2025 Phillies Thread
- Thread starter Tom McAndrew
- Start date
Fear the Dodgers? Six teams that can take down L.A. in 2025
We make the case for the biggest threats to MLB's preseason favorite.
www.espn.com
Scott Lauber has an article in the Inquirer (paywall) that looks at the 3 positions where roster decisions have to be made:
- 1 reliever
- 1 backup catcher
- 1 bench spot
His analysis:
Bullpen
Matt Strahm was expected to have this spot. Alas, the shoulder soreness has put a question on where he'll be on Opening Day. He threw BP this morning. The top alternatives, per Lauber, are
- Davis Sweet
- Kyle Tyler
- Nabil Crismatt
(Note: he has Taijuan Walker in the bullpen (I guess due to his contract), so he's not part of the analysis.)
Lauber indicates that Sweet and Tyler have minor league options, so bringing them up and then returning them to the minors when Strahm is ready to go, is an option. Tyler is more of a starting pitcher, but he throws strikes. Crismatt is a journeyman who has played in multiple organizations, and has done well this spring. He's out of options, and has a June opt-out clause, so if he's the pick then he'll be lost when Strahm joins the team.
Lauber's pick is Kyle Tyler, as it fills a short-term need and causes no other issues.
Backup Catcher
It's between Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchan. Stubbs has been on the team for 3 years, but still has minor league options and not enough service time to refuse an assignment. Marchan played with the team for part of last season, and outperformed his norm on offense, and showed great defense.
Lauber's pick is Marchan, though he thinks they'll need both of them this season
Bench Spot
Lauber thinks it comes down to:
- Kody Clemens
- Buddy Kennedy
- Christian Arroyo
(Note: Lauber has Rojas on the roster, despite his not having played in the outfield this spring due to shoulder issues, so he's not much of the analysis.)
Weston Wilson, who plays INF and OF, and bats right, appeared to have this locked up. Alas, he strained a muscle in his side early in camp, and won't be ready until later in April.
Clemens is out of options. Unfortunately, he bats lefty, and there isn't a great need there. Lauber thinks he's a late-spring trade candidate. Kennedy is also out of options. Arroyo is on a minor-league contract, but has more big-league experience (what the Red Sox).
Rojas recently started throwing to bases. Lauber feels that if he's cleared to play D by Opening Day, then the Fightins would more inclined for Arroyo. If Rojas isn't cleared, Lauber thinks Kennedy's versatility, or outfielder Oscar Mercado, may be the better pick.
Lauber's pick is Christian Arroyo
- 1 reliever
- 1 backup catcher
- 1 bench spot
His analysis:
Bullpen
Matt Strahm was expected to have this spot. Alas, the shoulder soreness has put a question on where he'll be on Opening Day. He threw BP this morning. The top alternatives, per Lauber, are
- Davis Sweet
- Kyle Tyler
- Nabil Crismatt
(Note: he has Taijuan Walker in the bullpen (I guess due to his contract), so he's not part of the analysis.)
Lauber indicates that Sweet and Tyler have minor league options, so bringing them up and then returning them to the minors when Strahm is ready to go, is an option. Tyler is more of a starting pitcher, but he throws strikes. Crismatt is a journeyman who has played in multiple organizations, and has done well this spring. He's out of options, and has a June opt-out clause, so if he's the pick then he'll be lost when Strahm joins the team.
Lauber's pick is Kyle Tyler, as it fills a short-term need and causes no other issues.
Backup Catcher
It's between Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchan. Stubbs has been on the team for 3 years, but still has minor league options and not enough service time to refuse an assignment. Marchan played with the team for part of last season, and outperformed his norm on offense, and showed great defense.
Lauber's pick is Marchan, though he thinks they'll need both of them this season
Bench Spot
Lauber thinks it comes down to:
- Kody Clemens
- Buddy Kennedy
- Christian Arroyo
(Note: Lauber has Rojas on the roster, despite his not having played in the outfield this spring due to shoulder issues, so he's not much of the analysis.)
Weston Wilson, who plays INF and OF, and bats right, appeared to have this locked up. Alas, he strained a muscle in his side early in camp, and won't be ready until later in April.
Clemens is out of options. Unfortunately, he bats lefty, and there isn't a great need there. Lauber thinks he's a late-spring trade candidate. Kennedy is also out of options. Arroyo is on a minor-league contract, but has more big-league experience (what the Red Sox).
Rojas recently started throwing to bases. Lauber feels that if he's cleared to play D by Opening Day, then the Fightins would more inclined for Arroyo. If Rojas isn't cleared, Lauber thinks Kennedy's versatility, or outfielder Oscar Mercado, may be the better pick.
Lauber's pick is Christian Arroyo
The team loves Kody, please keep him on the team. He is that glue guy, especially if they lose Stubbs.
We've all heard the stories about Stubbs being a real dude in the clubhouse. I'm sure that counts for something during the long grind of a season but I'm excited to see what Marchan can do. I'm guessing he may get more starts than Stubbs typically did since a 34-year-old Realmuto may be given more starts from out behind the plate.