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.
3 comments:
Any idea why Rollins is committing so many errors this spring? Is he using a different model of glove or something?
Scott, what do you think of the Baseball Prospectus report that Rowand was being held out the past three days because a trade is imminent? That theory kind of went out the window, I guess, once he started today.
Good questions, as always.
Rocker: I'll ask Jimmy about the errors and let you know if there's a reason. He booted a routine grounder in the first inning today for his fourth error of the spring. He committed 11 all of last season. But, on the list of Phillies concerns, I don't think Rollins' defense is anything to worry about.
Eddie S.: Believe me, I thought about that also. But here's the thing: Rowand's value right now is at an all-time low. He looks lost at the plate, and he says his legs are tired. Personally, I believe Rowand and Charlie Manuel when they say the time off was simply to give him a rest, physically and mentally. I'm not saying Rowand won't be traded at some point this season, especially if Michael Bourn continues to improve. I just don't think it'll happen before the season starts.
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