Philadelphia Phillies 2016 Fantasy Outlook

Mar 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) at bat against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia Phillies 2016 Fantasy Outlook

The Phillies are trying to rebuild, but they still have the albatross of Ryan Howard hanging around. That said, they have a bumper crop of youngsters close to making an impact in the majors. How soon will that happen?

Philadelphia Phillies 2016 Projected Starting Lineup:

C: Cameron Rupp (.233, 9HR, 28RBI)/Carlos Ruiz (.211, 2HR, 22RBI)
1B: Ryan Howard (.229, 23HR, 77RBI)
2B: Cesar Hernandez (.272, 1HR, 35RBI, 19SB)
SS: Freddy Galvis (.263, 7HR, 50RBI, 10SB)
3B: Maikel Franco (.280, 14HR, 50RBI)
LF: Cody Asche (.245, 12HR, 39RBI)
CF: Odubel Herrera (.297, 8HR, 41RBI, 16SB)
RF: Peter Bourjos (.200, 4HR, 13RBI, 5SB with STL)

Rupp seems to be the starter over veteran Carlos Ruiz…..at least for now. He is worth a flier in leagues of 12 or more teams. Rupp flashed some power last year, but he is still going to lose starts to Ruiz more than other starting catchers will.

Howard still has enough power to be of interest to those of us that play in leagues of 12 or more teams. He is cheap power late in drafts. He wont hit .280 anymore. He likely wont even hit .240, but if you need power, it is usually worth the sacrifice in average in deeper leagues.

There is a chance that Galvis could be moved to second base when J.P. Crawford makes the jump. At any rate, both Hernandez and Galvis are only useful in deeper leagues. Hernandez in particular could be a sneaky source of steals there.

Franco has had a good spring, and he is one of the guys I have pegged for a breakout year. I have been taking him in any draft I can when he is around in the 10th round or so. I like Franco a lot this year.

Asche moved to left field to make room for Franco at third base. He isn’t quite the hitter that the Phillies thought he would be, but he is still useful in deeper leagues. There is room for improvement as well.

Herrera is a good hitter with good speed and some pop. He is a solid pick at the end of standard drafts. I like the upside enough to keep him around for a little while. He could end up being a steal if he reaches his potential.

Bourjos is just keeping the seat warm for Nick Williams. Bourjos likely is no better than a fourth outfielder. He has a decent power/speed combo, but he needs to raise the average and become more consistent. He is worth looking at in deep leagues, but he may hurt you as much as he helps.

Next: How Will The Rotation Shape Up?

Mar 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia Phillies 2016 Projected Pitching Rotation:

Jeremy Hellickson (9-12, 4.62 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 121K in 146 IP with ARI)
Aaron Nola (6-2, 3.59 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 68K in 77.2 IP)
Charlie Morton (9-9, 4.81 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 96K in 129 IP with PIT)
Jerad Eickhoff (3-3, 2.65 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 49K in 51 IP)
Vince Velasquez (1-1, 4.37 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 58K in 55.2 IP with HOU)
David Hernandez (1-5, 4.28 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 33K in 33.2 IP 0/0 saves with ARI)

The Phillies’ rotation is in flux right now. Hellickson is the “ace”, but I wouldn’t touch him in any league right now. Maybe as a spot starter in deep leagues, but that’s a big maybe. I feel the same about Morton.

Nola is worth a back of the rotation spot in leagues of 12 or more teams, and even some bigger roster standard leagues. He can hold his own in the majors, and puts up solid numbers. Same with Eickhoff. He was a hot pickup last year, and I would even take a flier on him in standard leagues at the end of the draft.

Velasquez is a wild card. He has a lot of potential, but he is going to have some growing pains along the way. He is best left for deeper leagues right now until he shows he is ready.

Hernandez could be a decent closer, but he also might not be. I would wait and see with the whole Phillies bullpen right now. If you take Hernandez, take him late.

Next: What Prospects Are Worth Watching?

Mar 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop J.P. Crawford (77) against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

We will take a look at a few prospects that could crack the majors for the Phillies this year, and in what type of leagues you should be looking for them in. There are plenty! Let’s get started!

J.P. Crawford, SS: Crawford is the number 5 prospect in all of baseball, and should be up with the Phillies sometime this year. He is a great defender, and should be able to hit well enough in the majors to stick in the lineup. He will be plucked in the middle rounds of all dynasty leagues. Those of you in deep leagues should pick him up if he gets the call. He could end up helping quite a bit. Keep an eye on him in all other leagues.

Jake Thompson, RHP: There are a couple of shaky spots in the rotation. If that continues and Thompson pitches like he did last year (5-1, 1.80 ERA at AA), he will be up by June. If he is, you deep leaguers should take a shot on him.

Nick Williams, OF: Williams will likely take over for Bourjos if he struggles. Williams is a good hitter (.303, 17HR, 55RBI in the minors last year) and can help those of you in leagues of 12 or more teams. Watch this one closely.

Mark Appel, RHP: Getting out of Houston could be the best thing for Appel. He will start the season at AAA, but he has the best shot of any prospect to hit the majors early. He should be on everyone’s watch list, and if you have a deep bench, stash him. Appel still has all the tools to be an ace.

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