CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The sound of baseballs popping in mitts is near. Pitchers and catchers are about to begin their first workout.But the attraction this morning was Ryan Howard's arrival.
Howard won't address the media until tomorrow, but he glad-handed teammates and a few reporters upon walking into the clubhouse at Bright House Networks Field. He looks to be in better shape than a year ago when he'd packed on a few extra pounds, courtesy of the MVP banquet circuit. He also seemed to be in fine spirits, joking and laughing, especially after seeing that new Pat Burrell shirt hanging in his locker (check out the post below to see the picture of Burrell that has been plastered on T-shirts by some unnamed teammates.
Of course, Howard's mood may change next Wednesday when he has his arbitration hearing in nearby St. Pete. That is, assuming the Phillies and Howard don't reach a settlement before then.
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Just talked to Cole Hamels, who recently returned from a 25-day vacation in Australia and New Zealand. The highlight of his trip: Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. For his next challenge, he already is looking forward to matching up against new Mets ace Johan Santana, possibly as early as April 8 in the opener at Shea Stadium. "He's a tremendous pitcher, on and off the field, just from what you see with his mannerisms on the mound," Hamels said. "To go up against a guy like that will just make it more entertaining, especially for the fans. Developing that good rivalry, I think it's what Philadelphia's been wanting and needing."
So, who has the better changeup?
"I know mine is good, but I know Johan has had a lot more success for many more years," Hamels said. "So, I can say his is definitely better right now, just because he's had more years."
3 comments:
Can you ask for anything more out of a player than Hamels? He LOOKS FORWARD to facing Santana and intensifying the rivalry between the Mets!! I love it!
Scott,
Any chance you could snag some extra "Man or Machine?" semi-nude Burrell shirts and slip one onto eBay for me? Me and my friends have thoughtfully questioned that picture since we stumbled upon it a few years ago, and this shirt is the icing on the cake. You gotta love a team that has the same sense of humor as you. Let me know.
That Pat Burrell semi-nude pic made me question my sexuality.
On a more serious note, I love Hamels' attitude. I love that he wants to face Johan and remains humble and honest when he says that Santana is the better pitcher.
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