5 Trades Philadelphia Phillies Should Already Be Thinking About

The 2013 MLB season may still be in its preliminary stages, but it hasn’t been kind to the Philadelphia Phillies so far.

The Phillies, who came into the season with a healthy roster, have failed to live up to their initially middling expectations, and currently sit at 9-11. They are fourth in the NL East, ahead of only the 4-15 Miami Marlins, who are the worst team in baseball.

While it is certainly early to be thinking about realistic outcomes at the July 31 trade deadline, it’s never too early to speculate on who may be dealt by Philadelphia.

At this point, should the Phillies’ mediocre trends continue, they are bound to be sellers at the deadline. In fact, with players coming off the payroll like Chase Utley, Michael Young, Carlos Ruiz and most likely Roy Halladay, the fire sale could be even bigger than last year’s when Shane Victorino, Hunter Pence and Joe Blanton were ushered out of Philadelphia.

Not only are impending free agents potential trade chips, but established veterans under team control for a few years are also appealing.

Headlining this distinction of Phillies is Cliff Lee. Although under contract for three more years at a minimum of $87.5 million, including this year, Lee has value and could be worthy as a legitimate ace for a team in need of one.

Here’s a list of five players and the team that, at this point in the season, would be the best fit, both from the perspective of positional need and valuable assets to trade in return.

*All statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com. All prospect rankings and information courtesy of Baseball America Prospect Handbook unless otherwise noted. All contract information courtesy of Cot’s Baseball Contracts.

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Philadelphia Phillies Pick Pettibone, Will Make MLB Debut Against Pirates

When Philadelphia Phillies‘ fifth starting pitcher John Lannan hit the 15-day disabled list with a strained knee tendon, two questions came to mind. The first was how long Lannan would have to sit out, and the second (and more important), who would take his place in the Phillies’ rotation?

MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki answered the first question last week on Thursday, April 18 when he tweeted the following:

 

 

Manuel said Lannan could miss six to eight weeks. Maybe less.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) April 18, 2013

 

While the disabled list qualification stood at 15 days, Lannan could very well miss as much as two months. Consequently, someone would need to be called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take his place. But who were the candidates, and who would win out?

Zolecki also laid out the candidates in another tweet:

 

 

Amaro said Biddle not option to replace Lannan. Replacement to come from Triple-A: Morgan, Martin, Cloyd, Pettibone. Morgan pitched today.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) April 18, 2013

 

B.J. Rosenberg also has a spot in the IronPigs‘ rotation, but he’s served solely as a reliever in the major leagues and hasn’t fared well in that role.

Martin is in need of more seasoning, leaving Cloyd, Morgan and Pettibone as candidates to make it to the majors.

Cloyd was viewed as the favorite, as he’s the only one of the bunch to have major league experience. He was called up to make a spot start for a sick Cole Hamels last August and fared off against another starting pitcher making his MLB debut, Matt Harvey. The Phillies failed to provide Cloyd with any run support and lost the game, 3-1.

Morgan has the most potential and the highest praise of the bunch, ranked as the Phillies’ fifth and seventh-best prospect by Baseball America (BA) and MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo, respectively. As I mentioned last week, Morgan has a solid repertoire with all four pitches considered above-average.

Alas, I was wrong when I said that Morgan would make the majors before Pettibone. According to Zolecki once again (I promise this is the last one), starter Jonathan Pettibone has been called up to take Lannan‘s place in the Phillies’ rotation:

 

 

RHP Jonathan Pettibone will start for the Phillies tomorrow. A roster move will be made tomorrow to accommodate him.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) April 21, 2013

 

What can be expected of Pettibone? In my opinion, he sits between Cloyd and Morgan in terms of talent. While he lacks overwhelming speed, Pettibone, ranked as the fourth-best prospect by both BA and Mayo, tops out at 92-93 miles per hour on his fastball, which should be more than sufficient. His control is excellent, and along with his changeup, is considered the best in the Phillies’ system, according to BA.

Pettibone will not be a starter who overwhelms the opposition with his pitching, so there may not be too many strikeouts. Fortunately, what you also won’t see a lot of from Pettibone are walks. Per Baseball-Reference.com, he has averaged a 2.6 BB/9 rate over his minor league career.

In addition, Pettibone sports a minor league career 3.44 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. And though he’s off to a rough start in 2013 with an 0-1 record and 9.64 ERA, given his abilities and praise concerning control, he’s probably the safest bet to fill in for Lannan.

