We are just one day from when Phillies pitchers and catchers report to camp. Reporting to camp in 2016 are a large number of non-roster invitees, players signed to minor league deals who are hoping to impress. The Phillies have many opportunities to impress, particularly in terms of pitching. Here is a breakdown of all the pitchers who have been invited to camp and how they might stick (or not stick).
The list includes a large number:
- Mark Appel
- Andrew Bailey
- Greg Burke
- Zach Eflin
- Ernesto Frieri
- Frank Herrmann
- Gregory Infante
- Bobby LaFromboise
- Chris Leroux
- Yoervis Medina
- Edward Mujica
- Reinier Roibal
- James Russell
- Jake Thompson
A few of the names are easy to put aside: Thompson, Appel, and Eflin are all minor leaguers who do not figure into the Phillies 2016 plans. While they are all probably ticketed for AAA, they are here to get some big league experience around the Major League pitching staff, which hopefully in turn will help them down the line.
In the context of pitchers already on the roster, the number of potential relievers is very large.
The three in the category of "closer reclamation project" are Edward Mujica, Ernesto Frieri, and Andrew Bailey. Mujica was once on the same National League All-Star team as Domonic Brown in 2013, but was underwhelming in 2015. Bailey has battled injuries for years, but made some appearances with the New York Yankees last season. Frieri had a really rocky 2014 with the Angels and Pirates, but stuck around for 22 games with the Tampa Bay Rays last season. If any of these three show promise, they have a real shot of the big league roster.
The next category to watch is left-handed relievers. In short, the Phillies have none heading into 2016. So, the Phillies inked James Russell, Bobby LaFromboise and Frank Hermann to give the Phillies some depth in 2016. Elvis Araujo is still Phillies property but might need more seasoning in the minors, and Mario Hollands will require more time to fully recover from the "Tommy John" surgery he had last season. The Phillies may have to consider using Brett Oberholtzer or Adam Morgan in the bullpen if they cannot come up with two left-handed relievers from this mix. Rule 5 pick Daniel Stumpf was pretty under-the-radar and has a shot at the Phillies' bullpen.
Chris Leroux is left-handed, but probably will start in AAA. The Spring Training invitation could have been part of the deal; using Major League facilities and receiving Major League meal money are something a regular minor league player would appreciate.
Right-handed reliever Yoervis Medina was what the Phillies got back in exchange for Jesse Biddle in the trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The value Medina brings is that he had some success in 2013 and 2014 with the Seattle Mariners and that he is not taking up a 40-man roster spot right now. He could make the Phillies bullpen if he shows promise in Spring Training.
Gregory Infante is an interesting name that is in camp. The righty made his Major League debut in 2010 and pitched five scoreless innings for the Chicago White Sox. But, he has bounced around since. Infante spent last Spring with the Toronto Blue Jays and pitched in their minor league system to mixed results. Infante is married to former Phillies pitcher Freddy Garcia's sister. Joining him is 2015 teammate Greg Burke, originally of Marlton, New Jersey. Burke spent much of 2009 and much of 2013 with the San Diego Padres and New York Mets, respectively, but has mostly been a career minor leaguer. He hopes to catch on with his hometown team. Reiner Roibal is 27 years old, but was pretty dominant pitching at Clearwater and Reading last season. He will also get a look.
How many jobs will there be for all of these pitchers? Well, the starting rotation has little room.
The Phillies must decide their starting rotation from Jeremy Hellickson, Charlie Morton, Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff, Brett Oberholtzer, Vincent Velazquez, Adam Morgan, Alec Asher, and David Buchanan. The Phillies also have Severino Gonzalez hanging around. Matt Harrison probably will not pitch, but who knows. So, it's safe to say that none of the invitees will crack the Phillies starting rotation.
The bullpen has only a few seemingly guaranteed spots as of this moment: David Hernandez, Luis Garcia, and Jeanmar Gomez. Dailer Hinojosa is going to get a good look, as is newcomer Michael Mariot. Reliever Hector Neris has a chance to make the club, while Colton Murray will get some consideration. Jimmy Cordero will be there, but is there for later.
All-in-all the Phillies have 37 pitchers in camp competing for 12 spots on the Major League roster. Let the competition begin.
