March 31 -- DICE ROLL

Daisuke Matsuzaka's line: 4 IP, 2 H, 3 R/ER, 4 BB, 7 K. He threw 82 pitches, 51 strikes, and gave up a two-run homer to Pat Burrell.

Now, the reaction ...

* Charlie Manuel said he expected to see more giddy-up on Dice-K's fastball. That said, he was impressed by the number of different pitches Dice-K threw, at least four by Charlie's count. From the dugout, Manuel thought Dice-K's fastball, slider and changeup were better than his curveball. He didn't detect anything resembling the mythical "gyroball."

* Jimmy Rollins said the "gyroball" -- or something like it -- does exist. He described it as a "split-changeup wrapped into one" and said it knuckles as it reaches the plate. "It's real close to a split, but it breaks the other way," he said. How did Rollins handle the strange pitch? "I fouled it off," he said.

* Aaron Rowand also recognized a funky pitch from Dice-K but described it as a "screwball-change." And Ryan Howard, who struck out looking against Matsuzaka in the third inning, characterized the odd pitch as a "knuckle-split."

Asked if he thought Matsuzaka would be effective in the majors, Rollins said, "The season will tell."

Couple of other notes from today: Just like at Bright House Networks Field, the Phillies have painted "VUK" in the third-base coach's box as a tribute to late coach John Vukovich. It will remain for at least the first three games of the season against Atlanta. ... No word on the final roster spot. Manuel met with the front office and coaching staff after the game. The roster doesn't have to be set until 3 p.m. tomorrow.

And, on that note, I'm heading home.

March 31 -- WHAT'S THE DL?

Greetings from Citizens Bank Park. Good to be back, although it's a little chillier here than in Clearwater!

As you probably read in today's paper, RHP Freddy Garcia (right biceps tendinitis) and RHP Jon Lieber (strained oblique) will open the season on the DL. How long Garcia will be there is still a mystery, although I'm hoping to have more information on that later. Also, no word yet on whether C/INF Chris Coste (strained right hamstring) will go on the DL. My bet is he won't. Coste (right) is scheduled to fly here today, and even though he had only 18 major-league at-bats in spring training, I'm hearing that he'll be on the opening-day roster as the final bench player. Then, whenever Garcia is ready to return, the Phillies could always send Coste to Triple-A to get more regular playing time.

But, of course, nothing has been made official yet. The Phillies have until 3 p.m. tomorrow to set their roster.

Red Sox have their opening-day lineup starting today against RHP Adam Eaton. That includes DH David Ortiz and LF Manny Ramirez in their familiar 3-4 spots. For anyone who doubts the existence of lineup protetction, these two should serve as the proof. Phillies lineup against RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (Dice-K) looks like this: SS Jimmy Rollins, CF Aaron Rowand, 2B Chase Utley, 1B Ryan Howard, LF Pat Burrell, DH Wes Helms, RF Ron Calloway, 3B Abraham Nunez, C Rod Barajas.

More later, including a Dice-K update.

March 30 -- UNFAMILIAR FACES

If you're heading out to Citizens Bank Park tonight or tomorrow to watch the Phillies face the Red Sox, here are a few things you should know:

* You may see some unfamiliar names and faces on the field for the Phillies. RHP Joe Bisenius (left), OF Ron Calloway and IF Brent Abernathy have traveled here for the games, but they're expected to be assigned to Triple-A Ottawa after the weekend. Also, minor-league RHP Ryan Cameron, RHP Kyle Kendrick, RHP Julio De La Cruz and IF Carlos Leon made the trip, even though none will be on the Phillies' opening-day roster. Bisenius, in particular, is worth watching. He's had an excellent spring, and if the Phillies need to bolster their bullpen early in the season, he's their best in-house option.

*Still looking to get tickets for the games? Tonight is your best bet. As of yesterday, the Phillies were expecting 25,000 to 29,000 fans tonight, 37,000 to 42,000 tomorrow. But, if you want to catch a glimpse of Daisuke Matsuzaka tomorrow, tickets are still available. And there are always standing-room tickets.

March 30 -- RELIEF ON THE WAY?

Sorry for not posting a blog entry after the Phillies' 5-5 tie against the Pirates, but I had to rush out of McKechnie Field and drive from Bradenton to Tampa to make an 8:20 p.m. flight. Made it in plenty of time, had a great flight on Southwest Airlines, and I must say, it's nice to be back home.

One quick note to pass along as we brace for the Red Sox and Dice-K Mania at Citizens Bank Park this weekend: the Phillies have inquired about trading for right-hander Francisco Rosario from the Blue Jays. Rosario, 26, is a hard-throwing reliever and long-time prospect in the Jays' farm system. He's had control problems throughout his career, but he also has electric stuff. Right now, Rosario is competing for a spot in a Jays' bullpen that includes closer B.J. Ryan, Jason Frasor, Scott Downs and likely Jeremy Accardo, Shaun Marcum, Casey Janssen and either Victor Zambrano or Josh Towers. Toronto already assigned Brian Tallet to Triple-A Syracuse. Rosario is out of options and would need to clear waivers to go to the minors. That said, if Rosario doesn't make the team, the Jays would prefer to trade him, even for a lower-level prospect, than lose him for nothing.

Oh, and Phillies special advisor Dallas Green scouted Rosario earlier this week.

Stay tuned.

March 29 -- WHAT'S THE SETUP?

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Here's a look at McKechnie Field, spring home of the Pirates. We're about an hour south of Clearwater, having left Bright House Networks Field in our rear-view mirror this morning, not to return until next February. This is an older ballpark (the Pirates have trained here for 39 years), but it's well-maintained. Long hike to the press box, though.

The only news to report from a pregame talk with Charlie Manuel is that RHP Ryan Madson likely will be the Phillies' first choice to be the setup man. He's pitched well this spring, posting a 1.86 ERA in eight appearances. But Manuel hasn't made any final decision, and I'm certain Geoff Geary (4.32 ERA) and Antonio Alfonseca (6.14) will have plenty of opportunities to pitch the eighth inning.

Today's lineup includes Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, though I'm sure they'll only get an at-bat or two. Jimmy Rollins, Wes Helms and Aaron Rowand aren't in the starting lineup.

