things to consider…

Tom Gordon

If Lidge is not ready to go by opening day, Tom Gordon will step in to the Phillies’ closer role. Gordon does have experience closing, 34 saves in 2006, but is now 40 years old and his skills declined last year

Barry Zito

Zito was pounded by his ex-team. The A’s blasted him for 8 runs in just 2/3 of an inning on Saturday. When the Giants signed him to a mega-dollar, long-term deal prior to last season, they thought they were getting an ace, when in reality he has just decent skills,

Geoff Jenkins and Jayson Werth

Geoff Jenkins and Jayson Werth are competing for playing time as the Phillies right fielder. The situation could turn into a straight platoon

Carlos Delgado

Delgado is already battling a minor ailment, a sore hip. An MRI came back negative and he is only expected to be out for a couple of days. Still, at his age, 35 years old, body type, and injury history over the last couple of years, there should be concern about his ability to stay healthy this year. Perhaps a bigger concern is the noticeable drop-off in power, 2005/2006/2007 home runs of 33/38/24 and doubles of 41/30/30. Coming off of a fractured in his left hand, suffered last September, and with his age, don’t expect the power to return to previous levels.

Jack Cust

In 7 plate appearances on Friday and Saturday, Cust hit two home runs, two doubles, and walked 3 times. Cust has amazing power, 26 home runs in 395 AB last year, and a strong ability to take a walk, 21% BB%. However he also swings and misses a lot, 58% Ct%, the worst of any major leaguer with regular playing time. Even Dave Kingman made much better contact. If you roster Cust, you will get serious power,

Mike Hampton

 According to an AP report, Hampton was sharp and struck out his first batter, Michael Bourne, on four pitches. He allowed only one single in two innings and only went to two balls on one batter. Even though he has plenty of candidates for a fifth starter role, Cox made it clear he expects Hampton to get the nod.

Tom Gorzelanny

He is still not 100% but as the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports, “Tom Gorzelanny took a deep breath and, in turn, allowed the Pirates to do likewise. After two erratic pitches and a brief pause to collect himself, Gorzelanny, making his spring debut after being delayed by left shoulder soreness, delivered a quality first inning yesterday in the 7-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at McKechnie Field.