A few days back, I did a mock-up Phillies roster, and at the time I had some creative thoughts. Right now, I don't. Following a read-up on the Phillies Caravan Banquet in the Lehigh Valley, and what the front office types had to say, I think this roster will look how you expect, which is to say it's not great. Based on what's in there, I have the roster as:
- Line-Up: Revere-CF, Rollins-SS, Utley-2B, Howard-1B, Brown-LF, Byrd-RF, Ruiz-C, Asche-3B
- Rotation: Lee, Hamels, Hernandez, Kendrick, Gonzalez
- Bullpen: Papelbon, Bastardo, Adams, Diekman, Lincoln, De Fratus, Gaudin
- Bench: Nieves, Frandsen, Mayberry Jr., Abreu, Ruf
So what's missing? Well, not money. They are going to pay $160 million plus out, again. They are missing a solid third starter, a balanced middle of the order, and a sure thing 8th inning, not to mention the lack of bench speed and carrying around of crap.
I don't see this roster, as is, competing with the Nationals and Braves. We don't have the depth of pitching they have. Our bench is still carrying around at least two dead offensive spots from last year. Our line-up may in fact be healthier and better, but is that a lock?
In short, fire Ruben.
