Phillies set 2012 Opening Day Roster

The Phillies 2012 Opening Day roster is missing a few big names but it still has plenty of interesting stories.  The biggest surprise is Joe Savery, who was a first baseman last year and is now holding down a spot in the bullpen.

Here is the Phillies Opening Day Roster:

Starting Pitchers (5): Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Vance Worley, Joe Blanton

Relief Pitchers (7): Jonathan Papelbon, Antonio Bastardo, Mike Stutes, Chad Qualls, David Herndon, Kyle Kendrick, Joe Savery

Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Brian Schneider

Infielders (6): Jim Thome, Freddy Galvis, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Ty Wiggington, Pete Orr

Outfielders (5): Juan Pierre, Shane Victorino, Hunter Pence, John Mayberry Jr., Laynce Nix

On the DL (4): Jose Contreras, Ryan Howard, Michael Martinez, Chase Utley

Prepare yourself for Juan Pierre to get an inordinate number of at-bats.

Your 2011 Phillies Opening Day Roster

With the release of Luis Castillo earlier today and the announcement that Pete Orr is making the club, the Phillies have finalized their Opening Day roster. Orr likely made the club because of his ability to play third base in case Placido Polanco's injury continues to linger. Rule 5 pickup Michael Martinez was also informed today that he has made the team.

Your Phillies Opening Day Roster is set:

Infielders (6): Ryan Howard, Wilson Valdez, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Michael Martinez, Pete Orr

Outfielders (5): Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Ben Francisco, Ross Gload, John Mayberry

Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Brian Schneider

Starting 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

On the disabled list: Domonic Brown, Chase Utley, Brad Lidge

Projecting the Phillies 2011 Opening Day Roster

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.

Projecting the Phillies 2010 postseason roster

Now that the Phillies have finally clinched the postseason, it's time for me to take my stab at who will be on the postseason roster. With a team as loaded as the Phillies, all of the debate surrounding who makes the postseason roster centers on the final bench bats and who they want in the bullpen.

Starting Pitchers: Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt, Joe Blanton
As the top seed in the NL, the Phillies will have the luxury of going with just the "Big Three" in the first round, leaving Joe Blanton in a long relief role. Count on Blanton being used in the second round at some point.

Bullpen: Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Jose Contreras, Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero, Antonio Bastardo, Danys Baez
The first 5 are obvious choices but things get a little dicey from there. Because the rotation is so good, the Phillies can afford to go with just 11 pitchers and have an extra bench player, so that leaves two bullpen spots up for grabs. I think, despite only pitching 15 innings in the majors this year, Bastardo will get one of the spots simply because he's a lefty. That leaves the Phils picking between Danys Baez, Kyle Kendrick and David Herndon for the final spot. Since Herndon has no experience and Kendrick wouldn't have a role since Blanton will be in a long relief role, Baez is given a spot by default. Luckily, I can't see any conceivable situation where Baez would actually be used in a playoff game.

Starting Bats: Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth
As long as J-Roll is healthy, this is a complete no-brainer.

Bench Bats: Ben Francisco, Wilson Valdez, Brian Schneider, Ross Gload, Mike Sweeney, Domonic Brown
With an extra spot, the Phillies can afford to keep a rookie like Brown around just for the experience. Hopefully they keep the kid around and don't choose to go with Greg Dobbs, who is completely useless at this point. While there has been some talk of Mike Sweeney not making the roster, it would be crushing not to let him play given that he finally made the postseason after a decade of losing with the Royals. Besides, he's a positive veteran influence in the clubhouse and would be good for a pinch hit or two.

That is my projected roster for the Phillies as they begin their quest for another title. Feel free to disagree in the comments section!

Your 2010 Phillies Opening Day Roster

Finally, Spring Training is over and the Phillies are ready for the real games to begin. While the Phillies roster had basically been set for the last few weeks, the recent injury to Joe Blanton opened up an unexpected spot on the pitching staff. Enter Andrew Carpenter, the 24 year old with 6 innings of major league experience, who was recalled today. Carpenter has been a starter throughout his minor league career but the Phillies will ask hm to be a long relief man. I wouldn't expect him to get too much work in and wouldn't be surprised if he gets sent down after just a few games.

