The Phillies' bench

What we know: Ross Gload, who hit .281 with six home runs and an .813 OPS in 138 plate appearances last season, is guaranteed a spot. So is backup catcher Brian Schneider, who provides a veteran presence behind Carlos Ruiz. Wilson Valdez should nab a third spot, leaving at least two vacancies. And Ruben Amaro Jr. has not ruled out the possibility of keeping a sixth, although that would require him to carry one fewer reliever than usual.

What to watch: If rookie outfielder Domonic Brown makes the roster, either he or Ben Francisco will occupy a fourth spot on the bench. John Mayberry Jr. and Delwyn Young are probably the top two candidates at this point. It will be interesting to watch the various Phillies who are entering their first big-league spring training as members of the 40-man roster, even though none is likely to gain serious consideration for the Opening Day roster. Among them: Matt Rizzotti, Harold Garcia and Freddy Galvis. Also, Rule 5 pick Michael Martinez brings some quickness and versatility to the table.

Other issues: The Phillies have struggled with their pinch-hitting over the last couple of seasons, finishing dead last with a .188 batting average and ninth with a .607 OPS in 2010. The three other NL playoff clubs each ranked in the top five in the NL in pinch-hitting OPS: Atlanta (.766, first), San Francisco (.748, fourth) and Cincinnati (.716, fifth).

Other players in camp: There are many familiar names. Outfielder Brandon Moss (lefthanded) was a former Red Sox prospect. Second baseman Josh Barfield (RH) hasn't done much since hitting .280 with 13 home runs as a rookie for the Padres in 2006. First/third baseman Jeff Larish (LH) spent a few stints with the Tigers. Outfielder Matt Miller (RH) hit .313 with an .845 OPS in seven seasons in the Rockies' system. Other infielders: Robb Quinlan (RH), Pete Orr (LH), Tagg Bozied (RH). Catchers: Tuffy Gosewisch (RH), Dane Sardinha (RH), Erik Kratz (RH), Joel Naughton (LH).