More later.

March 29 -- LAST CALL

Good morning, for the last time in 2007, from Clearwater!

Hard to believe, but today marks the final day of the Florida portion of spring training. The Phillies will travel about an hour to Bradenton to face the Pirates, then fly home tonight to prepare for two exhibition games against the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Me? I'm heading home after today's game, too. Hopefully it's not too cold back home. It's easy to get used to 85 degrees and sunshine!

Needless to say, the Phillies roster won't be settled until over the weekend, when the team receives more definitive reports on injured pitchers Freddy Garcia (right biceps tendinitis) and Jon Lieber (strained muscle in right side) and catcher/infielder Chris Coste (strained right hamstring). If they all start on the disabled list, the Phillies have only 24 players with solid roster spots, and that includes rookie OF Michael Bourn, utility man Greg Dobbs and rookie RHP Zack Segovia. Of course, the final player may be someone we don't know about yet, someone the Phillies will acquire in the hours prior to Sunday's 3 p.m. deadline to file their opening-day roster.

LHP J.A. Happ goes for the Phillies today against the Pirates. For those going to CBP over the weekend, LHP Cole Hamels will face the Red Sox tomorrow night, followed by RHP Adam Eaton on Saturday.

More later from Bradenton.

March 28 -- ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

Side-arming RHP Jim Ed Warden, picked in the Rule 5 draft in December, has cleared waivers and been reclaimed by the Indians, his old team. Warden had never pitched above Double-A and didn't do enough in spring training (5.68 ERA in 6.1 innings) to convince the Phillies he could pitch in the majors. The Phils spent $50,000 to acquire Warden but recouped $25,000 when the Indians took him back. That leaves Tom Gordon, Antonio Alfonseca, Ryan Madson, Geoff Geary, Matt Smith and Clay Condrey with bullpen spots. For now, it looks like the last spot may go to RHP Zack Segovia, who would be an insurance policy if Freddy Garcia can't make his first start. Of course, the Phillies could still fill out their bullpen by picking up a reliever in a trade or with a waiver claim. And, as you know by now, I think something will happen by Opening Day.

GAME UPDATE: 5-0 Phillies in the fifth inning. Brett Myers is cruising. Ryan Howard, stuck in a 1-for-25 slump, isn't in the lineup today. Good day to take a rest, especially with tough D-Rays LHP Scott Kazmir on the mound.

March 28 -- DAY 42: GARCIA RELEASED

In a surprise move, the Phillies released OF Karim Garcia this morning, indicating he wasn't going to receive enough at-bats to be productive. Garcia batted .305 with one home run and seven RBIs this spring.

In some ways, it seems the Phillies didn't want to repeat their mistake with David Dellucci. When they acquired Dellucci one day before the season-opener last year, they envisioned him as a left-handed hitter off the bench. But being a bench player isn't easy. Dellucci needed more than a few at-bats per week to be productive, and it wasn't until later in the season, when Aaron Rowand got injured and Bobby Abreu got traded, that Dellucci began hitting more consistently. Charlie Manuel managed Garcia with the Indians in 2001 and 2002 and said he thinks Garcia needs 250 to 300 at-bats to be productive.

Barring the 11th-hour trade that I still think is possible, releasing Garcia all but guarantees a spot for INF/OF Greg Dobbs and OF Michael Bourn. As I wrote in today's News Journal, C/INF Chris Coste (hamstring) probably will have to open the season on the disabled list. But when Coste is healthy, the release of Garcia may mean he has a spot on the team. The Phillies want to make sure Bourn gets regular at-bats, and unless Rowand gets traded, he'll get more at-bats at Triple-A than in the majors.

March 28 -- TRADE WINDS

Good morning.

A few moments after last night's game ended, I passed GM Pat Gillick on a stairway that leads from the box seats to the Phillies' third-floor executive office at Bright House. He was moving quickly and seemed deep in thought, and it made me wonder if something was afoot on the trade front.

After all, the Marlins swung a deal Monday to acquire hard-throwing RHP Jorge Julio from the Diamondbacks for B-level pitching prospect Yusmeiro Petit. I covered Petit in the minors with the Mets, and while he was effective in Double-A, most scouts have serious questions about whether he can sustain success at the major-league level. In other words, it would seem the Marlins, who needed a closer, got a steal.

Indications are the Phillies weren't interested in Julio, even though his 4.23 ERA last season was better than Ryan Madson (5.69) and Antonio Alfonseca (5.63) and he was a closer for three years with the Orioles. But all we keep hearing from Gillick & Co. is that teams are hoarding their pitching, making it nearly impossible for the Phillies to acquire the reliever they so crave. It seems to me, at least, that Julio would've improved the bullpen and may have been had for a pittance.

Also this week, RHP Elmer Dessens, who impresses me less than Julio, was traded from the Dodgers to the Brewers for OF Brady Clark, and RHP Ezequiel Astacio was claimed off waivers by the Rangers. The Phillies may have been intrigued by Astacio, but the Rangers were ahead of them in the waiver pecking order.

So, with the Phillies set to leave Florida tomorrow night, Gillick still searches.

March 27 -- THE DICE-MAN COMETH

Dice-K Mania is coming to Philly.

Daisuke Matsuzaka will face the Phillies in the spring-training finale Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, which would be interesting even if he didn't walk five batters over five no-hit innings yesterday against the Reds in Sarasota. Depending on who you ask, Dice-K throws anywhere from five to seven pitches, including the mythical "gyroball." He has a 2.04 ERA this spring, and the Sox are counting on major things from him.

For what it's worth, Phillies OF Karim Garcia believes Dice-K will be successful in the majors. Garcia faced Matsuzaka for the past two seasons in Japan.

March 27 -- DAY 41: FREDDY LIVES

Quick update before tonight's game: Freddy Garcia (right biceps tendinitis) threw 30 fastballs off a mound on a far-off field at the Carpenter Complex. Pitching coach Rich Dubee said he was pleased with the quality of the fastballs. Depending on how Garcia feels today, he may pitch in a minor-league game Thursday, and the Phillies still think he'll be able to make his first start, likely during the April 6-8 series at Florida.

