When you're the two-time defending National League Champions, there's usually not too much expected from minor league prospects when you get to big league camp in March. That is the case for the Philadelphia Phillies, who have only a few minor holes to fill, but may fill them with prospects, as Andy Martino reports.
The Phillies will be looking at a will be watching the battle between lefties Sergio Escalona and Antonio Bastardo to see who will replace last year's LOOGY Scott Eyre in the bullpen. Starting pitcher Andrew Carpenter will battle for the 5th spot in the rotation with holdovers Kyle Kendrick and Jamie Moyer. And of course, all eyes will be on the newly arrived trio of Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies, and Juan Ramirez to see how soon the Phillies will be able to justify their casting-off of Cliff Lee.
On a non-pressing note for the 2010 season, 2008 1st round pick Anthony Hewitt, who was a short stop in high school and moved to 3B in his first professional season, has now officially moved to the OF. Hewitt has been a bust so far, but the Phillies remain tantalized with his tremendous talent, and hope that a shift to a less-stressful defensive position will allow Hewitt to focus on become a more complete hitter.
