Mar. 20 -- Day 36: BLACKLEY ON THE BUBBLE

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Sorry for the lack of bloggage today, but as you can see, we've been having some trouble with the formatting on the new Web site. The folks back at the home office tell me we're close to having it corrected, so hang with us.

Anyway, wanted to pass along as story about Travis Blackley that didn't make the cut in today's paper. Blackley, who is vying for a roster spot with the Phillies as most likely a long reliever, was training to pitch for Australia in the World Cup in November when he was approached by pitching coach Phil Dale. "What happened to you?" Dale asked. "You look like [garbage]." Turns out, Blackley had subsconsciously altered his delivery after shoulder surgery in 2004. Suddenly, not only had he lost velocity, but he also lacked some of the deception that had made him effective. With a few tweaks, Dale restored Blackley's pre-surgery motion, and Blackley said he has noticed the difference this spring.

But will he win a job with the Phillies? That's still to be decided. Blackley is competing with Clay Condrey, Francisco Rosario, J.D. Durbin and Vic Darensbourg for one or two bullpen spots, depending on whether the Phillies keep 11 pitchers or 12. And, of course, the Phillies could make a deal for a reliever before opening day.

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Speaking of deals, talked yesterday to assistant GM Mike Arbuckle, who said the Phils are still trying to move Wes Helms. Good luck. Not much of a market out there for him right now.

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Filed two Web updates during today's game: First, Brad Lidge threw 19 pitches in an intra-squad minor-league game at the Complex. He'll pitch in another minor-league game Sunday and could get into a Grapefruit League game next week. Will he be ready for opening day? "Ask us on the 30th," pitching coach Rich Dubee said. You can be we will. Second, Caesar-Rodney High product Ian Snell allowed solo homers to Ryan Howard, Geoff Jenkins and Pedro Feliz in today's 3-0 Phillies win.

More on both in tomorrow's paper.

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It was something of a had-to-be-there moment, but it also produced the quote of the day. Talking about the arthroscopic procedure Feb. 25 in which Lidge had a portion of his meniscus (cartilage) removed from his right knee, Charlie Manuel said, "They took his hibiscus out. That's what I call it. It's the name of a flower. See how much I know about knee injuries? He had his hibiscus out. Man can't be walking around with that in him."

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Not many regulars making the 2-1/2-hour trek to Fort Myers tomorrow to face the Twins. Pat Burrell, Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste and Adam Eaton are among the few. We'll be there, though, so check back throughout the day for updates.

Until then ...