Early Projections for Philadelphia Phillies’ Final 25-Man Roster
February 18, 2013 by Matt Boczar
Filed under Fan News
The Philadelphia Phillies have five days left before their first official spring training game, and the first opportunity for players to begin winning or losing roster spots for the upcoming season.
The Phillies still have far more questions than answers at this point as to which players will start, claim final roster spots and remain healthy throughout the season.
Soon, however, players will have a chance to see whether an offseason’s worth of preparation was enough to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.
The starting rotation and infield has already been locked in, and four out of a likely seven bullpen spots have been claimed. As for the outfield, the question marks now surround which players will start, rather than which players will make the initial roster.
In total, six position players have starting jobs already nailed down, joining five starting pitchers and four relievers with guaranteed jobs. Additionally, John Mayberry, Jr. and Kevin Frandsen may not be in the starting lineup, but both are out of minor league options, meaning that the Phils would have to risk either player being claimed on waivers if they were to option them to the minor leagues.
That leaves primarily the bullpen, bench and possibly an additional outfield spot up for grabs as games get underway in less than a week.
The Phillies will soon have to monitor the health and progression of players in camp, as well as the performances of certain players in the World Baseball Classic, in order to put their Opening Day roster together.
Before Grapefruit League games begin, however, here are the early projections for the final 25-man roster that the Phillies will take to Atlanta to begin the 2013 season.