CLEARWATER, Fla. – The pace of Phillies’ camp will begin to quicken with the arrival of Grapefruit League play on Tuesday.
Here are 10 topics to keep an eye on as the schedule unfolds:
Ryan Howard
He will be in the starting lineup, batting fourth against the Yankees on Tuesday. After an offseason of highs (the birth of a daughter) and lows (non-stop trade speculation and the settling of a legal matter with his parents and brother), Howard has come to camp looking to be in his best physical condition in years. Will it translate into the improved play the Phillies would like to see? And will that result in the Phillies’ finding a taker for Howard? Look for American League clubs such as Tampa Bay and Baltimore to watch Howard closely.
Cliff Lee
He has looked healthy and sharp in bullpen workouts, but the proof won’t come until he faces hitters in game situations. The left-hander, limited to just 13 starts because of an elbow strain last season, will make his first start Thursday in Kissimmee. If he proves healthy and effective, he will be a good trade chip as the weather warms up.
The Rule 5 guys
The Phillies have two of them, outfielder Odubel Herrera and hard-throwing lefty reliever Andy Oliver. As the Phils look to get younger and more athletic, it would not be a stretch to see Herrera, 23, make the club. Heck, with a good camp, he could be the opening day leftfielder. Oliver, 27, is converting to the bullpen and could make the club if he solves his longtime command issues.
Backup catcher
A very important decision considering Carlos Ruiz is the oldest (36) regular catcher in the majors and will have his playing time closely monitored. Cameron Rupp, Koyie Hill and John Hester are the top candidates for the job, but Phillies scouts have their eye on other camps.
Backup shortstop
Andres Blanco could end up being the guy, but Phillies scouts are also keeping their eye on shortstops who might become available later this month. Cesar Hernandez is out of options and probably will be on the bench, but he’s mostly a second baseman.
The offense
Manager Ryne Sandberg has talked all spring about wanting to see more contact and better at-bats from his hitters. He wants them to hit down and through the ball. He was not happy with the offense after Sunday’s exhibition loss to the University of Tampa. The Phillies used mostly reserves and non-roster players in that game, but had only six hits against a Tampa staff that didn’t top 88 mph on the radar gun. Freddy Galvis will bat second on Tuesday. Club officials are looking for him to cut down on his swing and get on base this month.
MLB
Chase Utley
He’s recovering from a sprained right ankle and won’t play in games this week. He’s expected to get plenty of playing time during the month, but his situation is still worth watching.
The bullpen
The Phillies usually go with a seven-man bullpen. Figuring that Jonathan Papelbon will open the season on the club — though he’s very available for a trade — the locks appear to be: Papelbon, Ken Giles, Jake Diekman and Justin De Fratus. A host of others will vie for the remaining jobs. The group includes Oliver, Paul Clemens (more on him and his "incredible" arm here), Mario Hollands, Luis Garcia, Jeanmar Gomez, Hector Neris, Ethan Martin and Phillippe Aumont. Aumont is out of minor-league options and would have to go on waivers if he doesn’t make the club.
The rotation
It’s pretty much set with Lee, Cole Hamels, Aaron Harang, Jerome Williams and David Buchanan. However, Buchanan still has to earn his way onto the staff and could be pushed by Kevin Slowey and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. It will be interesting to see how Gonzalez looks in his second spring. He will likely end up back in the Triple A rotation. Chad Billingsley is behind schedule after two elbow surgeries. He could get some game action later in the month and is expected to challenge for a spot in the rotation in late April or May. With Hamels and Lee trade possibilities, Billingsley will be a factor at some point in the season. Scouts will no doubt be watching Hamels, but he probably won’t be dealt until closer to July and lines up to be the Phils’ opening day starter.
Position battles
Who will win the left field job? Will Darin Ruf and Grady Sizemore work in a platoon? Will Herrera win the job or at least at-bats against right-handed pitching? Team officials are on record as saying Cody Asche will be the opening day third baseman, but what about Maikel Franco? Will he continue to swing the hot bat he did in winter ball and make it difficult for the team to send him back to Triple A? Or will the club look to maximize its control of Franco and have him open the season in Triple A regardless?
There are plenty of issues and plenty questions. Let the games begin and the answers will soon follow.