Jeff Francoeur, Andres Blanco named to Phillies roster; no fifth starter yet

Jeff Francoeur did not show the Phillies all that much in Spring Training.  The veteran outfielder hit .227 with no home runs and two RBI in 44 Spring at bats.  Francoeur did not walk at all.  But yet, the Phillies named Francoeur and infielder Andres Blanco to their final Spring roster.  Rosters were due at 3:00 this afternoon.

The addition of Francoeur does not bode well for Darin Ruf.  Domonic Brown will return from the disabled list relatively soon, and Francoeur cannot be optioned to the minor leagues.  Since Ruf is not being given consideration as an outfielder, he may be a superfluous piece.  Then again, the Phillies won't have anyone on the roster to play first base in Ryan Howard's absence if Ruf is not there.

The Phillies will skip a fifth starter for now.  With scheduled off days, the Phillies can go as long as April 12 (one week from today) before they have to add another starter.  They will instead begin the season with eight relievers.  Dustin McGowan will jump right into the Phillies bullpen upon his arrival to the team.

Blanco's addition made sense.  Cesar Hernandez played a few games at shortstop in Spring Training, but he is not a natural shortstop.   Blanco's natural position is shortstop, while he can help at other positions.

Here is a breakdown of the full roster, as widely reported, including this post by Jake Kaplan of the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Starting Pitchers

Infielders:

1. Ryan Howard – 1B
2. Chase Utley – 2B
3. Cody Asche – 3B
4. Freddy Galvis – SS
5. Cesar Hernandez – INF utility
6. Andres Blanco – INF utility
7. Darin Ruf – 1B

Outfielders:

1. Ben Revere – LF/CF
2. Odubel Herrera – CF
3. Grady Sizemore – RF
4. Jeff Francoeur – RF
   *Domonic Brown starts on the disabled list.

Catchers:

1. Carlos Ruiz
2. Cameron Rupp

Starters:

1. Cole Hamels – LHP
2. Aaron Harang – RHP
3. David Buchanan – RHP
4. Jerome Williams – LHP
   *The Phillies will decide a fifth starter later

Bullpen:

1. Jonathan Papelbon – CL
2. Jake Diekman – LHP
3. Ken Giles – RHP
4. Justin De Fratus – RHP
5. Cesar Jimenez – LHP
6. Jeanmar Gomez – RHP
7. Luis Garcia – RHP
8. Dustin McGowan – RHP