Your Phillies Opening Day Roster is set:

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, Kyle Kendrick, J.A. Happ, Jamie Moyer

Bullpen (7): Ryan Madson, Danys Baez, Chad Durbin, Jose Contreras, Antonio Bastardo, David Herndon, Andrew Carpenter

On the disabled list: Joe Blanton, Brad Lidge, J.C. Romero

2010 Phillies Opening Day bullpen pitchers are set

With the demotion of Mike Zagurski, the Phillies bullpen is set for Opening Day. Well, sort of; all of the pitchers are in place they just haven't all been given their roles as of yet. There's still that little matter of deciding who the 5th starter is and Brad Lidge and J.C. Romero have to be officially added to the disabled list.

Here are the 12 pitchers the Phillies will carry on Opening Day:

Starting Pitchers: Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, Jamie Moyer/Kyle Kendrick

Bullpen: Ryan Madson, Danys Baez, Chad Durbin, Jose Contreras, Antonio Bastardo, David Herndon, Moyer/Kendrick

To be placed on DL: Brad Lidge, J.C. Romero

Breaking down the bullpen further, these are probably the initial roles:

Long relief:
Contreras
Moyer/Kendrick

Lefty:
Bastardo

6th inning:
Herndon
Contreras?

7th inning:
Durbin

Setup man:
Baez

Closer:
Madson

I wouldn't call that an ideal bullpen but it will get the job done for a few weeks before Lidge and Romero get healthy.

Phillies send two more down to bring roster to 35

According to Todd Zolecki on Twitter, the Phillies have sent two more players down to the minors: IF Andy Tracy and P Ehren Wasserman. Those moves leave the Phillies with 35 players in camp, meaning they have 10 more moves to make before the beginning of the season. With two of those moves expected to be putting Brad Lidge and J.C. Romero to the disabled list, that means that 8 more players need to be cut. The demotion of Wasserman likely means that David Herndon, a Rule 5 acquisition, will get one of the final spots in the bullpen.

Here is who's left on the Phillies Spring Training roster with locks to make the team listed in bold:

Infielders: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Greg Dobbs, Juan Castro, Ozzie Chavez, Cody Ransom, Wilson Valdez

Outfielders: Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Ben Francisco, Ross Gload, John Mayberry, Dewayne Wise

Catchers: Carlos Ruiz, Brian Schneider, Paul Hoover, Dane Sardinha

Starting Pitchers: Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick

Bullpen: Ryan Madson, Danys Baez, Chad Durbin, Jose Contreras, Antonio Bastardo, David Herndon (Rule 5), Mike Zagurski

Injured: Brad Lidge, J.C. Romero

Projecting the Phillies 2010 Opening Day Roster, Version 1.0

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?

Your latest look at the 2010 Phillies roster

Things have changed quite a bit with the Phillies since the last time I took a look at their 2010 roster. In fact, except for two spots, the Phillies roster appears set. Ruben Amaro has gone a long way this offseason to plug up all the holes on the roster and give the team depth at every position.

Here's a look at the Phillies roster as it currently stands:

Infielders (7): Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Greg Dobbs, Juan Castro, Ross Gload

The signing of Polanco completed the Phillies starting infield. Signing Castro also gave Jimmy Rollins a backup at short. Gload is listed as a first baseman but I would expect he sees more time in the outfield. Only one question remains in my mind: who backs up Chase Utley? Castro? Or does Polanco move over to second and Dobbs starts at third?

Outfielders (4): Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Ben Francisco

With Gload in the mix, John Mayberry appears to be on the outside looking in. He will likely be the first call-up should a position player be injured.

Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Brian Schneider

Signing Schneider was a great move, he's a veteran leader who can step in and start in a pinch.

Starting Rotation (5): Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, 5th starter

Halladay in, Lee out, and the rotation looks incredibly solid, regardless of who the 5th starter ends up being. The likely candidates are Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick and Jose Contreras. I would bet that Moyer gets the job initially just to see if he has anything left in the tank.

Bullpen (7): Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Danys Baez, Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero, Jose Contreras, Lefty

The bullpen looks solid except for that missing second lefty. Look for the Phillies to give the job to someone in the system, like Antonio Bastardo, instead of signing another free agent. Bringing Baez in as closer insurance was a great move.

