Maikel Franco is the biggest lock on the team, and will be at third base if he is healthy. Cesar Hernandez at second base and Freddy Galvis at third base aren't 100% locks, but they seem like solid bets. Darin Ruf and Ryan Howard have seemed destined to platoon at first base since last season ended, and nothing this Spring has changed that so far. Andres Blanco had a very good season last year as the utility guy, and with a guaranteed contract, he seems locked into a spot. The only real question in this group would appear to be Darnell Sweeney, who's odds went way up with Altherr's injury and his ability to play infield and outfield positions.
If you're doing basic math, that pretty much finishes off the space on this 25-man roster. This is true for a number of the players on the roster above. Despite fans wanting him up now, J.P. Crawford will start in the minors, with the only questions being, 1.) Is he going to Allentown or Reading, and 2.) At what point we see him up for good later in the season? Brock Stassi has also left a favorable impression this Spring, and is likely headed for AAA. Taylor Featherston and Angelys Nina will join him in AAA, and one can hope that Emmanuel Burriss will do the same. Angelo Mora, Jesmuel Valentin, KC Serna, Ryan Jackson, Brendon Hayden, and Andrew Amaro are all playing for assignment spots this Spring.
Expect the Phillies to continue to get looks at some of the guys not destined for Philadelphia right now, if for no other reason than it being smart policy. Even so, expect the Phillies to break camp with the names you found familiar already before this Spring. The combination of service time concerns for the youngsters and guaranteed contracts make it unlikely that we'll see any surprises.
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