CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Phillies continued to thin their spring-training roster Tuesday (see story), but nine days before the regular-season opener the makeup of the opening day roster remains unsettled.
Oh, there are the givens: Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz, Jonathan Papelbon, the Big 3 in the starting rotation and a host of others.
But the fringes of the roster are still to be determined.
For instance, its unclear whether the Phils will open with an 11- or 12-man pitching staff. Off days would allow the Phils to use No. 5 starter Joe Blanton in the bullpen over the first 10 days of the season and that could allow the Phils to go with 11 pitchers out of the gate.
By going with 11 pitchers, the Phils could carry an extra player on their bench.
The team is still looking for a utility infielder to fill the role of injured Michael Martinez. That player could end up being someone already in campmaybe Pete Orr -- or it could be someone from outside the organization. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has recognized his teams lack of depth in the middle infield and his scouts are scouring the majors for a utility infielder that could be available in a trade.
There are hurdles, however, in making a trade. With a payroll bulging toward the luxury-tax threshold of 178 million, the Phils have concerns about taking on too much salary. Also, opposing teams know the Phillies infield needs all too well and will try to exact a high price from Amaro. In the end, he could end up going with Orr, who can fill in at second base if Freddy Galvis needs to move over and play shortstop for any reason.
MLB
The Phillies gave Orr a look at shortstop in Tuesdays 5-4 win over Pittsburgh. He also played second and third. The Phils also gave Hector Luna, usually a corner infielder, a look in the outfield in a minor-league game. If the Phils go with 11 pitchers out of the gate, they could have room for Luna and a utility middle infielder on their bench. Manager Charlie Manuel is intrigued by Lunas right-handed bat. He has two homers and eight RBIs this spring.
Juan Pierre and Scott Podsednik have battled for a reserve outfield spot all spring. Pierre might have the upper hand simply because he has an out on his contract at the end of this week while Podsedniks minor-league deal does not have an out until June. But Podsednik is having a more productive spring and he certainly did not hurt his chances with a game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth on Tuesday.
Podsednik has more juice in his bat, but Pierre gets on base more, manager Charlie Manuel said.
Rosters are due in the commissioners office a week from Wednesday. Lets take a look at the way things might shape up.
Starting rotation
Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Vance Worley, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton.
Bullpen
Lets say the Phillies use Blanton in a swing role early and go with six relievers out of the gate. They would probably be: Jonathan Papelbon, Chad Qualls, Antonio Bastardo, Jose Contreras, Kyle Kendrick and Mike Stutes. If they carry a seventh reliever, it could be David Herndon or a lefty such as Raul Valdes or Joe Savery.
Catchers
Carlos Ruiz, Brian Schneider.
Infielders
Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Freddy Galvis, Ty Wigginton and Jim Thome are set. Pete Orr or a late acquisition could be the utility man. If the Phils go with 11 pitchers, they could carry two extra players here, Orr or an acquisition and possibly Hector Luna, as well.
Outfielders
Hunter Pence, Shane Victorino, John Mayberry Jr., and Laynce Nix are set. Either Juan Pierre or Scott Podsednik figures to make the roster. Luna could figure in as an extra if the Phils carry 11 pitchers.
Disabled List
Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Michael Martinez.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com