Hello, again, from the press room at Bright House Networks Field. Other than the media, the ballpark has emptied out. Today was a shorter day for the Phillies, which is good since the national media will descend on Clearwater tomorrow for a 1 p.m. news conference with Ryan Howard. Of course, we'll have full coverage in the News Journal and at www.delawareonline.com.Speaking of the Big Guy, he's been here for several days, well ahead of Tuesday's deadline for position players to report. After today's workout, Howard, RHP Brett Myers and OF Michael Bourn were playing catch with a football in the clubhouse. The sight of Howard in a royal blue, No. 19 retro Johnny Unitas jersey made me think he'd have made a pretty intimidating football player, although the Phillies are certainly happy he preferred baseball.
Chris Coste developed into the best story of spring training last year, going from anonymity to nearly making the team and later getting recalled in May. Last year, Coste wore No. 67 in spring training. That number is now being worn by RHP Joe Bisenius, who may have a chance to make the team as a reliever. Bisenius is a better bet to start at triple-A Ottawa, but he's probably going to pitch for the Phillies at some point this season. "I told Bisenius that 67 is the lucky number," Coste said, "but something tells me he won't need luck."
Finally, strange stat of the day: RHP Adam Eaton has five career stolen bases. That's as many as LF Pat Burrell , three more than 3B Wes Helms and four more than C Rod Barajas.
Still chilly here today, but at least the sun came out. Phillies PR chief Larry Shenk, a Wilmington resident, even broke out the Delaware Blue Hens sweatshirt. I expect we may see some more position players trickle in tomorrow.
That's all for now.
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