Countdown to Clearwater: Pitchers & Catchers Report

   As the stories of bubble gum and sunflower seeds heading from Philly to Florida start to surface, the anticipation of baseball begins to build with each day. Phillies' pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Clearwater in just 6 days but this year's camp is sure to have a much different feel than those of the last few seasons.

   As most fans remember,  the day pitchers and catchers reported in 2011 looked more like a reality tv show than the pitcher's first workout. Everyone in the sports world wanted a glimpse at what could have been one of the greatest pitching rotations of all time. A press conference was called and reporters lined up to interview the "Phab 4" of: Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt. Being the good guys that they are, they even invited Joe Blanton in on the fun as they fielded questions about how good this staff was really going to be. We all know how the 2011 season worked out as the team fell short in the playoffs for the 3rd straight year, but the anticipation of that rotation is engraved in every fan's mind.

   As we fast forward just two years, the outlook on this pitching staff couldn't be more different. While 3 of the core guys remain in Halladay, Lee, and Hamels, a disappointing 2012 campaign has people wondering what to expect out of this 2013 staff.

Starting Rotation

Roy Halladay will be looking to improve on a disappointing 2012

   For the first time in a while, spring training will probably play a large role in how the Phillies' rotation looks at the beginning of April. For the last two years, Roy Halladay has been the predetermined number one guy. After he sported an 11-8 record with a 4.49 ERA in 2012, Mr. Halladay may have some things to prove in Florida if he wants to be on the mound in Atlanta for opening day. On the other hand, Cole Hamels went out and had the best season of his career and was rewarded with a $153 million contract. After finishing the year with 17 wins, Hamels would be my pick for the #1 slot. Cliff Lee had a rather strange 2012, where he pitched fairly well for the most part but was given virtually no run support. That resulted in below average statistics, specifically in the win column for Lee. The 4th spot in the rotation will likely be held by the man who the Phillies always seems to go to when they have no one better. Kyle Kendrick will once again have his shot at the rotation and will once again have a shot to blow it and be moved to the bullpen. Luckily for Kendrick, the Phillies really don't have any alternatives this year and after a very solid stretch towards the end of 2012, Kendrick has given the coaching staff reason to be optimistic in his ability as a starter. The basement of the rotation is likely to be held by Chase Utley's good friend John Lannan. He wasn't good enough for the Nationals rotation so apparently Ruben Amaro figured he would be a good contender for the final spot on the Phillies staff. The job is most likely Lannan's to lose and he should have the spot locked up with a solid spring. If something goes wrong with Lannan or any of the other starters for that matter, Tyler Cloyd and/or Jonathan Pettibone could be thrown into action throughout the year.

Bullpen

   Looking at the names that the Phillies have in contention for a spot in the 2013 bullpen, it is staggering to see how good this group could be and how long they could be good for.  The 8th and 9th inning are all but solidified with Mike Adams and Jonathan Papelbon. Antonio Bastardo will have a spot where he will look to find his groove of 2011 once again. One could assume that Phillippe Aumont should have a spot after showing his impressive stuff last year. Jeremy Horst should also be a lock as he opened many eyes in his debut late in the season. The Phils' old friend Chad Durbin is back in town and will likely have a job to start the year, but Durbin should be looking over his shoulder all season as the team has a host of quality arms competing for the seventh spot in the 'pen. Contenders for the final spot include: Michael Schwimer, Justin De Fratus, B.J. Rosenberg, Joe Savery, Mike Stutes, and Jake Diekman. Newly married Schwimer got a good amount of experience with the big club last year, and now has his new wife (who is quite impressive in her own respect) as motivation. Along with Schwimer, look for De Fratus or Stutes to make a strong push for the final slot in the bullpen.

After a season ending injury, Mike Stutes will be looking to contribute in 2013

   With offensive acquisitions that can only be described as mediocre, the 2013 pitching staff will be heavily relied upon throughout the year. In the rotation, bounce back years will be needed from Halladay and Lee. The bullpen has all the tools it needs to be successful, but with all of the young arms that are likely to contribute, there could definitely be some rough outings late in games. The Phillies will need all of the right pieces to fall into place if they are going to compete with very talented Washington and Atlana squads.