In other injury news, RHP Jon Lieber (strained oblique) will begin a throwing program tomorrow but probably won't be ready for the season. C Carlos Ruiz played in a minor-league game at Tampa and took batting practice with the Phillies upon his return. It appears he won't need to go on the disabled list. C/INF Chris Coste (hamstring) played in a minor-league game at Tampa and will play in another minor-league game tomorrow. But he probably will need to open the season on the DL.

Check tomorrow's News Journal for more. ... More after the game.

March 27 -- DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Hello, all.

So, remember how I mentioned that Charlie Manuel has seemed more stressed than usual lately. Well, it seems he got the hug he needed yesterday from Yankees manager Joe Torre. The rest of the week, though, will be filled with decisions for Manuel, his coaches, GM Pat Gillick and the rest of the front office staff. While Gillick tries to swing an 11th-hour deal to get the bullpen help the Phillies still need, Manuel will have to make the last roster decisions.

Assuming, for a moment, that RHP Freddy Garcia and C Carlos Ruiz start the season on time but RHP Jon Lieber goes on the disabled list, here's my guess for the Phillies roster, barring any last-minute trades.

1B Ryan Howard
2B Chase Utley
SS Jimmy Rollins
3B Wes Helms
LF Pat Burrell
CF Aaron Rowand
RF Shane Victorino
C Rod Barajas
C Carlos Ruiz
INF Abraham Nunez
OF Jayson Werth
OF Karim Garcia
INF/OF Greg Dobbs
RHP Brett Myers
LHP Cole Hamels
RHP Adam Eaton
RHP Freddy Garcia
LHP Jamie Moyer
RHP Tom Gordon
RHP Antonio Alfonseca
RHP Ryan Madson
RHP Geoff Geary
LHP Matt Smith
RHP Clay Condrey
RHP Jim Ed Warden

Garcia is throwing a bullpen session today. I'll have an update on how that goes, along with updates on Lieber and Ruiz, before tonight's game against the Reds.

March 26 -- DAY 40: HE'S BACK

After taking three days off to "recharge the batteries," CF Aaron Rowand is back in the lineup today against the Yankees. In his first at-bat in the second inning against LHP Kei Igawa, Rowand grounded to shortstop.

Also, RHP Zack Segovia had a rocky first inning. After Jimmy Rollins booted a routine grounder by Derek Jeter, Segovia walked Bobby Abreu (a familiar sight) and allowed a three-run homer by Alex Rodriguez. Segovia has bounced back nicely, though, setting down 11 straight batters after the A-Rod homer. Yankees have their Opening Day lineup on the field today. RHP Freddy Garcia would've been scheduled to pitch today, if not for his setback last week. Still no word on when Garcia may pitch, but LHP Jamie Moyer, RHP Brett Myers and LHP J.A. Happ have been listed as the Phillies' starters for the final three Grapefruit League games.

March 26 -- LEFT(IES) OUT

TAMPA, Fla. -- Greetings from Legends Field.

A few housekeeping matters before the Phillies face the Yankees here. LHP Eude Brito (left) and LHP Fabio Castro (right) were optioned to minor-league camp this morning. Brito didn't pitch enough to earn a spot on the team, while Castro didn't pitch well enough. The moves cement Matt Smith as the only lefty in the bullpen, barring a trade. Left-hander J.A. Happ is still in camp, but Happ is projected as a starter at Class AAA Ottawa, not a reliever in Philly.

Also, RHP Joe Bisenius has been informed he'll be coming north with the Phillies for this weekend's exhibitions against the Red Sox but won't make the opening-day roster. Also sent to minor-league camp were 3B Brennan King and C Dusty Wathan. IF Brent Abernathy and OF Ron Calloway also will come north this weekend but won't make the team.

More later.

March 25 -- DAY 39: "RYAN HOWARD DAY"

How stressed is Ryan Howard over his spring-training slump? The normally affable slugger declared a moratorium on speaking to reporters today, calling it "Ryan Howard Day" and refusing all interview requests. Then, Mr. MVP went 1-for-3 with a single in a 10-2 win over the Twins. The hit snapped an 0-for-15 skid, leaving him in a 3-for-25 funk that has dropped his average to .234. He still hasn't homered since March 8.

"I could see that he hasn't been swinging real good," manager Charlie Manuel said today. "He'll be all right. He's OK. I'm not worried about him."

Quick injury roundup: C Carlos Ruiz (right biceps tendinitis) took swings off a tee and remains hopeful of being able to start the season on time. ... C/INF Chris Coste (strained right hamstring, strep throat) took batting practice and may play later this week. ... RHP Geoff Geary (strained left hamstring) threw from a mound but is at least two days from pitching in a game.

CF Aaron Rowand is not injured, but he received his third straight day off. Rowand said the break was meant to "recharge the batteries." Rowand, batting only .172, hadn't missed a game since March 9. Manuel wouldn't say if Rowand will play tomorrow against the Yankees at Legends Field.

That's all for today.

March 25 -- THE NEW BALL COACH

Judging from this picture, Florida football coach Urban Meyer could be a third-base coach. Clearly, he's a big baseball fan.

While the Gators faced Oregon in their Elite Eight matchup, Meyer showed up at the Phillies game. And although Florida-Oregon was on TV in the clubhouse after the Phillies' 10-2 win over the Twins, Meyer, who led Florida to a national championship in January, was more interested in mingling with Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Michael Bourn . Later, while Joakim Noah & Co. were still playing, Meyer went on the field and had a catch with his son, Nate.

Little-known fact about Meyer: He was a 13th-round pick of the Atlanta Braves and spent two years (1982-83) in the minors as a light-hitting shortstop, never advancing beyond A-ball.

March 25 -- HARDBALL ON HARDBALL

Happy Sunday, everyone.

You never know who you're going to run into at spring training. On the field at Bright House this morning, I spotted Chris Matthews (left) near the dugout. Matthews, a Philadelphia native and host of MSNBC's "Hardball," also is a big baseball fan and was happy to meet Phillies C/INF Chris Coste. A few facts about Matthews: He worked for four Democratic presidents, including Jimmy Carter, as a speechwriter. He's credited with writing, at least in part, the infamous speech in which Carter said America was in a "malaise," although the word "malaise" didn't appear in the original draft.

