Heading into the 2017 season the Phillies starting rotation is again an area of depth for the team despite Aaron Nola coming into Spring Training after surgery ended his 2016 season.  On top of resigning Jeremy Hellickson, the Phillies acquired Clay Buchholz in a trade to add in with Vincent Velasquez and Jerad Eickhoff.  Last season, Eickhoff was one of team's most consistent pitchers with a record of 11-14 in 33 starts while allowing just 0.95 Hits Per Inning and .294 On-Base Percentage Against.

CSN Philly Pre and Post Game Phillies Analyst Ricky Bottalico joined The Sports Bash on Thursday with his analysis of what the 2017 Phillies Pitching Rotation could be on Opening Day:

"I believe (Phillies Pitching Rotation) going to go something like Hellickson (then) Eickhoff because I'll tell you what (Jerad) Eickhoff showed me a lot last year.  This is a guy that came into this organization and he has made his presence felt and I think that's a huge key, he looks like nothing fazes him on the mound.  I'd put him in the two spot, I would put Buchholz third, Velasquez four right now and Nola tentative five."

Checkout what Bottalico had to say about Phillies offseason acquisitions Michael Saunders and Howie Kendrick, re-signing of Odubel Herrera and his analysis of the Closer's role

More From 97.3 ESPN