Who's on your postseason roster?

by PhillyFriar on Oct 4, 2009 10:51 PM EDT

Pretty simple: it's your chance to go on record with the 25-man roster you'd carry in the first round against the Rockies.

If I'm not mistaken, the Phils went with a 6-man bench for the playoffs last year, giving them a 14-to-11 hitters-to-pitchers breakdown, and I'd expect them to do the same this year. Still, do whatever you'd like, and go ahead and feel free to provide an explanation for anything you think might need justifying.

And with that, I'll cast the first stone...

Pitchers (11)
Cliff Lee
Cole Hamels
Joe Blanton
J.A. Happ

Ryan Madson
Brett Myers
Scott Eyre
Pedro Martinez
Tyler Walker
Brad Lidge
Antonio Bastardo

Position Players (14)
Carlos Ruiz
Ryan Howard
Chase Utley
Jimmy Rollins
Pedro Feliz
Raul Ibanez
Shane Victorino
Jayson Werth

Paul Bako
Ben Francisco
Miguel Cairo
Greg Dobbs
Matt Stairs
Andy Tracy

The bullpen really is a mess. Probably the biggest surprise is the inclusion of Antonio Bastardo; in reality, it's not going to happen, but I think it's a good idea. It's the product of a domino effect that begins with Happ's inclusion in the rotation. I think he's best utilized there: the Rockies are less effective against LHP (.765 OPS) than RHP (.792 OPS), and J.A. had success against Colorado this year, tossing a shutout back on August 5. It was tough leaving off Condrey in favor of a kid with very little major league experience, but I like him better than Escalona, and given the sharp platoon splits of some of the Rockies' lefty mashers (Helton, Gonzalez, Stewart, Hawpe, even Giambi off the bench), it would be irresponsible to head into this series with just one left-handed reliever.

I think most of the other decisions are pretty straightforward. It's a pipe dream that Bruntlett will get left off, but I think I'd run the risk of having to go with an inferior pinch runner at some point so I have the reward of a bat on the bench (Tracy) that isn't totally punchless.

For what it's worth, here's Zolecki's take on how things are shaping up. And be sure to check out SB Nation's coverage of the Phillies/Rockies series.

Alright, everyone else is up... who ya got?

Tweet Comment 4 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Good list, I had something pretty similar except I didnt have Bastardo. I would use Durbin instead, but your argument has merit. Leaving Tracy off is pretty tough, considering what he has done recently (and in the minors) but I would put Condrey on in place of him. I think the added guy on the bull pen will be more helpful than an extra pinch hitter because there may be times when you want 2 guys warming up, one comes in, pitches poorly to a batter or two, and you get him out of there as quickly as possible.

by Whack8888 on Oct 5, 2009 12:11 PM EDT reply actions

Flip Happ and Martinez for we need two lefties in pen; Drop Bastardo and add Durbin; Charlie will keep Bruntlett over Cairo or Tracy; Condrey might make it over Myers.

mark ferraro

by ginzo on Oct 5, 2009 1:15 PM EDT reply actions

Flip Happ and Martinez for we need two lefties in pen

To me, this seems like the “Don’t start Dobbs over Nunez because he’s too valuable as a pinch hitter” argument. If the Rockies are so susceptible to lefties, doesn’t it make sense to start Happ over Pedro? Saving him for the pen is just overthinking the problem.

Now, Zolecki says that Charlie has hinted at the possibility of using Happ out of the pen for maybe an inning in Game 1 or 2, with him still being available to start a potential Game 4 (here). “I’m not saying we’re going to do that, but that does enter my mind,” was the exact quote. I’d also be fine with that if it’s done correctly.

by PhillyFriar on Oct 5, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed!

I would choose the same roster for about the same reasons. Tracy and Cairo have proved they can hit in late innings when we need the support. We’ve left too many runners on base this year and Bruntlett has been a major factor. Those two have come through when Dobbs and Matt Stairs have flopped. We need all the confidence boosters we can get right now in the late innings with the bullpen issues.
I also have greater confidence in Bastardo than Durbin, but Condrey should probably be in the bullpen.
Of course, if the three lefties, Lee, Hamel and Happ all deliver through eight or nine, then Madson or Lidge can finish and who needs a bullpen? But of course, that’s wishful thinking!
Martinez should start game three, and put Happ in if he tires after three or four. Pedro still has the stuff for the post season, and this is what he’s come back for. Give the old man his due, just like we did Meyers. He’ll deliver, just like Meyers!

by Fillyfaninforeignland on Oct 7, 2009 2:40 AM EDT reply actions