Looking at a Work Group list posted by Phuture Phillies (Thanks go out to them) we can start getting a rough idea of what our IronPig roster could look like. Keep in mind many soon to be IronPigs are still in the Phillies camp.
Group 1 contains many familiar names:
Catchers
Steve Lerud
Robert Stumpo
John Suomi
Notes – Keep in mind that Erik Kratz is still with the Phillies camp. Although a “fan petition” has been circulating to make Kratz the backup in Philly in place of Brian Schneider, I’m not sure that will happen without Schneider retiring or being released first. It is plausible though and would have a huge impact on the IronPig’s chances of success. Not sure who Stumpo is but Suomi has been a familiar face here in the Lehigh Valley. I’m still thinking we start the season with Kratz starting and Lerud as back up.
Infielders
Miguel Abreu
Albert Cartwright
Troy Hanzawa
Tug Hulett
Tim Kennelly
Cody Overbeck
Matt Rizzotti
Notes – It looks like Rizzotti could be making a case for him to play at AAA this season. With the injuries to the Phillie’s infield I’d say we might get a chance to see Hanzawa as well this year.
Outfielders
Brent Clevlen
Jiwan James
Derrick Mitchell
Mike Spidale
Steve Susdorf
Rich Thompson
Brandon Tripp
Notes – Center field at Coca Cola Park belongs to Rich Thompson. I don’t see anyone on this list other than him being a lock for the roster. Domonic Brown is going to be in left and right could be a toss up or platoon position for the season.
Pitchers
Phillippe Aumont
Tyson Brummett
Nate Bump
Dave Bush
Michael Cisco
Tyler Cloyd
Tom Cochran
Justin Friend
Jeremy Horst
Austin Hyatt
Chris Kissock
Patrick Misch
Juan Morillo
Drew Naylor
David Purcey
JC Ramirez
Brian Rosenberg
Michael Schwimer
Adam Worthington
Notes – The Phillies pitching staff has been relatively healthy and that will help solidify the IronPig’s staff. An early injury to DeFratus could keep him in extended spring training but otherwise we’ve got a lot of returners from last year. I’m expecting Stutes to stay with the Phillies.
These are my notes and thoughts. Nothing official, just a fan’s opinion. Feel free to share yours…
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
Gosewisch is still in MLB camp as well. I think there’s a strong possibility of Kratz/Gosewisch at LHV with Suomi and/or Lerud tutoring Valle at Reading.
Maybe I’ve just missed it, but I haven’t heard much from Rizzotti out of MiLB camp. Overbeck is a lock to start at first, and I’ve assumed that Rizz is the backup, but now I’m starting to doubt…
I would think 2B is a lock for Frandsen, as well, unless Luna sticks with the Phils (he has a tryout in Left Field today for one of the minor league games). Luna could be the RH bat the Phils would like off the bench. If Luna sticks and the Phils pick up a middle infielder, then put Frandsen at 3B and Orr at 2B.
SS and backup middle infielder are the big questions. Hu? Cartwright? Orr? Or a pickup here, even. Abreu played with the AA group yesterday, I think, but remains in the mix.
I still gotta think Podsednik is the guy in Right. Brown is the guy in Left, but if he proves he can field that position, he won’t be with us long. Clevlen and Montanez are the possible backups.
Elarton sent down today, so starters are lining up as:
Bump
Hyatt
Misch
Elarton
Bush
Pen looks like:
Schwimer, Aumont, Horst, Diekman(sent down today),
maybe Herndon depending on the MLB roster, DeFratus prob to DL or ext Spring as you said. Heard good things about Cisco and Cloyd, so we’ll see.
Looking forward to thoughts from Decal, as well as new of possible acquisitions either MLB or MiLB…
I think you’d have to add Justin Friend to that bullpen mix too although he could begin the season at Reading. Also Brian Sanches but you never know with some of these major league veterans. Even though he was assigned to minor league camp I’m guessing his agent is shopping his services if there’s an opt out clause in his Phillies contract. Word is the Phillies are interested in Reds infielder Paul Janish. If Cincinnati is willing to deal, they could be looking for a young bullpen arm after losing Madson for the year.
Lots of players will be sent packing from big league camps this week so don’t be surprised if someone we don’t know ends up playing an important role for the Ironpigs. Kevin Frandsen was signed last year on March 28th after being released by the Padres.
And don’t forget our old friend Joe Savery. He’s still in contention for the 2nd lefty in the Phillies bullpen but I’m betting Charlie goes with the more experienced Raul Valdes. .
Yeah, I missed on Sanches, Valdes, Savery. At least one will be in Philly, most likely.
They just said on the Phillies game on TV that Justin De Fratus threw a bullpen session today and the catcher’s mitt was really popping.
Just looking over the above I see I overlooked Derrick Mitchell. He’s 25 years old, a RH hitting outfielder who played at Reading last year and hit .265 with 19 HR & 20 SB. In 2011 he played RF & CF. Do you hold him back at Reading or see how he progresses at AAA? Remember, he’d still fall into the prospect category while some of these other guys are career minor leaguers. I’ve never seen him play, except in last year’s 222 Showcase game so I don’t know what to expect from him.
No chance of James playing anywhere but AA to start the season.
Just like there is no chance that Kratz is taking Schneider’s job.
“I still gotta think Podsednik is the guy in Right.”
It would be an idiotic decision on the Phillies part to have Podsednik at AAA. He’s outplayed Pierre and offers a lot more at this point.
If Pierre gets the job it’s simply because his opt out date is Friday and Pods is June 1st and not because of what each is still capable of.
“If Pierre gets the job it’s simply because his opt out date is Friday and Pods is June 1st and not because of what each is still capable of.”
And that’s exactly why he’ll probably get it. I agree the PodFather should be with the big Phils, but this way they hang on to both.
Right, and Pod’s already said, reportedly, that he’ll be willing to take that AAA assignment to start the season. With Pierre, also, it’s not just the opt-out but the money: They’ll have to fork over an extra $100k if they want him to accept a AAA job.