Only 3 weeks until Opening Day!?! I guess it's time to start taking an even closer look at the upcoming season and what we can expect from the Phillies going forward. While Spring Training has largely been boring for the Phils, there are still a few roster spots that need to be decided, namely who the 5th starter will be and who will be the second lefty out of the pen, or even the first if J.C. Romero isn't ready to go.
Here's my first look at how the Phillies roster will look on Opening Day. Players who are locks to make the roster are listed in bold.
Infielders (6): Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Greg Dobbs, Juan Castro
Outfielders (5): Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Ben Francisco, Ross Gload
Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Brian Schneider
Starting Rotation (5): Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, Jamie Moyer
I think Moyer's track record will give him the first shot at the 5th starter role. Kendrick has done enough to at least earn a spot on the roster and will be called upon to start the moment Moyer falters.
Bullpen (7): Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Danys Baez, Chad Durbin, Jose Contreras, Antonio Bastardo, Kyle Kendrick
Likely to start the season on the DL: J.C. Romero, Brad Lidge
Since Romero has only just now started pitching to hitters, I don't see how he's going to be ready to go in three weeks. His injury opens the door for another lefty to make the team. If Lidge isn't ready to go, Charlie Manuel has already made it clear that Madson will be the closer.
Players on the bubble:
IF: Cody Ransom
The injury to Polanco opened the door a crack for Ransom. With Polanco coming back soon, that door will pretty much slam shut again.
OF: John Mayberry
Sorry, John, there's just no room in the Phillies outfield for you. With Domonic Brown ready to take a spot next year, I'm not sure if Mayberry will ever get a regular role with the big club.
P: Sergio Escalona, Mike Zagurski
I'm purely guessing that Bastardo beats out Escalona and Zagurski to be the lone lefty on Opening Day, I really don't know how that's going to shake out. None of the three have been impressive this spring so I wouldn't be surprised if the Phillies pick up a lefty via trade or waivers. Scott Eyre, anyone?
That's the team as I see it. Did I leave anyone off? Who should or shouldn't make it from this group?
No comments:
Post a Comment