Nice work Amaro, the roster looks as good as any in the National League. Should everyone stay healthy, the Phillies should be right in the mix for a third straight trip to the World Series.

Your very early 2010 Phillies roster

Pitchers and catchers don't report for another 90 days or so but the Hot Stove is just starting to heat up for the defending National League Champions (doesn't have the same ring, does it?). The Phillies don't figure to make a ton of moves this offseason, though after the recent announcements of the removal of Eric Bruntlett and the declining of Pedro Feliz's 2010 option, there are a few holes that need to be filled through free agency and trades for the upcoming season.

With free agency set to begin in a few days, here is my early look at the Phillies 2010 roster, including places where the team needs to bring in new players:

Infielders (6): Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, FA 3rd baseman, Greg Dobbs, FA Utility player

The Phils obviously need a new starting third baseman and will look to sign someone through free agency. Names like Chone Figgins and Adrian Beltre have been bandied about but don't be surprised if the Phillies settle for someone like Mark DeRosa or Placido Polanco. The departure of Bruntlett means the team must also look for a new backup utility player that can fill in at second and short. I also wouldn't be opposed to the Phillies finding a way to rid themselves of Greg Dobbs and picking up a better lefty pinch hitter.

Outfielders (5): Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Ben Francisco, John Mayberry

Four spots are set in stone and the 5th is up for grabs amongst several guys in the system. My guess is that Mayberry did enough last year to get the 5th outfielder gig, though the Phils could easily sign a lefty free agent bench bat that can play in the outfield.

Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, FA Backup catcher

With the Phillies likely letting Paul Bako go and already showing Paul Hoover the door, they will need to find a new backup catcher in the open market. With the trade of Lou Marson, they don't have anyone in the system that is capable of playing in the majors at this time.

Starting Rotation (5): Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, ???

Four spots are set, who gets the 5th starter role? Putting aside the rumors about Roy Halladay, the Phillies do have a few in-house solutions for the rotation: Kyle Kendrick, Jamie Moyer and Kyle Drabek. I think Drabek can be ruled out because he likely won't be ready and I don't think the Phils can go with four lefties so Moyer is probably out. That leaves our old friend Kyle Kendrick as the 5th starter. Let's hope they bring someone else in!

Bullpen (7): Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey, FA Lefty, FA Righty

Those two free agent spots could easily go to Chan Ho Park and Scott Eyre if the Phillies find a way to bring both back. I'm not convinced that the Phillies bring back Clay Condrey, so that could be a spot where they make a change in the bullpen.

Free agency starts on November 20th. At the very least, we should see the Phillies signing a third baseman and a bench player by the end of this month. They may wait a while after that to fill the remaining roles with slightly cheaper talent.

Projecting the Phillies postseason roster

Charlie Manuel is expected to announce his postseason roster in the coming days, so I thought I would take a stab at who I thought would be on the Phillies postseason roster. The Phillies have some tough choices, especially in the bullpen, so there is more interest around the roster this year than in previous playoff runs.

Starting Pitchers: Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ
There is still some speculation as to whether Happ or Pedro Martinez is the 4th pitcher, but Manuel has hinted that Happ will get the nod. As for who pitches the first game, Charlie could go on loyalty with Hamels but Lee is more deserving for what he is done this year.

Bullpen: Pedro Martinez, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Brett Myers, Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, Tyler Walker, Clay Condrey
Here is where things really get interesting. With Jamie Moyer, J.C. Romero and Chan Ho Park all out, guys like Walker and Condrey will get a shot. Just missing this list are Sergio Escalona and Kyle Kendrick, although both could be added should Myers or Eyre not be healthy enough to contribute. I'm not sure how much value Pedro will have out of the pen, but should any starting pitcher falter it will be nice to know he can be called upon. As for who the closer will be, your guess is as good as mine. I would be inclined to let Madson have the first crack.

Starting Bats: Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz, Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez
Duh.

