2007 Phillies Projected Lineup

2007 Philadelphia Phillies

Batting Order

1. SS Jimmy Rollins
2. RF Shane Victorino
3. 2B Chase Utley
4. 1B Ryan Howard
5. LF Pat Burrell
6. CF Aaron Rowand
7. 3B Wes Helms
8. C Rod Barajas

Manager Charlie Manuel won't have to fiddle with the top four batters, but the No. 5 spot may be problematic if Burrell isn't productive. Burrell likely will bounce back at the plate this year, but his chronic foot problems should give pause to anyone considering drafting him. He's not a good enough bet for 550 at-bats to be worthy of a $20 investment in NL-only leagues. If the Phillies need to find extra protection for Howard, they could flip-flop Utley and Howard in the lineup.

The Phillies believe they strengthened the bottom of the lineup by signing free agents Helms and Barajas. Barajas figures to get the majority of the starts over Carlos Ruiz initially. He could be good for 15-20 homers while playing half his games in Citizens Bank Park. Rowand, who suffered two severe injuries last season, could see a spike in his numbers.

Rotation

Freddy Garcia
Brett Myers
Cole Hamels
Jamie Moyer
Adam Eaton or Jon Lieber

Few pitchers have been more durable than Garcia and Myers, a pair of power-armed workhorses. Ultimately, Hamels may be the most talented of the bunch, and the Phillies think he's a future ace. They'll have to watch Hamels closely, though. He threw 181 1/3 innings last season after tossing a total of just 152 over the previous three seasons due to injuries.

At the back of the rotation, Moyer has made 26 or more starts in every season since 1995 and has 216 career victories. Lieber has been dangled as trade bait for relief help, but if he breaks camp with the Phillies, Eaton could go to the bullpen.

Closer: Tom Gordon