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BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- In his final spring-training tuneup here tonight, Brett Myers allowed one run in four innings and flashed his poker face when asked if he would be the Phillies' opening-night starter.
"He didn't tell you?" Charlie Manuel said. "I didn't think he could keep a secret."
It's a secret no longer.
Myers, the Phillies' opening-day starter for the past two seasons, will start the nationally-televised opener Sunday night at the Bank against the Braves. He'll be followed in the rotation by Jamie Moyer (April 7 vs. Atlanta), Joe Blanton (April 8 vs. Atlanta) and Cole Hamels (April 10 at Colorado). Myers will start April 11 at Colorado before Chan Ho Park starts April 12 against the Rockies.
Last season, Myers went 10-13 with a 4.55 ERA. But he was 3-9 with a 5.84 ERA before the All-Star break and spent three weeks in the minors, then went 7-4 with a 3.06 ERA in his final 13 starts. He will be a free agent after this season.
"Brett can have any type of year that Brett wants to have," pitching coach Rich Dubee said. "He's that talented. If he takes the same mindset out there every five days, there's no reason Brett can't have a big season."
Hamels initially was scheduled to make the opening-night start, but was slowed two weeks ago by elbow tightness.
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Also, pitching prospect Kyle Drabek will start tomorrow against the Yankees in Tampa. More on that later.
***
Quote of the night came from suspended reliever J.C. Romero, who will be allowed to receive his World Series ring in the on-field ceremony next Wednesday.
"Mine has to be cubic zirconia," he said with a smile.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Very quickly because I have to start writing for the paper (it's spring training for the scribes, too, of course, and we're on deadline tonight):
Chan Ho Park: "I feel very happy. The first thing is because I had a good spring. The second thing is I made a deal to try to make the rotation instead of playing on the [Korean] national team. It worked pretty well. I feel very sorry for not playing for the country. But now, they're very, very happy about it and excited about it."
J.A. Happ: "Regardless of what anybody says or what's been written about, there is no one who wanted this job more or worked harder to get it. I’m very confidence in saying that. I busted my butt to try to get it, and that was that goal. I thought I had a good spring. But that being said, I did all those things to be a big leaguer, so if I can get a job in the bullpen and if I can have some success there, I think another opportunity will come where I can get back in the starting job. If I can get a job on this club, it's still a good thing.
Check back later for more.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Chan Ho Park is the Phillies' No. 5 starter.
Sorry for the delay in posting, but I just came upstairs from the clubhouse. Lots going on here, obviously. Haven't heard yet from Park or J.A. Happ, or Charlie Manuel or Rich Dubee. But Ruben Amaro Jr. did brief the media a little while ago. Among other things, he said the Phillies have not decided if Happ will be in the major-league bullpen or in the triple-A rotation. Also, he said he has contacted Gary Sheffield's agent, although he wouldn't elaborate on that conversation. So, we're not sure if Sheffield would be willing to accept a bench role with the Phillies. Sheffield, of course, is one home run shy of 500 for his career. He always has been an everyday player and has only 34 career pinch-hit at-bats. Also, he's known for being, well, high-maintenance. I wonder how he'd fit into the Phillies' clubhouse.
Some other highlights from Amaro:
(On why they chose Park over Happ): "Frankly, I think our entire staff felt Park pitched better, and we're a better club with him in the rotation at this time."
(On whether Park's reluctance to pitch out of the bullpen played a factor): "Like I said, we're trying to put the best team together, and we felt like him being in the fifth-starting position was our best chance of having success, at least at this time. He won the starting job outright, and that's what we felt was the best thing to do."
(On whether there's concern that Park hasn't been an effective starter since 2001): "We think he can do it, frankly, on the way he's pitched. He's come in prepared to take this job, and again, this is not something that necessarily has to continue. We expect all of our starters to perform, and if they're not performing, they'll be taken out of the rotation. This is the decision we've made now, and we're hoping he can give us 200 innings and be an extremely successful starter for us."
(On whether Happ could factor into the bullpen): "I think so. We gave him the opportunity in the playoffs and the World Series. When you have that kind of confidence in the guy, even in a short look, we feel like he can do that."
