Taking a stab at the opening day roster
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Taking a stab at the opening day roster
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Three weeks from today, the Phillies will break camp here in Florida and travel north to Philadelphia for two final exhibition games with the Pirates at Citizens Bank Park.
As we've said all spring, the majority of the Phillies roster was already decided before spring training began. Not too much has changed since the workouts and games began.
But it's a rainy day in Florida. And what better time to do a little predicting? So here is our projected opening day roster on March 12 with a quick thought on each player. Then, in three weeks we can come back and laugh at it when everything changes.
Catchers (2)
Carlos Ruiz (R) -- One of his main tasks this spring is to develop a rhythm with Roy Halladay.
Brian Schneider (L) -- He's not much of a hitter anymore but still an upgrade over Chris Coste/Paul Bako.
Infielders (7)
Ryan Howard (L) -- Howard has made a concerted effort to go to the opposite field this spring.
Chase Utley (L) -- He already had a few days off this spring. Is it a sign of things to come?
Placido Polanco (R) -- Defensively, it's coming along for Polanco and the coaching staff has no concerns.
Jimmy Rollins (S) -- He has lofty goals for 2010. Most of them will begin with a better on-base percentage.
Juan Castro (R) -- Manuel has praised Castro's glove and his ability to handle the bat.
Ross Gload (L) -- He led the majors in pinch hits last season. Most of his playing time could come in the outfield.
Greg Dobbs (L) -- If John Mayberry Jr. keeps up his solid play, does this squeeze Dobbs out? Probably not, but it's something to watch.
Outfielders (4)
Raul Ibanez (L) -- Ibanez is healthy. The Phillies will do everything possible to keep it that way (hint: more regular rest).
Shane Victorino (S) -- Victorino missed the first six exhibition games with a sore shoulder.
Jayson Werth (R) -- Forget about whether Werth is here next year. We just want to know if the beard will make it to opening day.
Ben Francisco (R) -- He could start for a handful of teams in the majors.
Starters (5)
Roy Halladay (RHP) -- People are already trying to figure out how many strikeouts he'll have against the Nationals on April 5.
Cole Hamels (LHP) -- He has a lot of faith in the cutter. Will it replace the curveball?
Joe Blanton (RHP) -- Blanton is working hardest on his change-up this spring.
J.A. Happ (LHP) -- Happ has job security for the first time in his career. How will he use it?
Jamie Moyer (LHP) -- Yes, the track record will win out. For how long is anyone's guess.
Relievers (7)
Ryan Madson (RHP) -- He'll take the closer reins while Brad Lidge is out, however long that may be.
Danys Baez (RHP) -- Baez is also a closer option. When Lidge is back, he might split the eighth with Madson.
Chad Durbin (RHP) -- Durbin hopes a smarter off-season will result in another season like 2008.
Jose Contreras (RHP) -- His transition to the bullpen is still a work in progress.
Antonio Bastardo (LHP) -- Almost a virtual lock at this point. He's ahead of the other lefties.
Kyle Kendrick (RHP) -- He might lose the fifth starter's job, but the Phillies will want him on the roster.
David Herndon (RHP) -- We'll go with the Rule 5er to start the season. But he could be going back to Los Angeles shortly after opening day.
Disabled list (2)
Brad Lidge (RHP) -- Lidge could still be ready for opening day, but we'll pencil him in here. He will miss no more than two weeks.
J.C. Romero (LHP) -- Romero hasn't necessarily suffered a "setback." But his progress has been extremely slow.
***
Could Herndon's spot go to another lefty? Sure. But having two lefties isn't necessarily a requirement early in the season. Could Kendrick go down to Lehigh Valley so he can continue to be stretched out as a starter and get innings? Possibly. But I think the Phillies will want to reward Kendrick with a roster spot, even if it's in the bullpen.
What do you think?
I know this is nitpicking but I'm not sold on the bench. Benny Fresh and Gload should be fine but little worried about Castro (no offense), Dobbs (crossing fingers he reverts even 1/2 way to 2008 form), and Scheider (good signing 3-4 years ago maybe).— DennyP- Any chance the Phils sign Smoltz before the end of camp to help the bullpen?— word
- Sounds about right...gotta try to get five out of Moyer about every fifth game....and if he get's rocked in those starts, maybe Kendrick is first out of the pen. I don't see a third catcher--who is around right now if something happened to Ruiz or Schneider?
