The Philadelphia Phillies 2013 Starting Lineup

The 2013 Philadelphia Phillies projected roster contains some stark contrasts, and some hints of how General Manager Ruben Amaro thinks they can find their way back to the playoffs after missing out last year for the first time in 6 seasons.

At 33, first baseman Ryan Howard will be the youngster in a starting infield with 34 year-olds Chase Utley at second base and Jimmy Rollins at shortstop. Michael Young, a 36 year-old former all-star acquired from the Rangers in December for prospects Lisalverto Bonilla and Josh Lindblom, will return to third base full time for the first time since 2010. They will earn a combined $62 million in 2013.

Cole Hamels will anchor a three-ace rotation featuring fellow left-handers Cliff Lee and John Lannan and right-handers Roy Halladay and Kyle Kendrick. They will earn a combined $71.5 million in 2013.

By contrast, the six outfielders (Delmon Young, John Mayberry, Jr., Ben Revere, Domonic Brown, Darin Ruf, and Laynce Nix) will earn a combined $4.05 million in 2013.

Five teams (Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland A’s, Miami Marlins, and Houston Astros) will have payrolls of $60 million or less for their entire 25-man rosters, or less than the cost of the Phillies infield or starting rotation. The average salary in the major league was $3.44 million per player, just under what the Phillies will pay for the six outfielders on their roster combined.

Amaro has put together a solid bullpen fronted by young arms the Phillies groomed in their farm system like Antonio Bastardo, B.J. Rosenberg, Tyler Cloyd, and Jake Diekman. He has backed them with free agents like setup man Mike Adams and closer Jonathon Papelbon. But clearly, Amaro is counting most on big bounce-back years from his aging rotation and his often-injured infield, with a young and inexperienced outfield now a question mark.

Here is how the lineup card Charlie Manuel fills out is likely to look on opening day in Atlanta, barring any injuries or late acquisitions:

1. 1. Jimmy Rollins, SS: Entering his 13^th full season as a Phillie, Rollins comes off a struggling 2012 season where he posted an average and an on-base percentage that were near career-lows, though he did win a 4^th Gold Glove. With Shane Victorino gone to Los Angeles, and Freddy Galvis or Ben Revere still a year or two away from being ready to lead-off, Rollins is the best option.
2. 2. Ben Revere, CF: Acquired in December for Trevor May and Vance Worley, Revere could be the lead-off hitter of the future. However, he has 22 doubles and no home runs in almost 1000 career ABs, and a career on-base percentage of .319. He needs to develop gap power, or a better eye to generate more walks.
3. 3. Chase Utley, 2B: Coming off a second consecutive half-season due to injury, Utley is healthy and will play spring training games for the first time since 2010. Headed into the final year of his contract, he could be the key to getting the offense on track.
4. 4. Ryan Howard, 1B: After missing the first half of 2012 with an Achilles injury, Howard struggled upon his return, especially against left-handers. Perhaps his years of 45 HRs and 150 RBIs are behind him, but he can still put up a 30 HR / 100 RBI season.
5. 5. Michael Young, 3B: His average and power numbers fell in 2012, but since his career season in 2005, his average has consistently followed a down year with a bounce back effort. If he can match his career averages of .301 with 16 HRs, it will be a major upgrade over the Kevin Frandsen / Placido Polanco split of 2012.
6. 6. Laynce Nix, RF: The Phillies open against the Atlanta Braves and Tim Hudson, so Nix should get the start in right. This assumes he makes the squad, and as the only veteran among a crop of young outfielders, he likely will despite a poor 2012. Delmon Young would start in right if healthy, though he is expected to start the season on the disabled list recovering from ankle surgery.
7. 7. Domonic Brown, LF: Brown is due for a breakout season, or for the Phillies to admit their mistake and give up on him. He will likely platoon with Darin Ruf, but with his speed, power, and ability to play both corner outfield positions, the opportunity is there to earn a full-time job.
8. 8. Erik Kratz, C: The Phillies top offensive weapon and primary backstop, Carlos Ruiz, is suspended the first 25 games for a failed PED test. Kratz filled in capably when Ruiz was injured in 2012, and should hold down the plate until Ruiz returns.
9. 9. Cole Hamels, P: Entering his 8^th season, Hamels officially assumes the role of ace in 2013, and with it, the start on opening day. This will also allow the Phillies to space out the three left-handers in their rotation and to start Roy Halladay in the home opener against the Kansas City Royals.

Player stats and salaries provided by BaseballReference.com.

Dave Weaver is a lifelong Phillies fan who believes winter officially ends the day pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater, regardless of what Punxatawny Phil thinks.