Phillies: Projecting Philadelphia’s 2017 Opening Day Line-Up
Who will be in the Phillies starting line-up on Opening Day next spring?
The Phillies 2017 season will be as crucial as any towards learning how long the rebuild will take. Many of the top prospects will arrive at some point, but for now the Phillies have to make-due with what they have.
Throw in a free agent outfielder who could sit in the middle of the line-up, and the Phillies have some options.
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- Cesar Hernandez, 2nd
- Odubel Herrera, LF
- Maikel Franco, 3rd
- Tommy Joseph, 1st
- Josh Reddick, RF
- Cameron Rupp, C
- Roman Quinn, CF
- Freddy Galvis, SS
- Vincent Velasquez, SP
I added Josh Reddick in free agency because he makes the most sense at the moment, but that can change. I don’t see Mark Trumbo, Jose Bautista, or any other high-priced free agent coming here at the moment.
Reddick gives you double-digit home runs and a steady bat that will balance the Phillies line-up. Working off the hypothetical, he could easily be replaced by Aaron Altherr or someone else not currently on the roster.
In a perfect world, I have Cesar Hernandez working out a lead-off walk, Odubel hitting a single, and the middle of Franco/Joseph/Reddick/Rupp getting an extra-base hit to drive in a run or three.
I have Roman Quinn making the Opening Day line-up after an impressive showing in September. Quinn adds speed and the ability to get on-base, while Freddy can use his pop to drive him in from the eight-hole.
Velasquez (if healthy) gets the start as a new ERA of Phillies baseball begins. Should a veteran starter be added, they could begin the season, but for now I’m tabbing Vinny for the spotlight.