Ladies and gentlemen! We are just over 24 hours away from arguably the best day of the calendar year. The grass is green, the sun is out and baseball is back. Spring Training is now a thing of the past as teams dwindle down their rosters to 25 by the Opening Day deadline. The process, heartbreaking and elating at the same time, is crucial to determining the success of a franchise heading into the regular season. For the Phillies, however, it is one final go around for aging veterans, like Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz, and a glimpse at future stars, like Maikel Franco and Aaron Nola.
That being said, let’s take a look at the Philadelphia Phillies’ Opening Day Roster.
Starting Pitchers
Jeremy Hellickson received the Opening Day nod after beating out young Aaron Nola in Spring Training. Hellickson, the 2011 AL Rookie of the Year, has looked good so far posting a 3.31 ERA in 16.1 innings this spring. Hellickson has the potential to become one of three things for the Phillies in 2016.
Let’s start off with the optimistic perspective. Hellickson is only 28 and could return to his once great form and become a staple in the Phillies’ rotation for years to come. Hellickson is only on a one year deal, however, and that would certainly have to be settled.
Moving on to the more realistic category, the likelihood of Hellickson being a Phillies past the trade deadline is slim. As I mentioned previously, Hellickson will be a free agent in 2017. This exponentially increases the chances of the 28 year old right-hander being moved to a contender. Even if Hellickson has a slightly above average season, teams will be more than willing to part with a low level prospect to cheaply sure up the back end of a playoff rotation.
Finally, the most unfortunate situation. Hellickson could become just another name on a long list a fading starters that have been in the Phillies’ rotation the previous 3 seasons. This is probably more realistic than the first situation but unlikely in and of itself. Hellickson is a solid starter and, even with his struggles in previous years, should be more than adequate in 2016.
Relief Pitchers
- Jeanmar Gomez
- David Hernandez
- Dalier Hinojosa
- Hector Neris
- Brett Oberholtzer
- James Russell
- Daniel Stumpf
A couple surprises here, mainly the absence of Andrew Bailey, but nothing earth-shattering. Realistically, the Phillies bullpen is going to be the weak point of the team in 2016 so get used to seeing a rotating door of relievers over the course of the season.
Catchers
- Carlos Ruiz
- Cameron Rupp
Chooch is back behind the plate for the Phils entering the year but expect Rupp to get a good bulk of playing time. J.P. Arencibia will likely be pulled up at some point during the season, either as an upgrade or injury replacement. The catcher of the future, Jorge Alfaro, will still need some seasoning before getting the call either this season or 2017.
Infielder
First Base: Ryan Howard
Second Base: Cesar Hernandez
Shortstop: Freddy Galvis
Third Base: Maikel Franco
Bench: Darin Ruf, Emmanuel Burriss
Maikel Franco was an absolute monster this Spring, crushing nine home runs in March. Look for Franco to have an All Star caliber type of season. Phillies’ manager Pete Mackanin is on record saying that first base will be a platoon situation between Howard and Ruf. Howard will see time against righties while Ruf will get the call against lefties. The surprise selection of the bunch is 31-year-old Emmanuel Burriss, who beat out Darnell Sweeney for the utility man role. Burriss had a nice Spring Training but he is likely to be sent down once Cody Asche returns from his oblique injury.
Outfielders
Right Field: Peter Bourjos
Center Field: Odubel Herrera
Left Fielder: Cedric Hunter
Fourth Outfielder: Tyler Goeddel
Hunter, a minor league journeyman, was impressive during Spring Training and earned an Opening Day start over Rule 5 Draft pick, Tyler Goeddel. However, it is likely that Hunter will be the odd man out when Will Venable gets the call in a few weeks. Goeddel, despite having a less impressive Spring Training than Hunter, will be close to untouchable as he will need to remain on the 25 man roster due to his Rule 5 status.
It will be an interesting season to say the least for the Phillies. The rebuild is in full swing and there are plenty of new faces in the clubhouse. It will also be the last ride for Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz, both significant contributors to the Phillies’ World Series Championship in 2008. Look for the Fightins’ to improve over last year’s win total and continue to build their roster for the future.
Super Two Sports Prediction: 73-89
The Phillies will open up the 2016 season Monday against the Cincinnati Reds.
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