With today's big news--the release of Geoff Jenkins and the installation of Chan Ho Park in the starting rotation--we now pretty much know what the Phillies' roster would be were Opening Day tomorrow rather than Sunday:
Catchers (2): Ruiz, Coste
Infielders (7): Howard, Utley, Feliz, Rollins, Dobbs, Bruntlett, Cairo
Outfielders (4): Ibanez, Victorino, Werth, Stairs
Starting pitchers (5): Hamels, Myers, Moyer, Blanton, Park
Relief pitchers (7): Lidge, Madson, Eyre, Durbin, Condrey, Taschner, Happ
Of course, we have five days yet, and with the news that the Phils are hoping to add Gary Sheffield as a bench bat, the possibility of starting the year with 11 pitchers rather than 12, and the ongoing long-shot bullpen candidacies of Bobby Mosebach and Gary Majewski, it's more likely than not that the picture will change between now and Sunday night. Nonetheless, it's striking to see just four names who are new from last October--a tribute to the the quality on hand, and an indication of just how much confidence this front office has in this same set of players.