Editors!

Anyway, both league MVPs -- Ryan Howard and the Twins' Justin Morneau -- are playing today. Here's a question for you: Who will hit more homers this season, Howard or Morneau?

More later, after Cole Hamels tries to snap his string of three straight wretched starts.

March 24 -- DAY 38: TIME TO PANIC?

RHP Adam Eaton had to interrupt his warm-up tosses in the outfield before today's game while some Clydesdales were paraded around Ed Smith Stadium. Then, Eaton proceeded to get trampled by the Reds, who pounded him for five runs on eight hits in 4-2/3 innings. The Phillies lost, 7-0, and their 8-15-2 record is worst in the National League.

But is there any corrolation between spring-training success or futility and regular-season performance?

Not exactly. The Royals went 17-10 last spring, then lost 100 games and finished last in the AL Central. The Yankees, meanwhile, went 15-16, then had their ninth straight first-place finish in the AL East.

"This is what spring training is about," Eaton said. "This is a time to get ready."

But time is running out. The Phillies have only five more games here in sunny Florida before coming home to face the Red Sox in two exhibition games. And the season-opener, April 2 against Atlanta, will be here for they know it.

March 24 -- INJURY UPDATES

Michael Ciccotti, the Phillies' team doctor, flew into town at about 2 p.m., and got to work immediately. He examined RHP Freddy Garcia and backup C Carlos Ruiz (left, center) and determined that both have mild tendinitis in their right biceps. The good news for the Phillies is both are expected to be ready for the season-opener. Garcia played catch today, making 20 light throws. Ruiz will begin a throwing program tomorrow.

But Ciccotti wasn't done. He saw RHP Jon Lieber (above right), who complained of discomfort in his side during a workout yesterday. Turns out, Lieber, disgruntled over being moved to the bullpen Wednesday, has a strained right oblique. It's unknown when he'll resume throwing.

Also, C/INF Chris Coste has strep throat. He hasn't played since March 16 because of a strained right hamstring. Pretty hard to make the team if you can't get on the field.

March 24 -- WHAT'S UP, DOC?

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Greetings from Ed Smith Stadium, a 7,500-seat ballpark in the middle of an athletic complex. The big news here, at least for the folks who cover the Reds, is the spring-training debut of Ken Griffey Jr., who broke his left hand in December. Griffey is batting fourth and playing right field.

You're probably more interested in the Phillies, so you should know that RHP Freddy Garcia (right biceps tenderness) and C Carlos Ruiz (right shoulder soreness) will see team doctor Michael Ciccotti today in Clearwater, about an hour north of here. The results of those examinations, which are scheduled to take place at about 2 p.m., may determine whether Garcia and Ruiz need to go on the disabled list. As always, I'll post updates when they become available.

RHP Adam Eaton pitches today for the Phillies against Reds RHP Bronson Arroyo. Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Aaron Rowand have the day off.

More later.

March 23 -- DAY 37: FOR OPENERS

There was absolutely no suspense to Charlie Manuel's announcement today that RHP Brett Myers (left) will be the Phillies' starter on Opening Day. Myers, in fact, hadn't even been told by the time he left the clubhouse after pitching in a Triple-A game on a back field at the Complex. And, like many pitchers I've known over the years, he tried to downplay his impending selection by saying it only means he gets to pitch before the other four starters.

So, is starting Opening Day really a big deal?

"There's nothing like it," said closer Tom Gordon, who got an Opening Day start for the Red Sox in 1997. "You never forget it. It's your best against their best. It's a playoff atmosphere. You want to be at your best."

A few other notes from today: Ryan Howard's struggles continued. He went 0-for-3, including a seventh-inning strikeout against tough Braves lefty Mike Gonzalez. Howard will see much more of Gonzalez this season. ... Big moment for Greg Dobbs, coming out of the trainer's room and off the bench to hit a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the ninth inning. Looks like Dobbs' jammed left wrist is getting better.

More tomorrow from Sarasota when the Phillies face the Reds.

March 23 -- SPILLING THE BEANS

As I've posted here before, Curt Schilling has a found a new hobby this spring. When he isn't pitching, Schill has been blogging, creating 38pitches.com. Well, turns out Sox manager Terry Francona wasn't too happy with Schill yesterday for breaking the news about Jonathan Papelbon's return to the closer role. The Sox, who faced the Phillies here yesterday, weren't ready to announce the decision, but Schill posted the news on his blog.

In a humorous moment, Francona was addressing Sox beat writers about Papelbon after yesterday's game when Schilling phoned him on his Blackberry. Francona glanced at the caller ID and asked the reporters, "Anyone want to talk to the GM?"

March 23 -- LIFE OF RYAN

Happy Friday to all.

A few quick words this morning about Ryan Howard, who hasn't been a happy camper lately because he isn't hitting home runs at a world-beating rate. When Howard says nobody expects more from him than he does, he isn't kidding. Yesterday, after taking an 0-for-4 against the Red Sox, Howard stayed on the field at Bright House and gave fans more for their money. He took postgame batting practice, and when he didn't hit the ball as well as he'd have liked, he threw his bat toward the infield in disgust. When he arrived here this morning, Howard dressed quickly, grabbed a bat and made a beeline for the indoor cage. Odds are, Howard won't hit 58 home runs again this season, for a variety of reasons. But it won't be for a lack of trying.

Interesting lineup note: Aaron Rowand isn't playing today against the Braves or tomorrow against the Reds at Sarasota. All of the Phillies' other regulars are in the lineup against Braves RHP Kyle Davies.

More later.

March 22 -- MY BAD

So, I was in the Phillies' clubhouse this morning when Aaron Rowand (left) asked Charlie Manuel who was scheduled to pitch for the Red Sox. Manuel said that knuckleballer Tim Wakefield was getting the start, followed by Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon.

"You normally hit Wakefield hard, don't you?" I asked Rowand.

"I've got good numbers against him," Rowand said.

Then, he proceeded to go 0-for-3, including the strikeout pictured above when he knocked himself over by swinging so early at a Wakefield knuckler that it hit him. Looks like I jinxed him. Sorry, Aaron. (Incidentally, Rowand is 11-for-17 with four homers and eight RBIs in his career against Wakefield).

