Mar. 30 -- PREDICTING THE ROSTER

BY SCOTT LAUBER

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, after this morning's moves, there are only 28 players left in camp but still seemingly a million possibilities for the Phillies to construct their season-opening roster. You know what that means: Lots of huddling among front-office types and the coaching staff. Regardless of what happens, one thing is becoming clear: The roster on Opening Night won't stay static for long.

Here are a few of the many options:

Option A: J.A. Happ wins the No. 5 starter spot, but because the Phillies have three days off in the season's first eight days and won't absolutely need a fifth starter until April 20, he opens the season in triple-A (or extended spring training). In addition to keeping Happ's arm stretched out, it would allow the Phillies to carry infielder Miguel Cairo, whose contract stipulates he can be released if he isn't on the 25-man roster by Opening Night. It also would buy the Phillies more time to find a taker for Geoff Jenkins or Matt Stairs. In that scenario, Chan Ho Park would open the season as a multi-inning reliever, and the Phillies would carry 11 pitchers until they need Happ to make a start.

Option B: Happ wins the No. 5 starter spot and breaks camp with the team, and Park opens in the bullpen. In that case, the Phillies' roster would be set (12 pitchers, 13 position players), and Cairo wouldn't make the team unless Jenkins or Stairs is dealt before Opening Night.

Option C: Chan Ho Park wins the No. 5 starter spot, and Happ opens in the bullpen. Same scenario as Option B. The roster would be full, and barring a trade, Cairo would be out.

Option D: Park wins the No. 5 starter spot, but because of the three days off, begins the season in the bullpen. Happ opens the season as a starter in triple-A, and the Phillies carry 11 pitchers until they need Park to make a start. That would allow Cairo to make the team. Alternatively, they could release Cairo, carry 12 pitchers and give the last bullpen spot to Gary Majewski.

There are other scenarios, too. Several scouts said yesterday that the Phillies are actively pursuing a trade for a right-handed hitter, which would throw everything out of whack. But we'll worry about that if/when it happens.

Meanwhile, I'm cracking open a bottle of Advil. All of these roster possibilities have given me a headache.

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