More later.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Just confirmed by the Phillies: Geoff Jenkins has been released. Jenkins is owed $8 million this season ($6.75 million this season, $1.25 million buyout for 2010). Including Adam Eaton, who was released last month, the Phillies are spending nearly $17 million this season for players who won't be with them.More in a bit.
(Updated, 2:25 p.m.): Just spoke to Jenkins, who is busy right now shaking hands and trading hugs with Greg Dobbs, Jayson Werth and other teammates in the clubhouse. Obviously, he was disappointed by the news, although he anticipated something would have to happen. The Phillies weren't going to open the season with Dobbs, Matt Stairs and Jenkins -- all left-handed hitters -- on the bench. Jenkins, 34, batted .246 with nine homers and 29 RBIs last season and went from splitting time with Werth in right field to coming off the bench. A few highlights from our 9-minute conversation with Jenkins:
"Any time you get released, it's a surprise. But it's something that we talked about, and I don't know if I kind of foreshadowed this scenario happening, but I knew there were a lot of left-handed hitters. So, I knew someone would be the odd-man out at some point. It's real tough. I care a lot about those guys in the clubhouse, but we'll deal with this and try to find a new spot.
"I don't regret anything for one minute that I was here. I told Charlie that and Ruben, and they were both great to me. What's there to be mad about? I picked a great year to be here. Obviously, I wish things would've worked out better and I could be with them. But I don't regreat one minute. I wouldn't change a thing. Being with these guys, going through what we went through last year, was tremendous."
Jenkins said he has spoken to David Montgomery about attending the ring ceremony next Wednesday, but nothing has been determined.
Just a thought: As you may know, the Tigers shocked everyone by releasing Gary Sheffield this morning. Assuming he's willing to come off the bench and pinch-hit, Sheffield would be the right-handed power bat the Phillies need. He also would only cost the Phillies $400,000 (the major-league minimum). He's gotten only 34 pinch-hit at-bats in his long career and is 9-for-34 (.360) with one home run and 10 RBIs.
Hoping to hear from Ruben Amaro Jr. shortly, so stay tuned. We'll certainly ask about Sheff, so stay tuned here. And, obviously, we'll have full coverage in Wednesday's News Journal.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, the Phillies play a rare spring-training night game here this evening, which means we probably will spend another afternoon trying to get straight answers about the starting rotation from Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee. (My head is still spinning from yesterday's Q&A session.) But before I head over to Bright House, I wanted to discuss the two most recent installments in The News Journal's Countdown to Opening Night.
As y'all know, we are taking a week-long look at some of the "difference-makers" whose performances, positive or negative, figure to greatly affect the Phillies' chances of repeating as World Series champs. Our series began Sunday with a profile of Jayson Werth, the top right-handed power threat in the lefty-leaning lineup and, for that reason, perhaps the Phillies' most important offensive player. It continued Monday with a look at "The Pen Men," the relievers who made up the NL's best bullpen last season but will be hard-pressed to duplicate their success in 2009. And, in today's paper, we featured Cole Hamels, who may be the most indispensable Phillie of them all.
A few more words about the bullpen: It was fairly obvious, especially in September, that the biggest difference between the division-champion Phillies and the playoff-outsider Mets was the bullpen. The Phillies' relievers combined for a league-leading 3.22 ERA compared to the Mets' 4.27. The Phils blew 15 saves, none by Brad Lidge, and were 79-0 when leading after eight innings. The Mets blew 29 saves, seven by Billy Wagner. The Phillies' bullpen was so successful it was chosen to participate in a television show, "The Pen," scheduled for six weekly episodes starting June 1 on MLB Network. The Mets' bullpen was dismantled.
But, as a new season dawns, the Phillies have plenty of late-inning questions. Can Ryan Madson sustain long-term success as a shut-down setup man? Can Chad Durbin, never a full-time reliever until last year, repeat his 2.87 ERA? Can lefty Scott Eyre pitch as well as he did after being acquired in August? How much will lefty J.C. Romero, suspended 50 games after testing positive for a banned substance, be missed? The Mets, meanwhile, signed closer Francisco Rodriguez and traded for setup man J.J. Putz, seemingly narrowing (or completely erasing) their most significant gap with the Phillies.
