MLB Spring Training: Philadelphia Phillies Full Preview

Key Additions: RHP Jeremy Hellickson, OF Peter Bourjos, RHP Charlie Morton, RHP Mark Appel (prospect)

Key Subtractions: LHP Cliff Lee, RHP Ken Giles

The Philadelphia Phillies have been among Major League Baseball’s most frustrating teams over the past few seasons for their refusal to trade veteran talent and come to terms with an inevitable rebuild.

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But now, with General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. ousted, the team has begun a full tear-down en route to acquiring a vast wealth of prospect talent. While the Phillies likely won’t be contending in the next few years, they have several players with star-potential in the likes of third baseman Maikel Franco, starter Aaron Nola, and top shortstop prospect J.P. Crawford.

The Rotation: With one of the worst rotations in MLB last season, things are actually looking better for the Phils heading into 2016. A 4.69 team ERA in 2015 is bound to improve with the additions of Jeremy Hellickson and Charlie Morton – but those two could struggle in hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park.

Aaron Nola looks poised to become the Phillies ace in 2016. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

In all likelihood, Aaron Nola will blossom into the team’s ace sooner rather than later, after posting a solid 3.59 ERA and 7.88 K/9 in 13 starts last season. The 22-year-old has the stuff to lead the rotation over the course of the season, but without any established star veterans, he may experience some bumps along the way.

Behind those three is where things get shaky. Jerad Eickhoff is an unproven talent despite pitching well in limited action last season, while Vincent Velazquez is far from a sure thing. The team could see veteran Brett Oberholtzer push for a rotation spot with a strong showing in Spring Training.

One of the team’s splashiest offseason additions, former top prospect Mark Appel, could make a huge impact with the team at some point in 2016. It’s likely Appel’s worst days are behind him after struggling at various minor league levels, so the Phillies could have a potential ace waiting in the wings.

The Lineup: It seems obvious at this point to say Franco is the saving grace for a downtrodden Phillies franchise, but it’s true. The slugger shined in limited action last season, hitting .280/.343/.497 with 14 home runs and an impressive 15.5 strikeout percentage. With his ability to put the ball in play, it’s very likely Franco will only improve going forward.

Here’s what the team’s everyday lineup is likely to look like:

CF Odubel Herrera
SS Freddy Galvis
3B Maikel Franco
1B Ryan Howard
C Carlos Ruiz
RF Aaron Altherr
2B Cesar Hernandez
LF Peter Bourjos
Pitcher

The rest of the infield doesn’t look nearly as solid, however. Ryan Howard should be moved at some point, freeing up Darin Ruf to take over the everyday first base job, while Freddy Galvis and Cesar Hernandez will man shortstop and second base.

But with top prospect Crawford ready to break into the majors at any point, expect Galvis to shift over to second base and Hernandez to take over the utility role. Crawford could have an impact similar to Francisco Lindor last season – as he has an advanced approach at the plate with plus defensive instincts.

Maikel Franco will be depended on as one of the Phillies primary run producers. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The outfield isn’t bad, but it won’t blow you away. Odubel Herrera enjoyed a surprisingly solid rookie season in center field as he managed to hit for average and play decent defense. He could take several steps forward in 2016 as the team’s leadoff hitter.

Peter Bourjos and Aaron Altherr will likely win the corner outfield jobs entering the season. Neither are sure things to stick all season – although Altherr does offer some upside.

Carlos Ruiz and Cameron Rupp will platoon at catcher, but Ruiz could be traded to a contender searching for a veteran backstop while the Phillies await Jorge Alfaro‘s debut.

The Bullpen: After trading star closer Ken Giles to the Houston Astros, the Phillies bullpen will rely on veteran reliever David Hernandez to take over the closer role. Don’t expect any lights-out performances from the Philadelphia relief core in 2016.

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Competitions: A strong showing from Oberholtzer in Spring Training could unseat Eickhoff or Velasquez, but the real player to watch is Appel – as his debut will come sooner rather than later.

Cody Asche could win the starting left field job over Altherr, but it’s unlikely given his down 2015 season. As for prospects Crawford and Alfaro, the two will likely see call-ups around midseason. The team has no need to rush either player’s development.

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