Bench Bats: Paul Bako, Greg Dobbs, Ben Francisco, Matt Stairs, Eric Bruntlett
4 out of the 5 are obvious, it's the last bench spot that many Phillie fans are arguing about. While I would love to see Miguel Cairo get the last spot, Charlie is going to go with his guy, and that's Bruntlett. We all know that Bruntlett is a waste at the plate but his versatility in the field is of some value. You never know when he might pull off a triple play!

That is my projected roster for the Phillies as they begin their quest for another Title. Feel free to disagree in the comments section!

Phillies finalize roster with Miguel Cairo

As expected, the Phillies have finalized their Opening Day roster by purchasing the contract of Miguel Cairo. Cairo will be a useful utility player and will be used as a right handed pinch hitter from time to time. While Cairo isn't all that exciting, he's exactly what you want out of the 25th player on the roster: he can play multiple positions and he won't embarrass you with his bat. The Phillies were hoping to add a righty bat with a little more power but after Gary Sheffield signed with the Mets, there wasn't much left to choose from.

With that move, the Phillies final roster is set:

Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste

Infielders (7): Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz, Eric Bruntlett, Greg Dobbs, Miguel Cairo

Outfielders (4): Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, Matt Stairs

Starting Pitchers (5): Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, Chan Ho Park

Bullpen (7): Brad Lidge, Ryan Madsen, Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, Scott Eyre, Jack Taschner, J.A. Happ

Phillies lose out on Sheffield, finalize bullpen

That didn't take long. After hearing grumblings all morning that the Mets had interest in Gary Sheffield, the 40 year old slugger has already signed a deal with New York. The Phillies had expressed interest in bringing Sheffield in as a pinch hitter but he opted for the extra playing time he will get with the Mets as he platoons with Ryan Church in the outfield.

Sheffield never looked like a great fit for the Phils and I'm not at all upset that they didn't sign him. Sheff would have likely been more trouble than he was worth as he would have surely complained about not getting enough at bats. He will get some big hits for the Mets but I don't think he swings the division in their favor or anything.

While they lost out on Sheffield, the Phillies did announce their final bullpen spots today. Lefties J.A. Happ and Jack Taschner will round out the bullpen as the Phillies Opening Day roster appears to be set:

Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste

Infielders (7): Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz, Eric Bruntlett, Greg Dobbs, Miguel Cairo

Outfielders (4): Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, Matt Stairs

Starting Pitchers (5): Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, Chan Ho Park

Bullpen (7): Brad Lidge, Ryan Madsen, Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, Scott Eyre, Jack Taschner, J.A. Happ

Keeping Happ is an interesting choice because it gives the bullpen a third lefty, an option that this team doesn't usually have. Chances are they kept Happ to help raise his spirits after missing out on the rotation spot to Chan Ho Park, and you can bet that Happ will be getting all of the available spot starts.

All that is left now for the Phillies is confirm whether Miguel Cairo has made the team or they will be bringing in another right handed bench bat, not that there are a lot of options left out there.

Chan Ho Park named the Phillies 5th starter

It's official: Chan Ho Park will take the ball every 5th day for the Phillies. Park beat out J.A. Happ with a solid spring where he had an ERA of 2.53 and struck out 25 batters in 21 and 1/3 innings.

There is no word yet on whether Happ will make the team. Since the Phillies already have two lefties in the pen following the acquisition of lefty Jack Taschner, it appears that Happ will start the season in Lehigh.

With this news and the release of Geoff Jenkins, there is essentially one roster spot left for someone in the bullpen that will likely go to Gary Majewski or Bobby Mosebach. The smart money would be on Majewski. Barring a trade or signing (Sheffield, anyone??), listed below is how the Phillies Opening Day roster will look, except for that one bullpen spot. Keep in mind that J.C. Romero is suspended for the first 50 games so someone will have to removed down the road.

Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste

Infielders (7): Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz, Eric Bruntlett, Greg Dobbs, Miguel Cairo

Outfielders (4): Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, Matt Stairs

Starting Pitchers (5): Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, Chan Ho Park

Bullpen (7): Brad Lidge, Ryan Madsen, Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, Scott Eyre, Jack Taschner, ?????

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.

