Philadelphia Phillies: Predicting the 2012 Opening Day Depth Chart

Though the gloom of postseason failure still hangs over the city of Philadelphia, the sun will rise on a new season for the Phillies. Filled with promise and renewed hope for a ballclub still sporting a team at the top of the National League in terms of talent, the team will embark on another journey to hoist the World Series trophy.

However, a fresh start will not come without a series of defining offseason moves by general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., who has already begun letting his expensive veterans seek employment elsewhere. With a GM that has never backed away from making changes that will better the team via a tough decision, it is difficult to piece together what the roster may look like when the Phillies open the season in 2012.

With negotiations about to begin with franchise cornerstone Jimmy Rollins and a few club options already declined before the World Series has ended, fans should be ready for a wild ride when the winter finally kicks off. There are sure to be a few surprises along the way, but the front office must keep the championship window open while the starting pitching staff is in place.

When the rubble has cleared from the deals made and bridges burned over the next few months, a new group of Phillies will take aim at bringing home a title back to the City of Brotherly Love. Here is what fans can loosely expect to see when their club trots out at Citizens Bank Park to start anew:

Starting Pitching

Despite declining the option of the fourth ace in Roy Oswalt, this pitching staff still stands as one of the best in Major League Baseball. Philadelphia will not need to fill any holes with an outside acquisition and could be better on the mound in 2012 than ever before. With a maturing, sophomore stud and a fifth starter in a contract year, look for the team to once again rely on its starting staff.

1. Roy Halladay

The dominance he is capable of is a once-in-a-generation type of ability, and he has showed no signs of slowing. Doc will pace the rotation for the third consecutive season and look to earn Cy Young honors for the second time in the National League.

2. Cliff Lee

As good as Halladay was in 2011, Lee looked like the true ace of the staff, baffling hitters for months at a time. Though he was not as consistent as Halladay for the entire season, the Phillies have a legitimate ace in the second spot in the rotation,

3. Cole Hamels

The homegrown product of the staff will be looking for a long-term extension that will keep him in Philadelphia for the long haul. When he gets the run support he deserves, Hamels will pile up the wins and back Lee as another lefty ace capable of eye-popping strikeout totals.

4. Vance Worley

Following a standout rookie campaign, Worley looks to build himself into ta force in an already-stacked starting rotation. As the fourth starter, there will be little pressure on "The Vanimal" to post big numbers, but he has shown that he is certainly capable of doing so in the big leagues.

5. Joe Blanton

Returning from an injury-plagued season in 2011 right into a contract year, Blanton takes the mound with plenty to prove. Only time will tell if he can prove he is worth the $8.5 million commitment the team made to him, but he is certainly attractive in the fifth slot. 

Behind the Plate

When it comes to calling games and working with the starting rotation, there will be no change in Philadelphia. Carlos Ruiz will hold down the starting job and look to play at least 130 games for the second straight year. "Chooch" is a fan favorite and a likable clubhouse presence for the Phillies, leaving only the backup catcher's position in need of a change.

1. Carlos Ruiz

His fame in Philadelphia has reached a new level, and for good reason. A hitting catcher that can handle himself defensively is hard to come by in today's game. The Phillies know they have a gem in Ruiz—he's not going anywhere.

2. Ramon Castro

The backup catcher spot is due for a change after the light-hitting Brian Schneider left something to be desired as a starter and bench bat. The 36-year-old Castro is just one year removed from hitting .278 in limited duty with the White Sox and has alternated seasons of struggles and success. He's due for a bounce-back season and could provide some bench stability.   

First Base

Heading into the 2012 season, the Phillies have a massive question mark at first base with Ryan Howard's torn Achilles tendon hanging over the locker room. For the sake of this discussion, let's insert a healthy Howard back into the order and mention a few possible short-term replacements for "The Big Piece."

1. Ryan Howard

His return from injury will be a critical to getting the offense on track. Projections have the franchise first baseman missing the first month of the season, but his rehab pace is anyone's guess at this point. You can bet he will be aching to redeem himself after his final swing in 2011.

2. John Mayberry Jr.

Coming off a very solid second half of the season, Mayberry Jr. finally seems as though he primed and ready to stay with the team through an entire season. He may see everyday playing time with Howard out of the lineup for an extended period of time which can only help his development. It also may help sort out the outfield situation as well.

3. Greg Dobbs

Adding Dobbs for a second stint in Philadelphia could pay large dividends for a club that needs a boost off of the bench. Should Mayberry Jr. need to return to a spot in the outfield, Dobbs has proven he can still be a serviceable veteran replacement in this league. 