I had absolutely nothing to do with Pat Burrell's 0-for-4, three-strikeout performance. Burrell has three hits in his last 29 at-bats, and his spring average has dropped to .189.

More tomorrow when the Phillies face the Braves in an NL East showdown at Bright House.

March 22 -- DAY 36: WHAT, ME WORRY?

Asked before today's game about his aching right arm, Freddy Garcia (left) said little more than, "I'm not worried." Fortunately, Phillies assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. was available to provide more detailed information.

Amaro said Garcia underwent a battery of tests on his right biceps (not his shoulder) that were administered by Dr. Steven Cohen, an associate of team doctor Michael Ciccotti. The Phillies were encouraged by the results, but they'll shut down Garcia until at least Saturday when Ciccotti, who already had been scheduled to come here, will arrive. At the moment, there is no information on whether Garcia will miss a Grapefruit League start or open the regular season on the disabled list. But, considering Jon Lieber is still pitching in relief of Jamie Moyer today against the Red Sox, it seems the Phillies don't think Garcia will be sidelined for long.

A few other injury updates: C Carlos Ruiz (shoulder), C/INF Chris Coste (hamstring), RHP Geoff Geary (hamstring), LHP Matt Smith (groin) and INF/OF Greg Dobbs (wrist) are nicked up.

As always, check out tomorrow's News Journal for more on Garcia and the Phillies. Check back here later for more on the game against the Red Sox.

March 22 -- GARCIA UPDATE I

Good morning.

No official word yet on Freddy Garcia's condition. I still expect some kind of update later today. But Jon Lieber said he remains slated to pitch one or two innings against the Red Sox in relief of Jamie Moyer. To me, that may be a sign that the Phillies aren't worried about Garcia missing a start. Check back later for more, though.

For now, the Phillies' clubhouse is closed to the media while the team gets briefed by folks from MLB Security. Before the doors were shut, I peeked at the lineup card. The Phillies have all of their regulars, except Shane Victorino, against Sox starters Tim Wakefield and Jonathan Papelbon. Victorino is simply getting the day off.

March 21 -- DAY 35: GARCIA ROCKED, HURT

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Freddy Garcia was pounded by the Blue Jays in the first inning here, but he may have more problems than his performance.

After allowing three runs on five hits, including a mammoth homer by Troy Glaus, Garcia was removed from the game after one inning and 35 pitches complaining of tightness in his right bicep. He was supposed to throw 85 pitches. He walked to the clubhouse with Class AAA trainer Shawn Fcasni and returned to Clearwater to be examined by head trainer Scott Sheridan. Also, a scout in attendance said his velocity topped out at 85 mph.

Good thing the Phillies haven't traded Jon Lieber, isn't it?

More updates on Garcia are expected tomorrow. I'll post to this blog when I hear something.

March 21 -- BREAKING NEWS: LIEBER TO BULLPEN

To his considerable chagrin, Jon Lieber is headed to the Phillies' bullpen, effective immediately.

That was the announcement today from manager Charlie Manuel. With the Phillies unable to find what they consider to be an equitable trade offer, and with Opening Day approaching in less than two weeks, Lieber will move to the bullpen and prepare to open a season as a reliever for the first time since 1996.

He's not happy about it.

"I'm disappointed," Lieber said. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. I'm going to do it for these guys in here, but I think I can still start. It sucks. I signed here to be a starter."

Of the Phillies' inability to trade him, Lieber said, "It's either 29 teams really don't like me, or they're asking too much. I still think I can throw 200 innings. I still think I can win a lot of games for this club. If somebody somewhere doesn't think I can, I wish they'd tell me and let's move on."

Read more about Lieber, including comments from Manuel, in tomorrow's News Journal and online at www.delawareonline.com.

March 21 -- PLOTTING A COURSE

Morning, all.

With each passing day, Charlie Manuel gets more questions about how he plans to align the Phillies' starting rotation. And, each day, he tap-dances around those questions (Charlie is a surprisingly deft tap-dancer), keeping us guessing. If he knows the identity of his Opening Day starter, he isn't telling. Here, then, is an educated guess about how the rotation may line up.

Brett Myers (left) is on schedule to pitch the April 2 opener against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park, and I'd bet he'll make that start. In fact, Myers will pitch in a minor-league game Friday rather than facing the Braves. Atlanta isn't as concerned about giving away their Opening Day starter's secrets. John Smoltz will face the Phillies on Friday. After Myers, you probably will see Cole Hamels, Freddy Garcia, Jamie Moyer and Adam Eaton (or Jon Lieber), in that order. Manuel says he wants to split up lefties Hamels and Moyer, and putting Garcia between them would accomplish that.

One other housekeeping note: Tom Gordon has been given a more regular routine. The closer will pitch tonight against the Blue Jays at Dunedin and is slated to pitch Friday, too.

March 20 -- DAY 34: COMEBACK KID

TAMPA, Fla. -- Let's take a momentary break from dissecting the Phillies' dismal bullpen and talk about RHP Zack Segovia, who was off the prospect map three years ago and now may have an outside shot at winning a spot on the team.

Segovia, who will be 24 on April 11, missed all of the 2004 season after undergoing an elbow ligament transplant, commonly called Tommy John surgery. In 2005, he went 4-14 with a 5.54 ERA at single-A Clearwater while coping with an inability to regain the mid-90s fastball that led the Phillies to draft him in the second round in 2002. But he went 16-6 with a 2.82 ERA between Clearwater and double-A Reading last season, and tonight, he allowed one run in five innings to a Yankees team that had everyone in the lineup except Alex Rodriguez.

"I was out of sight, out of mind," Segovia said. "I remember thinking, it took me 16, 17 years to throw the ball 90-95. I'd be really naive to think, in 17 months [after surgery], I'll be back to 90."

These days, Segovia isn't even sure how hard he's throwing. He doesn't look at the radar gun anymore, and he's forced himself to believe he can get hitters out without throwing at blazing speeds.

Segovia projects as a starter at triple-A Ottawa. But as long as he keeps getting hitters out, he could be an asset to the Phillies' bullpen.

