Spring countdown: Get to know Phillies infielders

Next week, there is baseball. Well, baseball players taking batting practice and playing catch. Pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater on Feb. 17. This week we will preview all 65 players in camp, starting with 40-man roster players.

First up, the infielders:

C Jorge Alfaro
Perhaps the prospect with the most to prove in 2016. Can he stay on the field? Can he catch?

C Carlos Ruiz
His 81 starts in 2015 were the fewest since 2006, his rookie season. Does the longest-tenured Phillie have anything left?

C Cameron Rupp
His bat plays against lefties, which could eventually make for a catching platoon with Andrew Knapp.

UTIL Andres Blanco
No one in baseball had more doubles (22) in fewer plate appearances (261) than Blanco did in 2015.

3B Maikel Franco
Batting third on opening day and for years to come, he's the closest thing to a lock on this roster.

SS Freddy Galvis
He could relinquish shortstop to J.P. Crawford come 2017. But if Galvis shows improvement this year, second base is a possible home.

2B Cesar Hernandez
Same situation as Galvis: This season is a chance to prove he's more than a utility player before Crawford forces a decision.

1B Ryan Howard
No one wants to trade for Howard, and the Phillies will not release him. It's awkward for everyone.

1B Darin Ruf
His .300/.390/.556 career slash line against lefties will one day be attractive to someone, if not the Phillies.

UTIL Darnell Sweeney
A good bet to start in the minors, but at what position? He played at five different spots in 37 games with the Phillies.