An Early Look at the ‘Pigs

Well, it's Spring Training, and the Phillies not only have to put together a big league roster, but four full-season affiliates too. Today, we're going to focus on the AAA roster, and who might be on it for the 2015 season.

If you're a partial season ticket holder like me, be excited- we're likely to see some very good players come through this year. If you're not a ticket holder, go buy some. It's gonna be a fairly fun Summer. Here's my projections for the guys coming North with the 'Pigs to open the season.

• The Rotation- This could end up being a strength, or a big disappointment this season. I believe that Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez will begin the season in AAA to get some starts in and stretch out the arm before a May or June promotion to the big league team, either as a starter or reliever. I believe that Adam Morgan, coming off of a lost season to injury, will start in AAA regardless of how he does in Spring Training with the big club. I believe that Joely Rodriguez, obtained for Antonio Bastardo, will start out in AAA this season. I believe that 2013 Phillies system pitcher-of-the-year Severino Gonzalez will be the fourth starter in this rotation in a very big season for him to prove himself. I believe Sean O'Sullivan will round this group out. Later in the Summer, we may see the likes of Aaron Nola or Jesse Biddle.
• The Line-Up- Want some excitement? Maikel Franco is likely to spend the first six weeks here. Pencil him in at third. Former high round pick Kelly Dugan is likely to join fellow prospects Aaron Altherr and Cam Perkins in what could be a potentially dynamic outfield. From there, expect the non-roster guys to fill in. Andres Blanco is my guess at shortstop, while Chase d'Arnaud seems like a good bet at second base, at least to start. I have Russ Canzler to return off of a very strong year for the 'Pigs, and be the first baseman. I'm penciling in Koyie Hill behind the plate.
• The Bench- I have five bench slots on my projection, and the first of them will go to back-up catcher John Hester. Next, I'm predicting Tyler Green and Cord Phelps to win the back-up infield jobs. Finally, i'm predicting Xavier Paul and Darin Mastroianni to make the bench as outfielders.
• The Bullpen- Luis Garcia will be back closing games for the 'Pigs, and Hector Neris will be right there with him. Ethan Martin faces a big year for him, and he'll be back in the Valley to prove himself. I'm taking the guess that Phillippe Aumont is here as well, sadly, and is joined by Cesar Jimenez, who will be paid well for AAA games. I believe that Jeanmar Gomez and Paul Clemens will fill out this roster.