A few other notes that won't make your morning paper: The Phillies mustered only three hits against five Yankees pitchers, including Japanese import Kei Igawa. ... RF Shane Victorino picked up two more hits and is batting .429. ... Abraham Nunez, playing shortstop, committed two errors.

See you tomorrow from Dunedin.

March 20 -- YANKEES LEGENDS

TAMPA, Fla. -- Greetings from Legends Field.

For the past 11 years, this has been the spring home of the Yankees. And, like with everything affiliated with the Bronx Bombers, the ballpark is customized to reflect Yankee tradition. Outside the front entrance are duplicates of the displayed uniform numbers that are retired in Yankee Stadium. At left, you'll see a photo of Thurman Munson's No. 15. Incidentally, as I type this, the Thurman Munson episode of "Yankeeography" from the YES Network is being shown on the Legends Field video board. The Yankees are starting most of their regulars tonight, including Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano. It should be a good test for Phillies RHP Zack Segovia.

Here's the Phillies lineup against Yankees LHP Kei Igawa:
RF Shane Victorino
CF Aaron Rowand
3B Wes Helms
1B Ryan Howard
LF Pat Burrell
DH Jayson Werth
C Rod Barajas
SS Abraham Nunez
2B Brent Abernathy

More later.

March 20 -- BOBBY'S BACK

Old friend Bobby Abreu is expected to be the DH tonight for the Yankees against the Phillies in Tampa. Abreu, dealt by the Phillies last July at the trading deadline, has been sidelined since Feb. 26 with a strained oblique muscle and has 11 days to get ready for the Yankees' season-opener.

"I'll be ready for Opening Day," Abreu told New York reporters yesterday.

More on Abreu in tomorrow's News Journal and at www.delawareonline.com.

Talk to you later from Tampa.

March 19 -- DAY 33: NO RELIEF

So, Opening Day is two weeks from today, and the Phillies still have six starting pitchers and a woeful bullpen. Adam Eaton (left) has a solution.

"I don't care what anybody says, we'll go with a six-man rotation," Eaton told me today. "We'll have the freshest arms in baseball."

He was joking, of course. The Phillies either will trade Jon Lieber for bullpen help or they'll put a starter (Lieber or Eaton) in the 'pen. They'd prefer the former, and if you've seen the Phillies' relievers pitch this spring, you know why. One of those relievers, soft-tossing right-hander Justin Germano, was lost today to a waiver claim by the Padres. Germano didn't have options left, so he had to clear waivers before the Phils could send him to the minors.

"At least at this stage, we figured he wasn't going to figure in for us at the outset," assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. told me. "We tried to sneak him through waivers. We felt like he had a shot to get through. We would've liked to have him as inventory, but it's kind of a no-harm, no-foul thing for us."

I'm still betting on a trade before the season starts, especially if the Phillies decide they're willing to pay part of Lieber's $7.5 million salary. Like Eaton said, too many teams need pitching for there to not be a market for someone like Lieber.

Night game tomorrow against the Yankees in Tampa. Talk to you then.

March 19 -- PITCHING IN

Sorry for the lack of blogs throughout the day, but it's been busy at Bright House. It's always a strange morning when you ask MLBPA union chief Donald Fehr about steroids testing, and then, 15 minutes later, listen to Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen (left) talk about their efforts to help children cope with losing a loved one.

If you haven't heard about the Moyers' endeavors, click here to see their Web site. In a touching news conference today, Jamie and Karen announced a partnership with MLB to open Camp Erin -- a bereavement camp for children -- in every major-league city within the next three years. At one point, they introduced a Tampa-area woman and her three kids, who unexpectedly lost their husband/father on Dec. 18. The Moyer Foundation has reached out to them, offering support in their time of grief.

Moyer said a recent U.S. census estimated that one in 20 children, more than 1.4 million kids nationwide, will experience the death of a parent by the time they graduate high school. The Moyers have created eight Camp Erins, a weekend camp, to serve an average of 450 children per summer. Through their foundation, they've donated more than $1.1 million towards providing grieving children with counseling, education and emotional support.

March 18 -- DAY 32: UNDER PRESSURE

In the two years that I've covered the Phillies for The News Journal, I've always known Charlie Manuel (right) to be unfailingly positive. The affable manager can find a silver lining in the bleakest of times. Last season, while the Phillies were in the midst of a midseason free fall, Manuel remained upbeat. Even after the July fire sale that sent packing Bobby Abreu and others, he publicly said the Phillies could still compete for a wild-card spot. The crazy part was he really meant it.

But, over the past few days, I've noticed a change in Charlie. He was angry Thursday night after Fabio Castro, Jim Ed Warden and Justin Germano were hammered by the Blue Jays and when another batch of relievers -- Antonio Alfonseca, Brian Sanches and Kane Davis -- got pummeled by the Tigers on Friday in Lakeland. And today, after Alfonseca got hit hard again, Manuel's frustration persisted. Hardly a day goes by that he doesn't tell reporters, often unsolicited, that the Phillies' bullpen needs help, and he uses words like "concerned" and "frustrated" to describe his feelings about the relief corps.

It's all been, well, very un-Charlie-like.

But Manuel knows the Phillies need to start strong, or else it may cost him his job. He's a lame-duck manager, in the final season of a three-year contract, and chances are, he won't survive another 10-14 April. Not this year, when "playoffs or bust" may as well be the Phillies' motto. Since October, he's talked about needing to bolster the bullpen, but so far, all GM Pat Gillick has been able to do is sign Alfonseca, a 34-year-old former closer who hasn't pitched a full season in the majors since 2004. And, if this bullpen doesn't get better fast, it may drive Manuel to the unemployment line.

That, of course, would be unfair. But it's also the reality Manuel is facing. So I expect we'll keep hearing his uncharacteristic criticisms of the Phillies' relievers, at least until they begin to fill him with confidence that they can hold a lead in the late innings. Maybe then, the Charlie Manuel I've come to know will resurface.

More tomorrow after union chief Donald Fehr has his annual meeting with the Phillies.

March 18 -- PRACTICAL JOKERS

Good morning. Happy Sunday.

