ATLANTAPhillies manager Charlie Manuel said Monday that theres a good possibility the team will go with an 11-man pitching staff in the first round of the playoffs.
General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. also indicated that 11 pitchers was a serious possibility.
Well know more later this week, Amaro said of the decision to go with 10 or 11 pitchers.
It appears as if the team wants to see how Joe Blanton throws when he gets the ball again, probably in the regular-season finale on Wednesday. Blanton threw well, striking out three in two innings of work against the Mets on Saturday night. If the Phils go with 11 pitchers, the final roster spot could be between Blanton and David Herndon. If the Phils go with 10 pitchers, both Blanton and Herndon could be out for the first round and the team could carry an extra bench guy such as Pete Orr. It appears as if reliever Kyle Kendricks spot on the roster is safe.
OK, if the Phils go with 11 pitchers, heres how the roster might look when its filed with the Commissioners office on Saturday morning. Again, this is just a guess. Feel free to make your own.
Starters
Roy Halladay
MLB
Cliff Lee
Cole Hamels
Roy Oswalt
Relievers
Ryan Madson
Antonio Bastardo
Brad Lidge
Mike Stutes
Vance Worley
Kyle Kendrick
Joe Blanton
Catchers
Carlos Ruiz
Brian Schneider
Infielders
Ryan Howard
Chase Utley
Jimmy Rollins
Placido Polanco
Wilson Valdez
Michael Martinez
Ross Gload
Outfielders
Raul Ibanez
Shane Victorino
Hunter Pence
John Mayberry Jr.
Ben Francisco
Amaro said that outfielder Domonic Brown and relievers Joe Savery and Justin DeFratus would report to the Florida Instructional League to stay sharp in case they are needed later in the postseason.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com.