Other candidates: Michael Cuddyer, Josh Willingham, Derek Lee, Russell Branyan

Second Base

The issues for much of the season at second base were health and consistency. Franchise cornerstone Chase Utley missed much of the first half due to a lingering knee problem and never really looked right in 2011. Healthy and reloaded, the Phillies should have no problem at this infield position.

1. Chase Utley

When at his best, there is no better second baseman in the game. His combination of power, speed, defense and pure effort put him among the league's best players and someone Philadelphia will need on a championship run. Like much of the team, Utley is out to prove that he can still hold up through a full season and play at an elite level.

2. Jerry Hairston Jr.

The Phillies need an insurance policy in case Utley were to go down again and an upgrade from Pete Orr as a backup second baseman. Hairston's versatility makes him a very attractive option for a team that must make changes to a bench that struggled mightily throughout 2011. The team would welcome a veteran presence and even help at the shortstop position.

Shortstop

The Phillies front office must make a massive decision when it comes to the future of Jimmy Rollins, a team leader and career Phillie. However, Rollins has made it clear that he is looking for a long-term deal that will undoubtedly pay him beyond what he can contribute for most of the contract. It's time for a changing of the guard at the position, leaving Philadelphia with cash they can commit elsewhere.

1. Freddy Galvis

Ready or not, the kid will most likely see the show if Rollins lands outside of Philly this winter. The 21-year-old Venezuelan prospect was given top honors in the farm system last season and is among the top choices to replace J-Roll upon his departure, whether it is this season or down the line. While the organization isn't expecting a Starlin Castro performance just yet, Galvis could be counted on to provide a spark after a playoff failure.

2. Jerry Hairston Jr.

Part of Hairston's importance lies at the shortstop position where he can provide the Phillies with a serviceable bridge to Galvis should the young prospect need more time in the minor leagues. He serves as an insurance policy around the diamond, but none more important than the ability to step in should Philadelphia need lineup stability.

3. Wilson Valdez

The Phillies have gotten exactly what they expect from Wilson Valdez: a serviceable utility infielder who has the ability to make plays in the field. Just when it looks like Valdez is at the end of his time in Philadelphia, he comes through in relief of any infield position—including pitcher.

Third Base

Third base was another position in which health played a compromising role in the Phillies' 2011 demise. Placido Polanco battled a back injury through most of the season among many other issues that hampered his effectiveness. Like many of his teammates, a healthy start to the 2012 campaign could be exactly what he needs to jump-start the twilight of his career.

1. Placido Polanco

He's still a great contact hitter in lineup full of strikeout specialists and his intelligence keeps him in the perfect position to make every play. Coming into his final year before a mutual option for 2013, you can bet Polly will be motivated and ready to become a factor in the lineup again.

2. Greg Dobbs

With the exception of his abysmal final season with the Phillies, Dobbs showed he has the potential to make an impact as an everyday player or in a limited role. Philadelphia needs an effective left-handed bat off of the bench, a spot in which Dobbs has excelled in the past. Taking him out of the competition's hands and getting him back on the bench could boost the Phillies' late-game attack.

3. Jerry Hairston Jr.

Add third base to the list of positions Hairston can help the Phillies with as they head into the 2012 season. With his name appearing three times in the infield, the veteran is certainly worth a look.

Left Field

With Raul Ibanez departing via free agency, the Phillies will most likely fill that void from within using a prospect that may be running out of time to prove himself. Domonic Brown should be in prime position to win the job to start in left field, but Philadelphia does have some insurance should he struggle early.

1. Domonic Brown

The future is now for the Phillies. In negotiations for Hunter Pence at last year's trade deadline, the team refused to part with Brown, a blue-chip prospect who has yet to earn a permanent spot on the team. He has the tools to become a star in this league, but he still must prove his worth early in 2012.

2. John Mayberry Jr.

If he is not asked to fill in for the injured Ryan Howard at first base, expect Mayberry Jr. to see some playing time out in left field. The Phillies are dealing with two young prospects built with the same tools; only time will tell which budding star will win the starting gig.

3. Ben Francisco

The forgotten hero of NLDS Game 3, Francisco may still have a spot on this roster, although playing time may be hard to come by. It is difficult to jettison a playoff hero, but his salary may not warrant his production. The spot is his if he can outperform the younger options.

Center Fielder

Once considered an unlikely story, part of the Phillies' heart and soul now patrols the outfield with one of the best gloves in the National League. Coming off another solid season, Shane Victorino again looks to provide a consistent offensive threat from anywhere in the lineup. With a new piece in the outfield this season, Victorino will be counted on for production as a veteran.

1. Shane Victorino

His combination of speed and surprising power have given him a job in the big leagues for years to come. The possible departure of Rollins opens up a spot at the top of the order that will almost certainly end up filled by the "Flyin' Hawaiian." He has made a case to be team MVP over the past few seasons and the team will need him now more than ever.

2. John Mayberry Jr.

His long strides and athletic build make him an ideal fit to roam the outfield at Citizens Bank Park. The utility man has filled in nicely wherever he has been asked to play, including center field. If he were to be needed in center, depth on the team could become an issue.

Right Field

After needing an offensive punch in the lineup and a more permanent solution to the revolving door in the outfield, the Phillies went out and got their man at the trade deadline. Hunter Pence has proven to be the prototypical Philadelphia personality, using hard work and an unusual approach to become a favorite among the Philly faithful. He will be responsible for a larger share of the offense in Howard's absence and could see time in the cleanup spot.

1. Hunter Pence

He has the speed to make the tough play, the arm to gun down an above-average runner and plays with the hustle that the fans in Philadelphia respect. With a solid season in 2012, Pence could earn himself a large payday and a long-term deal to stay with the Phillies into the final years of his career. Being a right-handed bat in the Phillies' lefty-heavy order gives the team new versatility.

2. Greg Dobbs

Just another place where the former Phillie could fit if taken back in on the cheap. Should an injury occur or Pence need a day off, Dobbs could step in to play every day on this team. He posted serviceable numbers in a starting role for the Florida Marlins on a bad team and could solidify the Phillies bench.

3. Ben Francisco

Despite his postseason pinch-hit, it is hard to forget that Francisco struggled the way that he did through most of last season. Much like a spot in left field, a job here could be earned early in the 2012 season, but his number of opportunities as well as his likability seem to be falling fast.

Bullpen

Save for a minor hiccup in the early fall, Philadelphia's bullpen was a pleasant surprise in 2011, yielding several promising arms that look to take on a larger role this season. However, there is one large question looms over the unit: Will the Phillies be able to retain their effective closer in Ryan Madson?

The key to rediscovering their late-inning success from 2008 was being able to trust the guys at the back end of the 'pen to keep the opponent scoreless. The team will once again rely heavily on budding youth to carry them through the season,

1. Ryan Madson

Out of all of the Phillies' free agents this season, Madson is the one that Philadelphia must re-sign. After struggling throughout much of his career in the closer's role, Madson found his groove and converted all but two chances in 2011. Amaro Jr. needs to keep this homegrown product in a Phillies uniform.

2. Antonio Bastardo

The young left-hander was a revelation in 2011 until he hit turbulence down the stretch. Attributing those struggles to a tired arm in a young career, Bastardo should be back in the Phillies bullpen as a setup man, ready to dispel any concerns about his command.

3. Kyle Kendrick

The long-reliever had a very strong season last year out of the bullpen and as a spot starter. Kendrick is too cheap for how versatile he is coming from the bullpen, guarding the team against devastating impact due to injury.

4. Michael Stutes

After a great start to the 2011 campaign, Stutes, like Bastardo, struggled in the late-season competition including a disastrous performance in the NLDS. With another year of experience under his belt, expect Stutes to build on an excellent rookie showing.

5. Michael Schwimer

The big right-hander has the physical tools to make an impact on the team from the start of the season. He flashed signs of promise late last season, but must remain consistent to stay with the team. He will certainly be an upgrade over David Herndon if he can stay out of trouble.

6. Jose Contreras (if healthy)

He missed most of 2011 with an elbow injury that required surgery to fix. The Phillies once trusted him in the most dangerous situations, leaving hope he can return to form. Look for Justin De Fratus to replace him if he cannot start the season.

Retooling the Bench

Each of these player have been mentioned in their spots on the depth chart, providing the Phillies with a much more flexible lineup should something go wrong. Below are the players that could open the season in a backup role wearing the red pinstripes.

1. John Mayberry Jr.

2. Jerry Hairston Jr.

3. Wilson Valdez

4. Ramon Castro

5. Gregg Dobbs

6. Ben Francisco

Wishful Thinking

Jim Thome is a free agent and would most likely accept a return to Philadelphia. The fit seems to be there if the price is right, but the Phillies would be paying for a left-handed power hitter that cannot play the field. Though he could end up stagnant on the bench, both the fans and the clubhouse would welcome the veteran back to the city.