Phillies subs seeking spots

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Ruben Amaro Jr. leaned on a railing on a sun-splashed deck at Bright House Field and surveyed the action in front of him. Early in the game, 28-year-old infielder Josh Barfield had launched a double to deep centerfield, notching his fourth extra-base hit of the spring and momentarily pushing his Grapefruit League batting average to .440. Later in the game, Rule 5 utility man Michael Martinez got into the act, hitting a solo home run off lefthander Jo Jo Reyes, his second blast of the spring.

The home run came in the Phillies' 7-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

The performances were worth noting because of the decisions the Phillies general manager and his coaching staff will have to make in the ever-shrinking time period between now and Opening Day.

With Chase Utley looking like a sure bet to start the season on the disabled list, the Phillies likely will have at least one more vacant roster spot to fill while their star second baseman continues his recovery from patellar tendinitis. Utley visited a rehabilitation specialist yesterday with head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan, a clear sign he has made little progress in shaking the pain in his knee. The great unknown appears to have shifted from whether Utley will miss time in the regular season to how much time he will miss.

For now, Wilson Valdez appears set to reprise his role as supersub and start the season at second base, which has led to a surprisingly intriguing competition for the spot he normally occupies on the Phillies' bench.

"If we have Utley hurt, we, for sure, are going to have to carry two infielders," manager Charlie Manuel said.

One of them will be Valdez. The top two candidates for the other spot appear to be Barfield and Martinez, although veteran utility man Pete Orr could factor into the conversation. Manuel said his primary concern is defense, much as it has been the last few seasons with light-hitting Eric Bruntlett, Juan Castro and Valdez filling the role at various times. Barfield, whose natural position is second base, was considered a decent defensive player during his solid rookie campaign in 2006, when he hit .280, with a .741 on-base plus slugging percentage, 13 home runs, and 21 stolen bases. Still only 28, he has spent some time at third base, where yesterday he made two solid plays, sliding to field a short hop on a sharp ground ball in the third inning and later starting a 5-4-3 doubleplay. Barfield also went 1-for-3 with a double and is now 11-for-27 (.407) this spring.

Martinez is probably the most versatile of the candidates, having spent significant time in the Nationals system at second base, shortstop and centerfield. Yesterday, he played second base and went 2-for-4 with the homer. He is 13-for-40 (.325) with four extra-base hits in Grapefruit League play.

At least one of the remaining two spots on the bench should be filled by an outfielder, and at this point the leading contender is John Mayberry Jr., the 27-year-old former first-round draft pick who has seen a few cameos with the Phillies the past couple of seasons.

Former Pirate Delwyn Young has played second base, but the Phillies look at him more as a rightfielder. They brought him into camp on a non-guaranteed deal more for his bat than his defense. This spring, Young is 14-for-45 (.311) with a home run and two doubles.

"Those guys have all played very, very well," Amaro said. "It's good to see them compete. Orr played well, Barfield has played well, Martinez has played well, Delwyn Young has swung the bat well, although he is probably more of an outfielder than an infielder."

Amaro still has not ruled out the idea of keeping six relievers instead of the usual seven. The starting rotation has remained healthy, and if the Phillies think they will have a starter pitching into the seventh inning most nights, they could opt to keep an extra bench player. But that would require them to sacrifice a second lefty (likely Antonio Bastardo, who has allowed one hit with seven strikeouts in five scoreless innings) or a reliever capable of pitching multiple innings (likely Kyle Kendrick, prospect Michael Stutes or 2010 Rule 5 pick David Herndon).

Another dimension: Martinez must spend the entire season on the active roster or be offered back to the Nationals because of his Rule 5 status. Last year, the Phillies liked Herndon enough to keep him around, and Martinez has received a lot of positive reviews across the organization, from the coaching staff up to the front office. His ability to play shortstop, second base or centerfield helps his cause. Barfield or Young can start the season in the minors, although both are thought to have opt-out clauses in their contract if they are not on the active roster within the first few months of the season. Once they are on the active roster, they must pass through waivers before being sent back down to the minors (Valdez made it through waivers once last season before sticking with the Phillies for good). Orr and Mayberry have options, meaning the Phillies can move them between the minors and majors without fear of another team claiming them.

All of these factors will be taken into consideration when it comes time to hammer out the roster. With 2 weeks to go before the season starts, that time is drawing near.

For more Phillies coverage and opinion, read David Murphy's blog, High Cheese, at www.philly.com/HighCheese. Follow him on Twitter at

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