X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Philadelphia Phillies Lineup Analysis: 2014 Fantasy Baseball

2014 Philadelphia Phillies - Lineup Overview

The Phillies have a team full of veteran players whose names you are likely to recognize.  Some of these established cornerstones have more left in the tank than others.  Let’s take a look at the Phillies projected starting lineup and see whose names you will want to remember on draft day and who you will be happy you forgot.  Because much of where you would consider drafting a player depends on your needs and roster construction up to that point, I have listed my rough idea of where each player ranks for their position rather than a specific round to target them.   

 

Hitter Projections & Fantasy Analysis

1B Ryan Howard   2013 Stats: .266 AVG, 11 HR, 43 RBI, .784 OPS

Injuries have drained Howard’s production in each of the last two seasons.  His numbers last season were respectable when you consider he was sidelined in mid-July with a meniscus injury that required surgery, but he must stay healthy and get at-bats if he is going to return to fantasy relevance again.  With the Phils out of playoff contention the team decided to sit him the remainder of the season despite an initial 6-8 week timetable. 

Even if Howard can build off last season and continue to show that he has put the knee injury behind him, there are too many other dependable options at first base that have much more upside than Howard does at this point in his career.  For me Howard projects as a late round first baseman who probably shouldn’t make it on your roster except in deeper leagues or NL only formats.  

2014 Projections: .245 AVG, 19 HR, 70 RBI, .750 OPS

 

rotoballer-fantasy-baseball-advice-chase-utley

2B Chase Utley   2013 Stats: .284 AVG, 18 HR, 69 RBI, .823 OPS

One year after missing half of the season with a litany of knee problems Utley rebounded to have a productive 2013 season at second base.  He is no longer in the upper tier of second basemen, but Utley can still be a contributor for you if you miss out on the upper tier talent.  He would be an excellent utility option for your squad.  

A key to climbing the standings in fantasy baseball is to get contributions in tough categories.  Utley figures to give you average production in runs and RBI, and will give you a solid batting average with a high number of at bats.  Where Utley can help you is with his power.  He has the ability to reach 20-25 home runs from a position traditionally void of those HR numbers.  If you end up with Utley as your starter, be sure to back him up with a high upside player to complement his injury risk. 

2014 Projections: .280 AVG, 22 HR, 65 RBI, .800 OPS

 

 SS Jimmy Rollins   2013 Stats: .252 AVG, 6 HR, 39 RBI, .667 OPS

Entering his fourteenth full-time season in the big leagues Rollins is a better Major Leaguer than a fantasy player.   While veteran leaders in the clubhouse are valuable on each team, no fantasy leagues award points for inspirational speeches.  Rollins will contribute a little in each category for your fantasy team, but he doesn’t do anything well enough to be considered a plus talent.  I expect a slight bounce back, after a down 2013, but you should only expect replacement level stats from Rollins in 2014.        

2014 Projections: .268 AVG, 10 HR, 58 RBI, .700 OPS

 

3B Cody Asche    2013 Stats: .235 AVG, 5 HR, 22 RBI, .691 OPS

Asche is expected to step in as the Phillies’ starting third baseman in 2014 after Michael Young was traded away at the deadline last season.  In limited duty last season Asche was overmatched.  In his time in the minors Asche gained a reputation as a great hitter for average, but his power is still a work in progress.  You shouldn’t be calling his name on draft day just yet, but keep a close eye on him because when he adjusts to the pro game the hits will start coming.  The organization’s top prospect Maikel Franco also mans the hot corner, but he is a season or more away from the big leagues, and he has been getting some work in at first base in case Howard is sidelined long term with another injury.   

2014 Projections: .270 AVG, 16 HR, 52 RBI, .745 OPS

 

Carlos Ruiz   2013 Stats: .268 AVG, 5 HR, 37 RB, .688 OPS

After a breakout season in 2012 Ruiz had his season delayed by a PED related suspension in 2013 and he never got on track after finally returning in late April.  Ruiz will give you an above average batting average, but he is sub-par everywhere else.  If you play in a two catcher league, Ruiz is an above average 2nd catcher, but don’t expect a repeat of his 2012 campaign.                       

2014 Projections:  .280 AVG, 10 HR. 48 RBI, .745 OPS

 

LF Domonic Brown   2013 Stats: .272 AVG, 27 HR. 83 RBI, .818 OPS

After claiming Baseball America’s Top Prospect honors for the Phillies organization for three straight seasons, Brown delivered on the lofty expectations in 2013.  The twenty-six year old will hold down left field and projects as a top 20-25 outfielder in fantasy circles.  Brown had never approached the twenty-seven long balls he smacked last season, but the production could be the result of a matured approach at the plate, though a slight regression wouldn’t be a big surprise either.  Known more for his average than his power, any drop off in home runs will likely be offset by a climb in his batting average. The tall, rangy outfielder could reward his owners with a few more stolen bases like he did while working his way through the minors.                                                      

2014 Projections: .285 AVG, 24 HR, 90 RBI, .835 OPS

 