Maybe Morgan has more potential. Maybe Cloyd has the experience. But Pettibone has the readiness the other two lack, and most importantly, he has the fifth spot in the Phillies’ rotation until further notice. While he’ll be up against some stiff competition in A.J. Burnett and the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night, Pettibone should be able to hold his own in his major league debut at Citizens Bank Park.

Congratulations to Pettibone on his call-up and best of luck to him as he starts his major league career.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies Minor Leaguers Who Will See Time in the Majors This Season

The Philadelphia Phillies have struggled in the 2013 season so far. For the first six or seven games, the offense was on fire but the pitching staff was allowing too many runs, save for Cliff Lee. Then, in the last six or seven games, the offense has been anemic, to say the least, while the pitching staff has regained its composure.

It’s been one of the more puzzling starts to a Phillies season in recent history, and while it’s only April, it still provides cause for concern. At this point in time, everybody is healthy and the team should be at its best. If this is the best the Phillies can do, should fans be concerned that the season will turn out to be somewhere around .500 like last year?

Nevertheless, the Phillies stand at 6-9 after a humiliating 11-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds last night, giving them the series sweep. And it’s not like the Reds were a great team, either—entering the series, Cincinnati was just 5-7 with many an offensive player failing to produce.

If this trend continues, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. could look to trade away some of his big league pieces in the first stages of a potential rebuild. Folks, it may be time to say that the Phillies’ dynasty of dominance has too quickly come to a close.

Putting the total negativity aside, if players are traded, injured, or the team does fall out of contention to the point that they want to see what they have lying around in the farm system, minor leaguers will be called up throughout the season. Here’s a list of those who could find themselves with—or back with—the Phillies by the end of the 2013 regular season.

*All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.

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Philadelphia Phillies’ Hottest Starts to the Season That Will Continue

Thus far, the Philadelphia Phillies‘ season has been loaded with disappointment. Roy Halladay hasn’t found his niche after an equally rough spring training. Ryan Howard just hit his first home run of the season on Tuesday. Ben Revere and Domonic Brown have struggled to get on base. Cole Hamels and Kyle Kendrick have looked mediocre. Carlos Ruiz remains suspended until April 28. And let’s not forget that the Phillies sit at 4-5, under .500, through the first nine games of the season.

While there has been disappointment—some of it expected, some not—there has also been some difference-makers in the games won. John Lannan looked solid in his Phillies debut and so far is second only to Cliff Lee in ERA among starting pitchers. Speaking of Lee, he’s been on absolute fire, and little looks like it will slow him down. Hard to believe it’s the same guy that didn’t get his first win until July last year (not that it was his fault).

Along with Lee, there are a few players on the Phillies who are in the midst of a hot streak to start the 2013 season. Here’s a list of those players who are both hot now and will continue to be as the season progresses.

*All regular season stats courtesy of FanGraphs.com and all spring training stats courtesy of Phillies.com unless otherwise noted.

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Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Starters Most in Danger of Losing Their Spot in 2013

Baseball is back. Phillies baseball is back.

Although the Philadelphia Phillies lost to the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day behind Cole Hamels, there is still plenty of reason to be optimistic about the season. Chase Utley looked reminiscent of his 2009 days. Ben Revere demonstrated his baserunning abilities and an ability to direct the ball where he pleases. Domonic Brown looked pretty good offensively. And Ryan Howard seemed to run down the baseline rather well, given his circumstances.

However, with the season comes changes from time to time. Already the Phillies have made a roster move, claiming outfielder Ezequiel Carrerra off waivers from the Cleveland Indians and designating Rule 5 pick Ender Inciarte in a corresponding move, per CSNPhilly.com. This means that, barring any unexpected developments, Inciarte will be returned to the Diamondbacks without having seen any official major-league action.

While Inciarte was the sacrificial lamb for a move the Phillies felt upgraded their bench options, could any Phillies starters be on the hot seat? Baseball is a volatile sport, and if a player fails to live up to expectations, he’ll be sent out the door in the blink of an eye.

Regardless of the cause, here are five Phillies starters—whether in the rotation or playing every day—who could be in jeopardy of losing their spot in the 2013 season.

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Assembling Philadelphia Phillies’ Best Starting Lineup After Spring Training

Now that spring training has concluded, almost everything is locked in for the Philadelphia Phillies for Opening Day on Monday, April 1. Almost everything.

While three of Phillippe Aumont, Jeremy Horst, Mike Stutes and Raul Valdes are bound to claim the final bullpen spots and one of Laynce Nix or Rule 5 Draft Pick Ender Inciarte will win the fifth outfielder’s job, the Phillies currently lack a cemented Opening Day lineup.

Aside from Cole Hamels, who has been anointed the Opening Day starter against the Atlanta Braves (via CSNPhilly.com), questions still remain about both the Phillies’ batting order and, at a position or two, who will start.

My views and opinions will most definitely differ from those of the man who will be writing in the lineup card next Monday, manager Charlie Manuel. 

Given the Phillies’ projected lineup for the season opener according to MLB.com, I do have a few qualms about placements, which will be reflected in my lineup in this slideshow.

So, without further ado, here is the Phillies’ best lineup after spring training, or—depending on how you look at it—my lineup card if I were managing the Phillies.

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Why Baseball Prospectus’ Predictions for Philadelphia Phillies Are All Wrong

Many experts and independent baseball blogs alike have the Philadelphia Phillies poised to finish in third place by the end of the upcoming season. As a result of the team’s 81-81 finish last year in addition to an aging core group of players, for the first time since 2008 the Phillies are not widely projected to finish as the top dog in the NL East. Not to mention that more significant upgrades by division-mates Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves slot them further into contention.

However, one website in particular stands out in its projection for the Phillies in 2013. In my opinion, the Phillies are slated to win 87 or 88 games in 2013. I haven’t yet decided on that final amount, but somewhere in that ballpark sounds about right to me.

I’m not too far out there like FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi, who believes that the Phillies will finish ahead of the Braves in 2013, but I do believe the Phillies will have a better finish than that of 2012 (per HardballTalk.com). What bothers me is that baseball website Baseball Prospectus has the Phillies projected not only to finish third in the NL East once again, but they also project the Phillies to finish at 81-81, just like last year.

Given the Phillies’ small yet cost-efficient upgrades this offseason at multiple positions, there’s no reason they shouldn’t do better than posting a .500 record. Here’s five reasons why Baseball Prospects dropped the ball on their projection for the Phillies.

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Predicting Philadelphia Phillies Starting Lineup Halfway Through Spring Training

While spring training games still have a ways to go before Opening Day, spring training itself is just about at the halfway point now.

As we begin to enter the home stretch, more and more roster spots will be named as more and more cuts are simultaneously made. 

In the meantime, it’s all about speculation.

For the Philadelphia Phillies, most of their starting lineup is admittedly set in stone. Carlos Ruiz will be suspended for the first 25 games of the season, rendering Erik Kratz the starting catcher. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Michael Young will make up the infield barring any injuries.

The outfield is a little more unclear at this point, though opposition faces a starting three of Domonic Brown, Ben Revere and Darin Ruf.

Pitching-wise, the Opening Day starter has yet to be named, but heavy speculation—including an endorsement by teammate and incumbent Opening Day starter Roy Halladay, according to CSNPhilly.com—leads to Cole Hamels earning the nod.

Will manager Charlie Manuel change his ways and give Hamels the first ball, or will he opt for Doc, who has started for the Phillies for the last three years?

Could Cliff Lee even garner consideration?

With most of the lineup itself intact and predictable, all that’s left is guessing the order Charlie’s going to pencil them in on April 1, against the Atlanta Braves.

Halfway through spring training, we’ll do our best to get it right.

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Latest Predictions for the Winner of Each Philadelphia Phillies Position Battle

Baseball is back.

The Philadelphia Phillies have played in just three games thus far in spring training, but already the scheme of things is starting to shape the roster for Opening Day. Pitchers and players galore have had a handful of opportunities already, whether on offense or on defense, to make their mark. And for those who have to do so to win a job, it’s especially important.

Manager Charlie Manuel’s lineup for Opening Day is already set in some places. In place of the suspended Carlos Ruiz, Erik Kratz is bound to start at catcher. The infield of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Michael Young is set. And Ben Revere is entrenched as the Phils‘ center fielder.

Pitching-wise, the rotation looks good. Not too long ago, the order of the rotation was in flux, but after pitching coach Rich Dubee gave Cole Hamels the first start of spring training, it looks as though he’s in line to make his first Opening Day start. Hamels precedes Roy Halladay, who is followed by Cliff Lee, Kyle Kendrick and John Lannan.

As for the bullpen, things aren’t as set there. Seven spots are likely to be open for the season, but four are already filled.

Middle reliever Chad Durbin was brought back to Philadelphia this past offseason. Left-hander Antonio Bastardo returns as the Phillies’ primary southpaw relief option. And newly-signed setup man Mike Adams will join closer Jonathan Papelbon who, should he not have had his expensive contract, might have been cut after his dismal performance yesterday when he surrendered six runs in just two thirds of an inning to the Detroit Tigers.

All joking aside, there do remain some positions where the Phillies aren’t set just yet. The bullpen remains as one of them, and the outfield is still an unknown commodity. Fortunately, that’s where this comes in. Yes, it’s a little early to base projections off of previous play so far with such a small sample size, but it will have to do for today.

In the outfield, Revere is a lock for center field despite an error in the first game against the Houston Astros. However, Darin Ruf‘s potential defensive liabilities were displayed when he improperly fielded a ground ball in the outfield that ricocheted off his glove into the back corner. Will that be an issue, or will Ruf still get the nod?

What Ruf has in his favor is that he’s a good hitter, though he has yet to get a hit so far in spring training games. He’s also got the fact that Delmon Young will be hurt to start the year, but a big factor is that the Phillies plan on only using Young in right field, meaning that left field is up for grabs. Does that mean that Ruf, who can only play left field in the outfield, has the edge to win the job?

The Phillies outfielder who has really shone so far is Domonic Brown. After three seasons ushering Brown back and forth between the majors and minors, hope for Brown had dissipated over time.

However, so far in spring training, he has hit very well, hitting 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. In three games, that’s not half bad. He also registered two hits in the Phillies’ intrasquad game last Friday. Defensively, Brown been adequate so far and has impressed Manuel (per Phillies.com).

Nevertheless, Brown and Ruf should have the edge as of now, as there really isn’t anybody else to fill those roles internally. Laynce Nix and John Mayberry Jr., along with Ender Inciarte, could be options down the road, but none will start on a regular basis, if at all.

In the bullpen, the three spots open will likely go to some trio of Phillippe Aumont, Justin De Fratus, Jake Diekman, Jeremy Horst, Michael Stutes and Raul Valdes. With three righties and three lefties in that mix, who will get the nod?

If I had to guess, I’d say that the Phillies will select two righties out of that bunch and one southpaw. The lefty with the edge, in my opinion, is Jeremy Horst. In his debut against the Astros, Horst wasn’t the sharpest he’s been, surrendering one run on three hits in two innings. However, neither Valdes nor Diekman has been better, so due to his success last year, Horst is the front-runner.

As for the remaining two spots, Aumont absolutely is on the fast track. After the Phillies traded Michael Schwimer to the Toronto Blue Jays, it meant that one fewer right-handed reliever was fighting for a job. It benefits nobody but Aumont, who has struggled with control yet has been the best of the bunch so far.

I’ll give the final job to Justin De Fratus despite him surrendering two runs in two innings on Saturday against Houston. Stutes may work his way back to get the job, but considering that his first time on a pitching mound since April 2012 was yesterday, he may need more seasoning in the minors before he’s ready for a full majors workload.

So there you have it. Brown and Ruf in the outfield, and Horst, Aumont and De Fratus taking up the final bullpen spots. Remember, this is just the beginning of spring training, so nothing is imminent nor is it fully predictable. Will these trends continue? We’ll have to wait and see.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

5 Reasons Phillies Fans Should Be Optimistic Heading into Spring Training

Spring training has been underway for the Philadelphia Phillies for just over a week and already things have been exciting. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins still believes the Phillies can win the NL East. Chase Utley will play in his first spring training games since 2010. And Cole Hamels will likely be the Phillies’ Opening Day starter (per CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury).

Even though division rivals such as the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves made significant upgrades to their respective rosters, the Phillies certainly didn’t stand pat over the offseason. They spent wisely and found more creative ways to fill holes via trades as opposed to lucrative free-agent signings. Not all of their moves were flashy, but the Phillies still have the roster to compete with the other guys.

For a number of reasons, Phillies fans should be ecstatic and optimistic about the team’s chances as spring training continues and games start tomorrow. Here are five reasons why that’s the case.

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