I'm well-aware of how wretched the weather has been back home, so I'll spare you my sob story about how the posted temperature on the scoreboard at Bright House Networks Field read 52 degrees today. But this is hardly what you expect in spring training, especially in a place like Clearwater, and it's supposed to stay unseasonably chilly through Tuesday. I'm glad I packed a jacket.Some sights and sounds that didn't make their way into Friday's newspaper.
* Every pitcher and catcher is in camp. Several position players are here, too, including 1B Ryan Howard, 2B Chase Utley, LF Pat Burrell and CF Aaron Rowand. Noticeably absent are SS Jimmy Rollins, 3B Wes Helms, RF Shane Victorino, IF Abraham Nunez and OF Jayson Werth, although they aren't required to be here until Tuesday. Werth's absence is particularly interesting. He hasn't played since 2005 because of two wrist surgeries, and unless he's still healing, you'd think he'd be here early, getting as many swings as he can.
* Third-string C Chris Coste is vying for a spot on the bench, and his biggest fan appears to be manager Charlie Manuel. "What Coste did last year definitely has to be considered," Manuel said. "He caught for us in big games down the stretch. He showed he definitely can do the job in the major leagues, and he definitely can come off the bench and hit." Manuel said Coste will get to display his versatility in spring training by playing some third base and outfield. If it's up to Manuel, Coste will make the team.
* Burrell, who played at the University of Miami, said he's already looking forward to a Feb. 28 exhibition game against rival Florida State. "This is personal for me," he said.
* Catching coach Mick Billmeyer greeted new catcher Rod Barajas (above) with a hardy, "Hola!" Barajas, a California native who makes his offseason home in Arizona and speaks perfectly fluent English, replied, "How are you?"
More tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment