Wait, the Phillies season starts this week? Well, I guess it's time to take a belated look at who will be making the team on Opening Day. Since I'm doing this projection so close to the start of the season, most of the battles are out of the way, with just two bench spots being fought over. With all of the injuries, a few slots have opened up for players that normally would have had no chance to make the team.
Here's my take on how the Phillies roster will look on Opening Day. Players who are locks are listed in bold.
Infielders (6): Ryan Howard, Luis Castillo, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Wilson Valdez, Michael Martinez
Castillo has played well enough to have first crack at the starting second base job but count on the Phillies pulling the plug quickly should he falter. All indications are that the Phillies want to keep the versatile Martinez around rather than give him back to the Nationals. Should Polanco not be healthy at the start of the season, Martinez will be even more useful.
Outfielders (5): Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Ben Francisco, Ross Gload, John Mayberry
Mayberry seems like the logical choice for a righty bench bat with some power over someone like Delwyn Young.
Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Brian Schneider
Rotation (5): Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton
Bullpen (7): Ryan Madson, Jose Contreras, J.C. Romero, Danys Baez, Antonio Bastardo, Kyle Kendrick, David Herndon
The pitching staff seems pretty locked in, though Herndon could easily be swapped out for a waiver pickup.
DL: Domonic Brown, Chase Utley, Brad Lidge
Depressing.
Could start season on DL: Polanco
Let's hope not because the lineup would be a joke.
Players on the bubble: Delwyn Young, Pete Orr
They are the only two remaining players in Phillies camp. Young would make the team if the Phillies give Martinez back to the Nationals.
That's the team as I see it. It's going to come down to Martinez vs. Young for the 25th spot and Martinez's versatility will earn him a spot.
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