Projecting the Phillies 25 man roster, version 2.0

With the recent trading of Ronny Paulino for Jack Taschner, the Phillies roster picture has become a lot clearer. With Paulino gone, Chris Coste is now officially the backup catcher. With Taschner brought in, it's safe to say that J.A. Happ will be in the starting rotation. The addition of Taschner also shortens up the bench by one spot as the Phillies go with a 12 man pitching staff. Here is my second attempt at predicting what the Phillies roster will look like come Opening Day. Changes from my previous projection are listed in bold.

Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste

Infielders (7): Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz, Eric Bruntlett, Greg Dobbs, Miguel Cairo

Outfielders (4): Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, Geoff Jenkins

Starting Pitchers (5): Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ

Bullpen (7): Brad Lidge, Ryan Madsen, Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, Chan Ho Park, Scott Eyre, Jack Taschner

Will start season suspended: J.C. Romero
50 games for Romero for violating the MLB substance policy. Taschner is the second lefty in the bullpen until Romero is back.

Players on the bubble:

IF: Marcus Giles, Pablo Ozuna
A few weeks ago it appeared that Giles had the inside track in getting the utility infielder role, now it looks like Cairo is the guy due to his versatility. Giles is really just a second baseman, and with the return of Chase Utley, his role would be greatly diminished. Ozuna was always a longshot at best.

OF: Matt Stairs, John Mayberry
Matt Stairs now becomes a victim of the numbers game. The Phillies already have a left handed hitting outfielder in Geoff Jenkins so keeping Stairs around would be redundant. Miguel Cairo appears closer to making the team simply because of his right handed bat and his versatility. If the Phils found someone willing to take Jenkins' salary off their hands, they would be able to keep their postseason hero, Stairs, around. Mayberry has certainly earned a spot with a strong spring but if Stairs can't make the team then there is definitely no room for Mayberry. Let him get his at-bats in the minors so he can continue to develop.

P: Carlos Carrasco, Gary Majewski, Mike Koplove
Carrasco is still a year or two away from making the club. Majewski and Koplove were always longshots to make the team and the acquisition of Taschner makes it impossible for them to start the year in the majors.

That's the team as I see it. Did I leave anyone off? Who should or shouldn't make it from this group?

Projecting the Phillies 25 man roster, version 1.0

With the recent demotions of Kyle Kendrick and infielder Jason Donald, the Phillies Opening Day roster is beginning to take shape. There are still a few battles left to be decided, like who will take the ball every 5th day and who will get the last spot on the bench, but let's take a look at my projection for who will make the Phillies roster. Players who are locks to make the roster are in bold.

Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste

Infielders (7): Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz, Eric Bruntlett, Greg Dobbs, Miguel Cairo

Outfielders (5): Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, Geoff Jenkins, Matt Stairs

Starting Pitchers (5): Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ

Bullpen (6): Brad Lidge, Ryan Madsen, Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, Chan Ho Park, Scott Eyre

Will start season suspended: J.C. Romero
50 games for Romero for violating the MLB substance policy. Barring a late free agent signing, the Phillies will be one lefty short in the bullpen until then.

Players on the bubble:

C: Ronny Paulino
There is only room for one backup catcher between Coste and Paulino. Paulino has put up the better numbers this spring while Coste has fought his way back from an injury, but his experience in the organization gives him an inside edge. Should Coste falter or get injured at any point, Paulino will get his shot.

IF: Marcus Giles, Pablo Ozuna
A few weeks ago it appeared that Giles had the inside track in getting the utility infielder role, now it looks like Cairo is the guy due to his versatility. Giles is really just a second baseman, and with the return of Chase Utley, his role would be greatly diminished. Ozuna was always a longhot at best.

OF: John Mayberry
The Phillies may yet find a way to keep Mayberry on the roster, but with veteran Matt Stairs around, it will be difficult. Mayberry has certainly earned a spot with a strong spring, and it would be nice to have another right handed bat on the bench. The Phillies could still keep him if they move Jenkins or Stairs.

P: Carlos Carrasco, Gary Majewski, Mike Koplove
Carrasco is still a year or two away from making the club. Majewski and Koplove were always longshots to make the team, although one could sneak on the roster if the Phillies choose to keep 12 pitchers.

That's the team as I see it. Did I leave anyone off? Who should or shouldn't make it from this group?