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.