Phils roster set

The roster is set and the start of the regular season is almost here.

The Phillies announced their final opening day roster for the 2011 season today.

No major surprises.  Here is the breakdown:

Starters: Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard, Wilson Valdez, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Ben Francisco.

Bench: Brian Schneider, Michael Martinez, Pete Orr, Ross Gload, John Mayberry Jr.

Starting pitchers: Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton.

Relievers: Jose Contreras, Danys Baez, David Herndon, Kyle Kendrick, Ryan Madson, Antonio Bastardo, J.C. Romero.

The starting lineup is missing two key players from last years lineup - Chase Utley, who will begin the season on the DL and Jayson Werth, who signed with the Washington Nationals.

Wilson Valdez will see the bulk of the time at second base.  He did an admirable job filling in for Jimmy Rollins last year.

The Phillies lineup will look much different and certainly be a lot less intimidating. 

Rollins will be the key.  If he can get on and wreak havoc, the Phils will be ok.

Ben Francisco won the rightfield job with a good spring.  Domonic Brown was in the mix before a hand inury ended his spring.

Surprisingly, the talk about the Phillies has not centered around their starting pitching staff.  This is mainly due to injuries, none of which are to their starters - thank goodness.

On paper, the Phillies staff rivals some of the best staffs all time.  It's a good thing because they are going to have to carry this team.  The Phillies will be in a lot of close games and will need their starters to go 7-8 innings on a consistent basis, especially while the await the return of Utley.

The bench looks solid.  John Mayberry Jr. had a nice spring and will provide pop off the bench as a right handed batter.  Ross Gload is an excellent pinch hitter.  Michael Martinez and Pete Orr were not expected to make the team, but both had good springs and add nice depth to the Phillies infield.

Brad Lidge is missing from the bullpen, as he is out 3-6 weeks.  Jose Contreras will take over as the closer, but don't be surprised if Ryan Madson gets a few opportunities.

Kyle Kendrick moves from a starting role to a long man out of the pen and David Herndon had a good spring.

Surprisingly, Mike Stutes, who was outstanding, did not make the team.  He will see time with the big league club at some point this season.

We are only two games away from games counting.

The roster is set and the hopes are high.