Phillies pondering bench decisions

CLEARWATER, Fla. - What little drama remains in Phillies camp could be resolved this weekend, when the team is forced to render decisions about some non-roster players who could be a part of the bench.

Outfielder Chris Coghlan and catchers Ryan Hanigan and Bryan Holaday - all in camp on minor-league contracts - can ask for their release this weekend if the Phillies do not place the veterans on the 40-man roster.

"We have to really bear down," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "We're having a meeting in the next few days to go over that."

Most of the bench decisions hinge on whether prospect Andrew Knapp will be the backup catcher as expected. Knapp has struggled this spring, but the roster crunch and lack of at-bats in triple A are two reasons he is likely to break camp with the big-league team.

The Phillies have considered a scenario that has them carrying three catchers at the start of the season. That would provide them a veteran to help two younger catchers manage a young pitching staff.

"We haven't totally ruled it out," Mackanin said. "I would rather not have to do that, but that's a definite possibility."

Daniel Nava and Brock Stassi, two other bench candidates, can be sent to the minors. Nava does not have an opt-out until June 15. He played all of the Phillies' 7-3 loss Wednesday to the Yankees at first base.

"I'm trying to get everyone at-bats because we're getting down to the nitty-gritty here," Mackanin said. "I want to see everyone get a fair amount of at-bats, so when we make a decision, nobody can complain about it."

Vince Velasquez struck out seven in 52/3 innings but allowed two monster home runs to Yankees slugger Greg Bird. Both were on fastballs. "Those are just missed spots," Velasquez said. . . . Joely Rodriguez, a favorite to be the lefthanded reliever, surrendered a solo homer to switch-hitter Chase Headley on an 0-2 pitch. . . . Odubel Herrera was scratched from the lineup with what the team called "cramps."