Developed Teams 2011: Philadelphia Phillies

Last week, in addition to meeting a White Sox fan from Chicago, I also met a Phillies fan from Philadelphia (imagine that).  I know several Phillies phans, but this is the first I've met since starting this Developed Teams project for my blog, so it brought to mind what might happen if we put a roster together with only the players that the Phillies developed and shepherded (most if not all of the way) to the majors.  Here it is:

When I did this project in the past, it was almost as difficult finding enough position players for the Phillies as it was to find starting pitchers for the Reds.  There were almost no hitters to spare, but luckily I could scrounge up just enough to fill a lineup card.  The majority of the heavy hitters are recently developed and hence still with the team (although Rollins, Utley, and Howard are all three reaching maturity and have all three had their issues with injuries).  Domonic Brown is in there over Pat Burrell cuz he was just ranked so darn high before his pre-season wrist injury, and it seemed wrong not to have such a sure future star in this lineup, even despite his lack of experience.  And Carlos Ruiz is becoming one of the most solid catchers in the National League.

As far as players the Phillies have let go, speed demon Michael Bourn is probably the best right now - he's tearing it up on the basepaths currently leading the league in steals.  Scott Rolen and Marlon Byrd are both well past their primes, but can also both contribute with their bats.  Pat Burrell is a former franchise-type player who's recently been relegated to spot-starter duty.  Nick Punto is still a solid backup utility infielder and "Tofu" Lou Marson is a fan favorite in Cleveland.

Starting pitching is this club's biggest strength by far - the Phillies are one of the few clubs who have managed to develop more quality starters than relievers.  Looking at just 2011, you'll see more struggling pitchers (Myers, Floyd, Drabek, Happ) than successful ones (Hamels, Wolf, Carrasco)... and even one who hasn't pitched yet in '011, and likely won't (Silva).  But as far as track record goes (or in Drabek's case, enormous potential), they definitely have all proven to be effective starters at some point in their major league careers.  Ryan Madson is the only pitcher who's had a taste of closing (at least they had one!), and Kyle Kendrick has proven himself an effective swingman.

If we were going by 2011 alone - which it is now more conceivable to do, since we've got half a season under our belts... although I will refrain from that and stick to my guns about using mostly pre-season predictions - Josh Outman would have replaced Silva on the list of long relievers, due to his (so far) successful comeback from a lost 2010 season.  Also in the bullpen, Simon would be out (citing lack of production more than his recent troubles with the law) and Tejeda has barely played this year.  Taking their places would be surprising success story Antonio Bastardo (0.84 ERA, 5 saves, in 32 innings) and Taylor Buchholz, a bargain-bin pickup by the Mets who is actually contributing at the major league level.

Strengths:
- Starting pitching across the board.  Veterans, prospects, mid-level starters, you name it.  Plenty of quality innings from this staff.
- A powerful middle of the lineup, provided it can stay healthy.  And good tablesetters at the top, with plenty of speed.
- A pretty versatile and talented bench to boot, with all positions adequately covered.

Weaknesses:
- Although it doesn't show up in this 25-man roster, a complete lack of depth.  Philly developed only 15 hitters total, which leaves just two (2) to stock in the "minors" in case of injury.


Next time, in honor of Tuesday's All-Star Game in Phoenix, I'll be profiling the Developed Arizona Diamondbacks.