Phillies have a split squad today, which means half the team is here in Clearwater to host the Devil Rays and the other half is making the 2.5-hour trek to Fort Myers to face the Twins. Needless to say, players who got to stay home (mostly veterans) consider themselves lucky. Shane Victorino isn't among the lucky ones.

Before yesterday's game, Victorino decided to play a little practical joke on his traveling teammates. In yellow marker, he highlighted Rod Barajas and Freddy Garcia on the travel list (the real traveling team was highlighted in orange). But the clubhouse attendants didn't know the difference, and when Barajas arrived this morning, his bag was packed for the trip. As a retaliatory tactic, Aaron Rowand has taped up all of Victorino's remaining equipment and shoved it in his locker, a little surprise for when he gets back.

Gotta love spring training hijinx.

Anyway, the D-Rays have brought a few big names to Clearwater, including LF Carl Crawford, 1B Ty Wigginton, 2B Jorge Cantu and P Scott Kazmir. I covered Wigginton and Kazmir in the minors, so I'm looking forward to seeing them again. Also here is B.J. Upton, the perennial shortstop prospect who is being converted into a center fielder.

Here's the Phillies lineup.
SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Aaron Rowand
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
LF Pat Burrell
3B Brennan King
RF Greg Dobbs
C Rod Barajas
P Brett Myers
Among others pitching after Myers will be closer Tom Gordon (above), who is making his first appearance since March 10.

Finally, click here to check out News Journal photographer Jennifer Corbett's work from yesterday's game against the Yankees.

More later.

March 17 -- DAY 31: LUCK O' THE IRISH

A few notes from today's 3-2 Phillies win over the Yankees:

* Aaron Rowand wanted a stroke of good luck. On St. Patty's Day, he got it. A ball Rowand hit to third base in the seventh inning initially was ruled an error on third baseman Andy Phillips. But, after a postgame complaint by Rowand, official scorer/Phillies PR man Greg Casterioto changed it to a hit. Needless to say, Rowand, who entered with a .128 average, was pleased.

* LHP Matt Smith, acquired from the Yankees for Bobby Abreu, had his best outing of the spring, getting lefty-swinging Jason Giambi to ground into an inning-ending double play in the fifth and Hideki Matsui to fly to right to open the sixth. But manager Charlie Manuel still wants to see better control from Smith, who fell behind several hitters.

* LHP Jamie Moyer hasn't allowed an earned run in his last 12-1/3 innings.

* An odd-looking mascot, Mr. Carrasco (right) of the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Pacific League, did some between-innings dancing on the Phillies' dugout. I think Manuel is still trying to figure out exactly what Mr. Carrasco is. I think we all are, actually.

* Looking ahead, Caesar Rodney High grad Ian Snell has been listed as Monday's starter for the Pirates against the Phillies at Bright House. Looking forward to seeing him again.

More tomorrow when the Phillies face the Devil Rays.

March 17 -- IT'S MADNESS

March Madness has officially hit Phillies camp. The clubhouse televisions have been tuned to CBS for most of the week, and players have been keeping an eye on the scores -- and their pools. Aaron Rowand, who once lived in Las Vegas, was talking about former UNLV players the other day when Ryan Howard walked by and dropped a name from the past.

"George Ackles," Howard said, referring to the big man who played for UNLV from 1988 through 1991.

Asked if he's even old enough to remember Ackles, Howard affirmatively shook his head. "1990, right?" Howard said. "I was 10."

March 17 -- THE BRONX ZOO

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Busy day here at Bright House. The Yankees are coming over from Tampa, which always brings a big crowd. Derek Jeter (right), Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Carl Pavano are the big names on the Yankees' traveling roster. Alex Rodriguez, always a lightning rod for controversy in New York, won't be here (nobody seems to be complaining). Jeter's presence will surely mean more swooning female fans in attendance. Matsui's will ensure that the already sizable contingent of New York media will grow because of the Japanese reporters and photographers who follow Matsui's every move. Think anyone will notice the Phillies are here, too? The game is being televised back home.

One quick note as the Phillies get ready to take batting practice:

* RHP Alfredo Simon, acquired by the Phillies in December in the Rule 5 draft, has cleared waivers and been offered back to his former team, the Texas Rangers. The Phillies expect Texas will want him back. Simon had a 12.46 ERA in three Grapefruit League games.

Phillies will wear their traditional green shirts and caps for St. Patty's Day. Here's today's lineup:
SS Jimmy Rollins
RF Jayson Werth
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
LF Pat Burrell
3B Wes Helms
CF Aaron Rowand
C Carlos Ruiz
LHP Jamie Moyer
Pitching after Moyer are Ryan Madson and Matt Smith.

March 16 -- HONOR THY FATHER

Over the past week, so many people have shared their memories of late Phillies coach John Vukovich, who seemingly had an impact on everyone with whom he came into contact. Vince Vukovich (left), John's 26-year-old son and a former outfielder for the University of Delaware, has written this poignant tribute to his father for the Phillies' Web site.

Here's a sampling:

I will always remember my dad for the impact he had on me and our family. Whether it was his famous "keep pushing" when I felt like giving up, or a good chewing out when I deserved it, or a hug when I was upset, or a good BP pitcher (hitch included) after an 0-for-4, or the good advice when I was at a crossroads, or a lesson on how to be a man when I wasn't acting like one.

March 16 -- DAY 30: IS FREDDY READY?

For four innings, Freddy Garcia (left) cruised, looking every bit like the pitcher who beat the Tigers four times in five starts last season. With the exception of a leadoff homer in the fourth by one of his closest friends, Carlos Guillen, Garcia was effective.

Then came the fifth inning. Garcia allowed a leadoff walk to Neifi Perez and a one-out single to Curtis Granderson before Guillen ripped an RBI single. A two-out walk to Chris Shelton loaded the bases before Garcia was lifted for Brian Sanches, who promptly allowed a bases-clearing double to Brandon Inge.

It didn't appear that Garcia was throwing particularly hard, and a scout in the stands told me he topped out at only 88 mph, a speed he reached often in his final two innings. Interestingly, a radar gun recently was installed in right-center field here. It debuted today and was off by about 2-3 mph before the stadium crew turned it off.

