Philadelphia Phillies: Who's Your Fifth? Updated

It has been the biggest topic of conversation since the beginning of spring training, and now the race for the fifth starter is really starting to take shape. So, who is in the lead?

Kyle Kendrick was my original pick to win the job, but he has fallen into a distant third in my mind. He will have a chance to redeem himself tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves after falling apart in an exhibition against Team USA last week.

His exhibition stats against Team USA are not officially counted in his spring stats, they should be observed. Kendrick has allowed five runs in just under six innings of work. In that time he has recorded one strike out, way behind his competition.

Carlos Carrasco is showing more and more that he needs more time to develop. While he was flashing in his spring debut he has since given up ten runs, by far more than his competition. With seven innings of work in the spring he has an ERA of 7.71.

Do not frown though, as Carrasco was a long shot for the fifth spot heading into the spring. He still has some work to do and should get that extra work with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

I would still expect to see him called up should the Phillies need an arm on the mound for some reason this season.

Chan Ho Park is widely thought to be a middle reliever for the team this year, but he has been dedicated to winning the fifth spot since the day he was signed. Opting out of representing South Korea in the World Baseball Classic and focusing full time on the starting job that is up for grabs, Park is making a strong case early on.

Park has only allowed two runs through seven innings of work and has struck out five batters. Park carries a 2.57 ERA right now. If the Phillies ultimately decide on Park for the fifth spot in the rotation I have to admit that I would not have a problem with it right now.

But I would say that the fifth spot in the rotation, right now, belongs to JA Happ. Happ had a strong performance in his last outing and now leads the starters in the fifth pitcher race with ERA and strike outs.

With eight innings of work in three games Happ has an ERA of 2.25, allowing only two runs, and has eight strike outs. Happ leads the entire pitching staff in strike outs as well. He has only walked one batter so far as well.

Yes, if the decision had to be made today, the choice could very well be Happ. Park would come out of the bullpen and Carrasco would be sent to Lehigh. As for Kendrick, I'm not exactly sure what to do with him at this point.

At this point in the spring, who would you choose to be the fifth starter from the four competing for the spot?