Rounding Out The Roster

Domonic Brown and Chase Utley's respective injuries have raised some interesting roster issues. 25 spots and about 50 guys trying to claim one. You gotta love Spring Training! Sadly, most of them will go home disappointed because the Phillies roster is pretty well set. Here's a look at the locks, probables, and hopefuls...

Hitting Locks:

1. Ryan Howard
2. Chase Utley
3. Jimmy Rollins
4. Placido Polanco
5. Raul Ibanez
6. Shane Victorino
7. Carlos Ruiz
8. Ben Francisco

Bench Locks:

1. Brian Schneider
2. Ross Gload
3. Wilson Valdez

Pitching Locks:

1. Roy Halladay
2. Cliff Lee
3. Roy Oswalt
4. Cole Hamels
5. Joe Blanton
6. Ryan Madson
7. J.C. Romero
8. Brad Lidge
9. Kyle Kendrick
10. Jose Contreras
11. Danys Baez

22 spots are taken. Like it or not, those guys are 100% locked down. That leaves only three positions up for grabs. Trying to earn one of those positions are the following:

Probable...

• Antonio Bastardo - He's been a bit banged up so far this spring, but he saw some action recently and looked like himself. With JC Romero as the only other left hander in the bullpen, Bastardo is actually pretty close to a lock for this team. 
• Scott Mathieson - I think the smart move would be only carry 12 pitchers, but the Phils will likely break camp with 13. This will probably be good news for Mathieson. After two Tommy John surgeries, the guy who was once projected to be a major league closer will probably get his chance.
• John Mayberry Jr - He's hitting the ball well this spring and Dom Brown's demise will give Mayberry his shot. He's had more than a few cups of coffee in the majors, but never developed enough tools to stick around. Expect to see him doing some platoon work in the outfield
• David Herndon - He stuck with the team last year as a Rule5 guy, but I don't think the Phillies need him. I still like Mathieson more, but Herndon seems to have naked pictures of Charlie Manuel in his possession. How else do you explain the fact that they kept him around all of 2010. 

Less Likely...

• Josh Barfield - He may be needed as infield depth with the Utley injury and back in 2006 he was actually a pretty solid player for the Padres. He can steal a few bases, has reasonable power, and plays solid defense. He's very Wilson Valdez-ish, but will only see time if Utley's injury is serious.
• Matt Anderson - He might get a look only because he can throw 100mph and was the first overall pick in 1997. He's impressing a lot of baseball people with his comeback attempt.
• Delwyn Young - Possibly a contender to Mayberry's job. Young has significant MLB experience and was an interesting pick up in the offseason. He doesn't have any one discernible skill, but he's a solid player.
• Michael Martinez - This year's Rule5 guy could get a look, but doesn't seem to be impressive enough to waste a roster spot on. 
• Domonic Brown - Three weeks ago he was looking like the starting right fielder, but the nature of his injury makes it extremely likely that the Phils will start him in AAA where he can get regular playing time. As a lot of people have said, it's a blessing in disguise.

Extremely doubtful...

• Mike Zagurski - We'll see him again in September or in the event of an injury to the pen, but otherwise Zagurski just doesn't fit in anywhere.
• Eddie Bonine - Another experienced arm, but just not necessary. He's not helping his case by getting hit around so far this spring.
• Vance Worley - If Joe Blanton gets traded, I'm pulling for Worley as the 5th starter. But the Phils may choose to go with Kendrick instead.