Projecting Philadelphia Phillies’ 2014 Batting Order

While the 2013-14 MLB offseason continues to trudge along, the Philadelphia Phillies seem to stand pat and watch as most of the major names on the free-agent market latch onto other teams. Why?

Well, for starters, the Phillies signed outfielder Marlon Byrd in early November to a two-year, $16 million contract. They then made news for the wrong reasons by re-signing catcher Carlos Ruiz to an astounding three-year, $26 million deal. After filling the team’s obvious offensive holes, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. proceeded to sign catcher Wil Nieves as the team’s backup backstop and trade for reliever Brad Lincoln from the Toronto Blue Jays.

But Amaro wasn’t done yet. His final major league move to date this offseason came at the close of the winter meetings in Orlando, Florida, when he signed starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. With most of their holes filled, the Phillies are practically set for next year in terms of fielding a roster. But will it be competitive?

That’s a conversation for another time. For now, let’s take a look at the Phillies’ projected batting order on Opening Day 2014, taking into account the potential for trades and other free-agent signings, should they apply.

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