Feb. 19 -- LOWDOWN ON DICE-K

Good morning and happy Monday. The weather is slowly warming here in Clearwater, and by tomorrow, it may actually reach 70 degrees. That's more like it!

Wanted to pass along this nugget: Karim Garcia reported to camp to take his physical and batting practice on Bright House Networks Field. Garcia, vying to be the Phillies' fifth outfielder, played in Japan for the past two seasons and offered this scouting report on Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Red Sox sensation who has been getting so much attention down the road in Fort Myers: "He can throw every pitch for a strike," Garcia said. "I know he throws five pitches. We played in the same league [in Japan], so I had to unfortunately face his team at least 19 times a year. He throws 7-8 innings, strong arm, is very competitive. He doesn’t give you too much to hit. I think he will be very successful over here. He has experience over there. His record kind of shows it. Of course, this is the major leagues. I think he’s going to do good. He throws everything. Forkball, slider, change-up."

And, of course, there's his trademark "gyroball" we've been hearing so much about.

More after BP.