Philadelphia Phillies: Spring Preview

Right Field:   

Barring a deal for an outfielder, the competition will be between Roman Quinn, Aaron Altherr and Daniel Nava. Basically, Jim, see if Quinn is earning the role: He will either win the job or open the campaign with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. He will be a regular here or Altherr and Nava will most likely platoon. But why does Quinn have the advantage regarding Klentak? Elite speed.

Catching:    

Rupp has the nod already, but the backup position is between Andrew Knapp and Jorge Alfaro. Yet, barring a sensational March, Alfaro will be with Lehigh Valley and Knapp will be with the Philadelphia Phillies. On the other hand, if neither is ready for the majors, Bryan Holaday will be the reserve backstop. Therefore, Jim, you should watch Knapp, Alfaro and Holaday.

Pitching:  

Besides Joely Rodriguez in the pen, the portsider to eyeball is Sean Burnett. Why? Left-handed alternatives are a bullpen weakness: Rodriguez was a pleasant call-up surprise in September, and Burnett is a non-roster invitee with an injury-plagued history.

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT:     “The first principle of contract negotiations is don’t remind them of what you did in the past – tell them what you’re going to do in the future.” – Stan Musial"

Trading for Buchholz surprised or puzzled many locally, but – below the surface – the acquisition makes perfect sense. Primarily, he’s a salary dump, he’s a one-year gamble, and he’s playing for a new contract in a sport favoring starters. Well, the remaining question, Jim, is the slot he’ll occupy in the rotation: second or third. That stated, he’ll reunite with an important member of the organization. Who? One Robert “Bob” McClure.