.

The Phillies also sent OF John Mayberry and P Carlos Carrasco to the minors and informed P Mike Koplove, OF Jason Ellison and IF Pablo Ozuna that they wouldn't be making the major league club. Mayberry had a decent chance to make the club after a solid March but will be better off getting some seasoning in the minors. Carrasco is still a year away, or maybe more. I could see him taking Jamie Moyer's spot in the rotation when the old man finally retires.

There are still a few moves left for the Phillies to make. They still need to sort out their bench with either Geoff Jenkins, Matt Stairs or Miguel Cairo getting cut or traded. They also have to figure out their 5th starter spot, a move that will dictate who gets the final bullpen spot. If Chan Ho Park is the 5th starter, the Phillies will likely keep Gary Majewski in the bullpen and send lefty J.A. Happ to the minors. If Happ gets the final rotation spot, Park will be in the bullpen.

The next moves the Phillies make could be the most interesting. Don't be surprised if they pull off another trade to clear things up even more.