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.