Also of note: Jon Lieber's scheduled start in a minor-league game in Clearwater was rained out. Lieber threw a side session instead. ... Shane Victorino, playing DH, went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer off Mike Maroth. ... RF Michael Bourn continued to look good, going 2-for-4 with an RBI triple.

March 16 -- SKIES CLEARING

OK, so I won't be taking a job as a meteorologist anytime soon. Shortly after my last post, it started pouring here. But the sun is out, the tarp is being removed from the field, and the game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.

Today's lineup:
SS Jimmy Rollins
DH Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
LF Pat Burrell
CF Aaron Rowand
3B Abraham Nunez
C Rod Barajas
RF Michael Bourn
Slated to pitch after Freddy Garcia are Antonio Alfonseca, Clay Condrey, Kane Davis and Brian Sanches. Keep an eye on Davis, who hasn't allowed an earned run in 2.2 innings this spring.

March 16 -- LIVIN' HERE IN TIGERTOWN

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Good morning, all.

We're here at Joker Marchant Stadium (great name for a ballpark, isn't it?), home of the defending AL champion Detroit Tigers. Just to get you situated, Lakeland is about 60 miles east of Clearwater, on the other side of Tampa, and the Tigers have been training here since 1946. Now that the geography is out of the way, the Phillies have brought most of their regulars here. Freddy Garcia will be on the mound, looking for his first good start of the spring. There have been some questions about the velocity on his fastball, so, throughout the day, I'll update you on how he looks. Mike Maroth is scheduled to start for the Tigers.

From what I've heard, there's some snow up north. So, if you're home from school or work, check this blog regularly throughout the day for updates (the game isn't on TV or radio). The tarp is on the field (it rained pretty hard last night), but the sky is clearing now and I expect the game will be played.

March 15 -- DAY 29: INSIDE SCOOP

Just waiting out a typical Florida downpour, so before I leave the press box, here are a few notes from tonight's 11-6 Phillies loss to the Blue Jays.

* In his third spring-training start, Cole Hamels (left) wanted to establish the inside part of the plate with his fastball. Well, he didn't get the ball inside enough. The Jays hammered him for three homers, including two by Vernon Wells, but Hamels served notice that he'll continue to pound the inner half. He may even hit a few batters before spring training is over. "When you have [hitters] that don't buy into the inside thing, you have to forewarn them," Hamels said. "I don't want to hurt anyone, especially in spring training. I'm hoping they can get out of the way."

* Tom Gordon said he expects to throw on the side tomorrow and pitch Saturday against the Yankees at Bright House.

* Popular former Phillies (and Blue Rocks) catcher Sal Fasano was part of the Jays team that came here from nearby Dunedin, and some fans (Sal's Pals transplanted in Florida?) among the sold-out crowd at Bright House saluted him by chanting his name. Fasano acknowledged them by waving his arms while warming up pitcher Matt Roney in the eighth inning.

* I mentioned all the scouts in attendance. Well, Aaron Rowand, subject of many trade rumors, interrupted a 4-for-33 drought with a seventh-inning homer. Jayson Werth also hit a bomb in the seventh.

* Ryan Howard struck out three times. Good thing it didn't count.

* Freddy Garcia starts tomorrow against the Tigers in Lakeland. Jon Lieber will pitch in a minor league game here at the Complex.

Talk to you then.

March 15 -- LET'S GO RACIN'

Aaron Rowand, who plays center field at breakneck speed and has crashed into his share of walls, is hanging out with a drag racer today. Rowand, who grew up near Pomona (Calif.) Raceway, is hosting Tommy Johnson Jr., whom he met at the ESPY Awards last year. Johnson drives for the Skoal Racing Funny Car Team and is in Florida this week for the ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals. Rowand routinely wears a T-shirt that Johnson gave him under his warm-up shirt during batting practice, and he repaid Johnson with a red Phillies jersey. Rowand says he's a big drag-racing fan, but he's content watching the races. He has no desire to get behind a wheel.

* Also, Charlie Manuel didn't enter an NCAA Tournament pool this year. But, if he did, his Final Four picks would be Florida, North Carolina, Kansas and Georgetown. Chalk teams, all the way. Although, Big Chuck said he's been high on UCLA all season, too.

More, including an update on Tom Gordon, after tonight's game against the Blue Jays. Many scouts in attendance, including one from the White Sox.

Here's the Phillies lineup. For the most part, it's the team you'll see on Opening Day.

SS Jimmy Rollins
RF Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
LF Pat Burrell
3B Wes Helms
CF Aaron Rowand
C Carlos Ruiz
LHP Cole Hamels

March 14 -- SPRING TRAINING RE-SET

An offday for the Phillies means a travel day for me. After a two-week break, I've returned to sunny Clearwater -- and Bright House Networks Field (left) -- for the final 15 days of spring training. While I'm here, I'll keep this blog fresh with updates from Grapefruit League games and other goings-on. I'll also try to post photos and audio interviews. And, as always, I encourage feedback from you, the reader, in the form of comments to this blog and e-mails to slauber@delawareonline.com. Let me know what you think about all things baseball.

But, while we wait for the Phillies to return to action tomorrow night against the Blue Jays at Bright House, here are some things to ponder:

* Since early December, the Phillies have been trying to trade a starter, namely RHP Jon Lieber. At one point, assistant GM Mike Arbuckle was so sure a deal could be struck that he joked the Phillies would need only five Christmas gifts to satisfy each pitcher in their rotation. But, here we are, 18 days from Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park, and Lieber is still with the Phillies. Will he be there on April 2 against the Braves? And, if so, which of the starters will be in the bullpen? Lieber? Adam Eaton? Brett Myers?

* INF/OF Greg Dobbs is 0-for-10 in the last three games. Has the Cinderella story of spring training already flamed out?

* Tom Gordon has returned from Philadelphia and told reporters yesterday that his appointment with Dr. Michael Ciccotti was strictly a precaution. With the off-day today, the Phillies figured it was worth having Gordon examined to double-check that everything in his right arm is exactly how it's supposed to be. But, considering Gordon's history, this story line is worth watching. Closely.

* Very quietly, Ryan Howard is batting .318 with two home runs and eight RBIs. If not getting a long-term contract is bothering him, it's hard to tell.

More tomorrow.