CF Ben Revere   2013 Stats: .305 AVG, 0 HR, 17 RBI, .691 OPS

After being traded to the Phils from the Twins, Revere immediately earned a starting job and spot at the top of the batting order.  Injury after injury derailed his season and he struggled to be productive despite a nice .305 batting average.  The lack of power and overall production make Revere only a late round flier for steals.  His outlook in 2014 will depend largely on his spot in the batting order.  If he claims the leadoff spot he will have much more value than if he is relegated to the bottom of the order.  I’m not spending a late round draft pick on this one trick pony.  Spend those picks on high upside lottery tickets and find some cheap steals on the waiver wire.                                                      

2014 Projections: .290 AVG, 0 HR, 35 RBI, .680 OPS

 

RF Marlon Byrd   2013 Stats: .291 AVG, 24 HR, 88 RBI, .847 OPS

The Phillies went in to the offseason looking to add a strong bat to their lineup.  Players like Nelson Cruz were on their wish list, but financial restrictions lead them to settle on thirty-six year old Marlon Byrd for a two-year deal.  Byrd is coming off a career season and it is hard to imagine him repeating last year's success.  Byrd is worth being drafted, but on the heels of his great season he will likely be overvalued.  Target him in the range of a 55-60 outfielder and don’t reach and overpay for last season’s stats.              

2014 Projections: .275 AVG, 18 HR, 68 RBI, .750 OPS

 

Overall, the Phillies offense offers little for fantasy owners to get excited about, and even less in the form of upside.  But just because they won’t have second and third year players scattered in their lineup it doesn’t mean they don’t have players that can contribute to your team.  Remember you are spending your picks on what you project the player to do this season; you are not buying a name or stats from seasons gone by. 

Next week we will take a look at what the Phillies have to offer from their pitching staff and how they need to fit in to your fantasy plans.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Marvin Mims Jr.

Could be on Track for First 1,000-Yard Season
Jaylen Johnson

Chargers Place Jaylen Johnson on PUP List
Dereck Lively II

Undergoes Right-Foot Surgery Tuesday
Kendrick Bourne

Kayshon Boutte Fighting for Final Spots
Isaiah Collier

Logs a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Monday
DeMario Douglas

Kyle Williams "Locks" for Receiving Corps
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Finalizing Massive Extension
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Expected to Ease Anthony Richardson Sr. Back in
Devin Carter

Posts 17 Points Versus Suns
Bronny James Jr.

Scores 17 Points in Summer League Loss
Terry McLaurin

Undecided on Whether he Will Report to Training Camp
Colston Loveland

Says his Shoulder is 100 Percent
Harrison Ingram

has Impressive Outing Against Jazz
Sam Williams

has Potential to be Elite Edge Rusher
Shemar Stewart

Considering Going Back to College?
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Want Jahmyr Gibbs "More Involved" in Passing Game
Jordan Addison

Could be Facing Three-Game Suspension
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Kyle Filipowski

Records 35-Point Double-Double Against Spurs
Kel'el Ware

Dominates Against Celtics
Kon Knueppel

Gets Going Monday
Matas Buzelis

Puts Up 28 Points in Win Over Pacers
Reed Sheppard

Shut Down for Rest of Summer League
Paul George

Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Najee Harris

Likely to Miss Time at Start of Training Camp
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Collin Morikawa

Misses The Cut at Genesis Scottish Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Finishes Tied For 13th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooks Koepka

Finishes Tied For 32nd at LIV Andalucia
Tommy Fleetwood

Finishes Tied For 34th at Genesis Scottish Open
Jason Day

Misses The Cut at John Deere Classic
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Cam Taylor-Britt

has Benefited From Addition of Al Golden
Rome Odunze

Could Take Off in Year 2
RJ Harvey

to Get "Significant" Work in Broncos' Passing Game
Jackson Powers-Johnson

More Comfortable Heading into Year 2
Luke McCaffrey

In Line for Larger Role?
Braelon Allen

Jets Viewing Braelon Allen as Long-Term Starter?
Joel Embiid

Participating in Partial Basketball Activities
Victor Wembanyama

Officially Cleared to Return After Blood-Clot Recovery
Mike Williams

Heading to PUP List
Garrett Wilson

Lands Historic Deal
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Kel'el Ware

Collects 21 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Cam Spencer

Contract Being Restructured
Drew Timme

Scores 30 Points in Summer League Loss to Wizards
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Alexandre Sarr

Logs Impressive Outing in Summer League Action on Sunday
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Kyle Filipowski

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss to Warriors
Cody Williams

Collects 22 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Boston Celtics

Damian Lillard Drawing Interest from the Celtics
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Kyle Stowers

Punishes Former Team with Three-Homer Game
St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals Select Liam Doyle with Fifth Overall Pick
Daniel Gafford

Agrees to Contract Extension with Dallas
Colorado Rockies

Rockies Select Ethan Holliday Fourth Overall
Seattle Mariners

Kade Anderson Selected Third Overall by Seattle
Ha-Seong Kim

X-rays on Ha-Seong Kim's Foot Come Back Negative
Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Bremner Selected Second Overall by Angels in 2025 MLB Draft
Washington Nationals

Nationals Select Eli Willits First Overall
Jake Meyers

to Miss More Than Three Weeks With Calf Injury
Edward Cabrera

Hopeful to Avoid Injured List
Oneil Cruz

Absent on Sunday
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF