Altherr is the biggest wild card of the bunch. He hit five home runs and posted an .827 OPS in 161 plate appearances last season. It feels like he has been sliding onto and off of the radar for a decade now, but last year was the first real reason to think that he might actually break through. He raised his walk rate and cut his strikeouts in the minors, and at least maintained a non-lethal 41-to-16 ratio in those 161 PAs in the big leagues, although his staying power will be dictated by his ability to at least maintain that rate.



Rupp and Galvis are what they are. It will be interesting to see how the Phillies proceed with Howard and Ruiz: Ruiz at least provides value as a veteran backstop, although the Phillies have some options in the minors with up-and-comer Andrew Knapp and non roster invitee J.P. Arencibia.



In all likelihood, the Phillies are going to struggle to score runs. But you can at least envision a few scenarios in which they surprise some people. I'm not suggesting the playoffs, but I don't think they will be flirting with 100 losses again this year.



Rotation



1. Aaron Nola RHP

2. Jeremy Hellickson RHP

3. Jerad Eickhoff RHP

4. Brett Oberholtzer LHP

5. Charlie Morton RHP



Analysis