Tuesday, May 27, 2008

May 27 -- BURRELL SCRATCHED (UPDATED)

Just got word that Pat Burrell, originally batting fifth and playing left field, has been scratched from the lineup. Greg Dobbs will take his place. I'm sure there's a good explanation, although the clubhouse is closed to the media and we're still awaiting word here in the press box. For now, we'll just reason that he doesn't want to face my man Ubaldo Jimenez. And, really, who would?

Here's your complete lineup tonight against Ubaldo (1-4, 4.61 ERA): SS Jimmy Rollins (.319/3/17), CF Shane Victorino (.273/2/12), 2B Chase Utley (.309/16/42), 1B Ryan Howard (.207/14/37), LF Greg Dobbs (.358/2/15), RF Geoff Jenkins (.283/3/10), 3B Pedro Feliz (.271/7/26), C Carlos Ruiz (.246/1/15), RHP Kyle Kendrick (3-2, 5.19 ERA).

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Good news about Kris Benson. He started an extended spring-training game today in Clearwater, Fla., and threw four scoreless innings. He allowed three hits, walked one, struck out four and touched 90 mph on the radar gun. Assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. called it "encouraging" and Benson likely will make his first start for Class A Clearwater on Sunday.

(Updated, 6:57 p.m.): We're being told that Burrell has been scratched because of left neck stiffness. The real news there is that Burrell, apparently, has two necks. Although, I think the Phillies mean that the left side of his neck is stiff. We'll find out more after the game.

1 comment:

Hydrant said...

If he had two necks, that might imply he has two heads and two brains, which might also explain some of his inconsistency: maybe there's a "Good Pat" head and a "Bad Pat" head...