Clearly they need another good hitter to fully get the benefit of the DH. I guess we can hope Didi has a bounce back year and that Stott plays his way into the starting SS role, either in the next couple weeks or somewhere down the line in this season.
Many complained that Howard and Utley were blocked and held in the minors too long, but I wonder if those extra minor league at bats didn't help them perform at a high level once they did become permanent fixtures in the Phillies' lineup. Stott may need at least a few months of AAA at bats before becoming a ML starter.
Looking at some of the likely bull pen arms, several do have options remaining. Brogdon 3, Coonrod 2, Alvarado 2, Nelson 2, and Dominguez 1. Hans Crouse also has 3 options and probably is in consideration for a slot on the staff. Other than Maples, who is out of options, most of the other pitchers in camp do have options.
I am ready for some baseball. Looks like they have 20 games in 20 days starting Friday to prepare for opening day. They will have at least one game against seven different teams this spring: Tigers, Blue Jays, Yankees, Braves, Pirates, Orioles, and Rays.