- Denny, I think Castro is there simply as the cough, Bruntlet, cough role where its purely to spell guys at a couple different infield spots. Rather than using a couple bench positions on infield replacements they can use one lesser hitter with multiple position ability to fill in, then load the bench up with some bats. I'd rather see Mayberry get a shot than another year of Dobbs' questionable glove and now questionable bat.— Phillies1120
Comment removed.- If Dobbs goes and Mayberry stays, is Castro the only option to back up third base?— celtic_13
- real good post on the phillies rotation... http://www.reclinergm.com/reclinergms-2010-mlb-preview-phillies-starting-rotation/— psalveso
So there's a "Bruntlet" role?— COskier- Yes, the track record will win out. For how long is anyone's guess. How about the first series against the Braves? Its a shame that they will probably give Herndon back to the Angels.— EarlKeese
- I'm not so sure that Contreras has a spot locked up. He definetly needs more work. I think he's washed up and heaven knows how old he really is. My guess is if he does makes the opening day roster,he will be released before the end of the year.
- I think Phils might end up regretting the Baez and Contreras signings...they're being paid $4 million this year that could've gone to upgrades elsewhere, or dare I say, half of Cliff Lee's salary for the year. Should've just gone with the cheaper young guys with Herndon, Bastardo, Kendrick, Mathieson, Zagurski, and Carpenter all likely to be competent enough.— BJG83
- If they think Herndon is the real deal, it would stink to give him back to LA and then find out Contreras has got nothing left.— mbphilly
Baez is a real good pitcher when healthy. He may just take Lidge's job.- Lidge will be back to his '08 self. Im not saying he will be perfect in save opps this year, but he will be good. Dobbs is staying. Look at what DocHeller said about Matt Stairs when he came over in '08. The same logic applies to Dobbs in '08. He got a TON of at bats because Feliz was hurt for a good part of the year and it helped him when he was relugated to a PH role. Charlie admitted that last year he rode his big horses a little to much last year and didnt give enough attention to the bench. He wont make the same mistake this year. We mgiht see Ibanez start maybe 140-145 games this year with Gload, BenFran taking his spot. Same goes for the IF, plenty of talent around to give the main men a break. Dobbs, due to his shaky feilding will probably be more of a PH or he will be replaced in the later innings for defensive purposes.— ESFjellin
- I would stretch Kendrick out in Triple A. I believe the Phillies don't need a fifth starter much early in the schedule this year and think he would be better served working on his pitches and confidence. Also, would open up a roster spot for Herndon. Good article.— WiffleBall
- Comment removed.
- I think people are selling Brian Schneider short. As far as back-up catchers go he is a great addition. Very good offensive numbers considering his position and strong defensive. HUGE upgrade over Bako/Coste.— Philadelphiafreedom81
- Comment removed.
- Bet Kendrick will be the opening night starter for the IronPigs with Carpenter the Pigs No.2. Lidge looks like he will be ready for opening day. Herndon stays on the roster until Romero is ready. Then Ruben might move Durbin if Herndon can get a couple of ground ball outs in his audition to start the season.— Dull
- We wouldn't even be talking about 5th Spot if the Phils didn't OWE Moyer his 8mil! I'd rather put hi, & his 82mph slop in BP as Long Guy, & Give KK the ball as #5 guy, especially w/Doc following him in Rotation. Herndon going back to LA would be Dumb move. Kid along w/Baez & Mads can get lh batters out....Jose Contreras will take ball every day, BUT Get hammered on 2/3, SO give a KID a Shot... Dobbs LOST it w/Glove & Bat, Keep Mayberry RFD & Pray Castro can play 3rd once a Month for "Double P"....— SPWinkler
- Nice to have so many "problems.' I confess I was not much of a Mayberry booster, but he has had a solid spring and Dobbs is a streaky hitter and a so so defensive player.— mick314
- Im sure their are better guys out there then Bruntlet,and Dobbs.— frank martino
- We have to believe in GM Amaro,'s good signings over the winter. The Phils are ready to take on the NL east. Let's all get behind them and think only good thoughts and remember it is a long season. So sit back and enjoy the ride. Get on the bandwagon. ALL ABOARD!!— wiseoldowl
