As we approach March 31st's Opening Day, I came to realize that my first baseball tickets of the year are the exhibition game on March 28th with the Pirates. For that reason alone, when you realize how close the season is, you start looking more seriously at the Phillies roster decisions. I think it goes without saying that the Phillies have some real battles going on.
Here's my last projection of the roster. Here's my latest one:
The Line-Up: Set-
I don't think this should shock anyone, but the line-up is pretty set. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are basically healthy this Spring, Carlos Ruiz looks good, Marlon Byrd and Ben Revere look set, and Dom Brown finally had a Spring Training that didn't matter much. While much more is being made of the Jimmy Rollins situation than should be, he will be at shortstop on Opening Day. That leaves just third base, which I still think is going to be Cody Asche.
The Rotation: Still Open-
Obviously Cole Hamels would make the rotation healthy, but he isn't going to be on the Opening Day roster, he'll be on the DL. Cliff Lee, A.J. Burnett, Roberto Hernandez, and Kyle Kendrick look like locks to make the rotation, good performance or not. Since Miguel Gonzalez hasn't been very good, that leaves the five spot wide-open. If you asked me who will get the spot, I think it will end up being David Buchanan. I think he'll edge out Pettibone and Manship for the spot.
The Bench: Take a Guess-
After Wil Nieves, you can make an argument for virtually any other four players in camp. IF I were picking this team, I would pick Ruf, Galvis, Hernandez, and Abreu. I don't believe that will happen though. Sadly, John Mayberry Jr. has had a good Spring, and will beat out my picks for a spot. So will Kevin Frandsen, unfortunately. Though neither is an upgrade on themselves from last year, both will be back. Based on that, I think they bump Ruf and Hernandez back to AAA, unfortunately. I could see Abreu missing the team too, particularly because Tony Gwynn Jr. has played alright this Spring, but Gwynn is a AAA player, and I'm thinking Ruben will start him there. So, I'm picking Nieves, Galvis, Abreu, Mayberry, and Frandsen. I'm not enthused by this portion of the roster.
The Bullpen: An Enigma-
Papelbon, Bastardo, and Diekman will all make this team. Mike Adams would too, but I'm guessing he starts on the DL. Brad Lincoln and Justin De Fratus have had good Springs, and I think they'll make it right now. Right now, I'll bet on Sean Camp and B.J. Rosenberg to win the last two slots. Again, you can't feel too great here.
