Opening Day

The Phillies open up their season today against the Pittsburgh Pirates. They’ll toss the good doctor, Roy Halladay, on the mound against the left-handed Erik Bedard. Exactly what their starting lineup will look like is anybody’s guess.

Charlie Manuel has been very hush about his lineup, but we can makes some guesses from things he’s said this spring. Manuel has said that he would be hesitant to use Thome against lefties, which makes me think that John Mayberry Jr. could be a probable for the start. JMJ hasn’t had the best spring but Uncle Charlie has also said that Mayberry would be given an opportunity to play his way into an everyday role.

Freddy Galvis, with the help of some injuries (Utley, M. Martinez), has played his way into a starting spot at second base. He brings a stellar glove to the infield and has shown some pop this spring. I’m interested to see what he can do in the regular season.

Laynce Nix can also be counted out of the equation, he’s done poorly against lefties in his career and last year he received only 28 at-bats against them, hitting .228. Charlie also seems to have taken a liking the speedy veteran, Juan Pierre. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tosses him at the top of the lineup.

Here’s my guess at what the starting lineup will look like:

1.       J. Pierre LF

2.       P. Polanco 3B

3.       S. Victorino CF

4.       H. Pence RF

5.       J. Mayberry Jr. 1B

6.       J. Rollins SS

7.       C. Ruiz C

8.       F. Galvis 2B

9.       R. Halladay P