2014 Phillies Opening Day Lineup

The Phillies get the 2014 season going today against the Texas Rangers in Arlington. Here's the Phillies Opening Day Line Up.

Leading off, in center field is Ben Revere (2013 Topps Allen & Ginter #14)

Revere was supposed to be a major force for the Phillies last year but he ended up being hurt most of the season. He hit .294 in 21 games in Spring Training.

Batting second, shortstop Jimmy Rollins (2014 Topps #312)

 

It's hard to believe but J-Roll starts his 14th season with the Phillies.  As often as not, he's the spark plug that makes the Phillies go. He had a slow spring, only batting .173 with 3 home runs in 19 games.

Batting third, at second base, Chase Utley (2014 Donruss #62)

Utley, starting his 12th season with the Phillies, also had a slow spring, hitting .217 in 21 games. The important thing is that he's healthy.

Batting cleanup, as usual is Ryan Howard at first base (2014 Topps Opening Day #203)

After 2 injury plagued seasons, the Phillies need Howard healthy this year.

Batting fifth, in right field is former Phillie Marlon Byrd (2014 Donruss #151)

Byrd, in is 13th season played for the Phillies from 2002-2005. He's traveled quite a bit since then. His last two seasons, with the Mets and Pirates were pretty good. The Phillies must think Byrd has something to offer since the signed him to a 3-year $24MM contract. He hit .298 with 2 home runs and 8 rbis in 21 games in spring training.

Batting 6th, as the DH is Domonic Brown (2013 Topps Heritage #135)

Brown is the guy we're all waiting for to bust out. He .272 with 27 home runs in 2013, but looks to have had a terrible spring.

Batting 7th and catching is Carlos Ruiz (2013 Bowman Gold #311)

Carlos lost a lot of games last year after failing a drug test. Let's hope that is all behind him. He is one of the best catchers in baseball.

Batting 8th is third baseman Cody Asche (2014 Topps Red Target #4)

Asche opened some eyes as a replacement 3rd baseman last season after the Phillies gave up on Michael Young. He didn't have an impressive spring but he's got the starting third base job anyway.

Batting 9th, of all people, is Tony Gwynn Jr. playing left field (2012 Topps #284)

Junior is not exactly his daddy. In 7 years he has a .232 average and 6 home runs. He spent last year in the minors where he hit .300. The Phillies signed him as a free agent last December. He had a decent spring.

Opening Day pitcher Cliff Lee (2013 Topps Allen & Ginter Relics)

Lee is coming off a 14-8 season with an ERA of 2.87. He pitched 24 innings with a 2.55 ERA this spring.