With every team in the league scheduled to have pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training within the next week, USA Today released a countdown that broke down 100 names that they say fans 'need to know' before 2016.
Though the division-rival Atlanta Braves were tied with two other National League teams for the most names on the list at six, the Phillies were fairly well represented with three names on the list.
The first name that appeared on the list was outfielder Aaron Altherr, who after an impressive season in the minors and some solid flashes at the major league level late in the season, enters the season as a favorite to start in the outfield. He came in at No. 41 on the countdown.
Manager Pete Mackanin has plenty of intriguing options to play in the outfield, including Altherr, likely in right. Altherr, 25, had a breakout season, due in part to his improved plate discipline. He cut down his strikeouts and upped his walk total.
With Nick Williams and Cornelius Randolph among the top prospects in the organization and Odubel Herrera already impressing at the major league level, Altherr may be destined to be a very good fourth outfielder. But in the meantime, he's going to get the opportunity to prove he can be an everyday player.
The organization's top prospect, shortstop J.P. Crawford, checked in at No. 27.
Crawford, 21, is expected to start the season in Class AAA and be in position to be called up by midsummer. He spent last season proving he has great plate discipline — he walked (63) more than he struck out (54) — and had an overall slash line (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) of .288/.380/.414. He is being called the next Jimmy Rollins, and he is the cousin of Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford.
Depending on how much time Crawford spends at the major league level this year — assuming there aren't any setbacks and he does make his major league debut at some point this season — he could find himself on this list next season, perhaps at an even higher spot.
The Phillie who landed the highest ranking on the list was Aaron Nola, who after going 6-2 with a 3.59 ERA in 13 starts last season came in at No. 6 on the countdown.
The two-time Southeastern Conference pitcher of the year made the transition from LSU to the majors look easy. With 13 major league starts under his belt, he could break spring as the No. 1 starter. Nola, 22, spent less than two years in the minors before he was called up in late July. He has great command of his fastball and is a key building block for 2016.
Nola may end up being a second-tier piece when the Phillies are competitive next, but for the time being fans seem to have attached themselves to him and Maikel Franco as the faces of the next generation of the team.
Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) is the Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com, focusing on news and features.
