Decisions Decisions Decisions

Much has to be answered in the next month of spring training. There are three main issues that need to be resolved.

First off, the Phillies need to decide who will fill in the bench spots on their roster. This is a question that they face every year but this year is somewhat different. We got to see some of the options play last year due to injuried to Rowand and Lieberthal. We know Bourne and Roberson have speed but who will step up and show us he can hit and make the team. Will Coste be in the majors again this year and serve as a utility man? Also there are decisions to be made in the bullpen. Can Alfonseca still throw like he did in years past and be a veteran leader in the pen? Many decisions will be made in the next month concerning roster spots and who will fill them.

The second question that must be answered is where Jon Lieber will be on April 2nd. Will he be in the starting rotation, the bullpen, or on another ball club. I personally would like to see him dealt for a reliever. Many say keep him in the bullpen. That's like asking a plumber to fix your electric. He's not a guy who I see having success out of the bullpen. Go out and get a decent reliever, even if its not a top name. Heck we gave guys away for nothing last year (Abreu), deal him to a non-divisional team for a work horse in the pen.

The last question that needs attention is rotation order. While I am not big on where a buy pitches in a rotation, I still think it means something. Having a righty, lefty, righty, lefty, righty combination would be the best case scenario here. Myers, Hamels, Garcia, Moyer, and Eaton would be a nice combo. Hitters would have to face a different angle each night and would throw off rhythm of the opponents.

The Phillies should have their hands full this spring and hopefully will make sound decisions. Charlie Manuel's squad has a lot to prove this year and it should be an exciting one.