The Final Roster & Starters Named

The final roster does not include Eric Bruntlett, Clay Condrey, or Tyler Walker. Instead, it will feature Miguel Cairo, Antonio Bastardo, and Kyle Kendrick.

A year ago, Bruntlett scored the game winning run in game five of the World Series. Bruntlett highlighted this season with an unassisted triple play, but that couldn’t overshadow his .171 average. Clay Condrey had a 3.00 ERA, but was plagued with injuries all season. For awhile, it looked like Tyler Walker earned a spot on the postseason roster, but he fell apart at the end of the season.

Miguel Cairo made a strong push in the last two weeks of the season. Cairo batted .267 overall, and ended the season 5-for-13 (.385) with a homer. The Phillies made an interesting move by adding rookie Antonio Bastardo to the roster. The Phillies are in need of a left-handed pitcher. Bastardo will likely be in the same role that J.A Happ was in last year. Bastardo breezed through the farm system, but went 2-3 with an ERA over six with the big club.

Kyle Kendrick does not forget 2007 when he started against the Rockies in the NLDS. Charlie Manuel pulled him, in what many felt to be too soon. He’ll be given another opportunity, but out of the bullpen this time. He pitched well in Triple-A this season, and had a 3.42 ERA in the majors this year.

Cliff Lee was tabbed for game one of the series. Cole Hamels will start game two. Joe Blanton and J.A Happ will likely be available in the bullpen for the first two games. It is unsure as to what Pedro Martinez's role will be, but he will likely pitch out of the bullpen.

In other news, J.C Romero will need surgery. He will miss 3-4 months. In Rockies news, Jorge De La Rosa will not pitch in the NLDS.

Blog of Note: Phillies Phanatics had a round table discussion. I was part of the discussion with several other Phillies bloggers. Check it out!