A few days ago, I asked Dubee if the Phillies' relievers can duplicate 2008.
"Boy, I don't know," he said candidly. "You'd like to think so. I didn't know they could do what they did last year. But if we get them off on the right start and the confidence continues to grow, who knows what they can do?"
The answer may go a long way toward determining the NL East champion.
Finally, a few additional words on Hamels. As we told you yesterday, he officially was ruled out of making the Opening Night start after throwing 65 pitches in a triple-A game yesterday. But that has been obvious for about two weeks, since he returned from Philly on March 18 after getting an anti-inflammatory injection to relieve the tightness he'd been feeling between innings in his cranky left elbow. Hamels isn't expected to miss a start, though. He'll throw about 80 pitches in Saturday's exhibition at the Bank, and assuming that goes well, he'll make his season debut April 10 at Coors Field in Denver.
That said, in the Phillies' universe, Hamels' health is always monitored like matters of national security -- with extreme care. And after Hamels pitched yesterday, I contacted Will Carroll, who tracks and studies injuries for Baseball Prospectus. Carroll's research has revealed that pitchers who have a sharp increase in innings from one season to the next generally are at greater risk of arm injuries. Including the playoffs, Hamels led the majors with 262-1/3 innings last season, far surpassing his previous career-high of 183-1/3 in 2007.
"Over and over, our research has shown that a 30-inning bump is not to be trifled with," Carroll said. "Is anybody immune to it? Some pitchers have avoided it. Is [Hamels] the kind of guy that can handle it? Maybe, but you really don't know until you see how he reacts."
One thing is for sure: Losing their ace would kill the Phillies.
"If Jimmy Rollins hurts himself, Eric Bruntlett could always come in and have a good three weeks," Carroll said. "But if they lose Cole Hamels, it would be virtually impossible to replace him."
So, two questions for everyone out there in Blog Land: a) Can the Phillies' bullpen be as good as it was last year?b) Will Hamels stay healthy for an entire season again?
Discuss.***Don't forget: You can find me -- and Philled In -- on Twitter.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Just came out of a 15-minute postgame chat with Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee, and here's what we know about the makeup of the Phillies' starting rotation.
Not much.
Dubee said Jamie Moyer will start the season's second game, April 7 against Atlanta at the Bank. Otherwise, there's been no announcement on the Opening Night starter and no decision on the fifth starter. Dubee has led us to believe both Brett Myers and Joe Blanton are candidates to start the opener Sunday night. Myers has started the past two openers, but Blanton (2.45 ERA) has been the Phils' top pitcher this spring. Cole Hamels, the original Opening Night starter, is out of the question. He'll pitch Saturday in the exhibition against the Rays in what the Phillies hope will be his last tune-up before making an April 10 start in Colorado. Here's a taste of our questioning of Dubee and Manuel about the Opening Night starter.
Reporter: So, you've ruled out Hamels for Opening Night?
Dubee: I would say so.
Reporter: Does that mean Myers is going to start Sunday?
Dubee: No, it doesn't. I don't think Charlie's announced it yet?
Reporter: Charlie? Got anything to tell us?
Manuel: No. I don't feel like announcing it yet.
Now, regarding the No. 5 starter job, Chan Ho Park pitched well again today in his final spring-training start (5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K), finishing with a 2.53 ERA in 21.1 innings. J.A. Happ will make one more start, either in a Grapefruit League game or a minor-league game Thursday. He has a 3.15 ERA in 20 innings. Manuel and Dubee said they haven't made a decision yet, and I believe them. Park badly wants to start, but I think the Phillies still prefer having him in the bullpen. There were some hints of that in comments from Manuel and Dubee today.
Question: Will you base your decision solely on spring numbers/performance?
Manuel: It comes down to who we think will fit the best.
Question: Has Park's spring-training performance eased your concerns or doubts that he can be a successful starter for the first time since 2001?
Dubee: I would say he's eased them. But, again, spring training is not a championship season, so we'll wait and see if he's our fifth or where he pitches in our bullpen.
Take that for what it's worth. Much more on this in tomorrow's News Journal. Speaking of which, I have to start writing. More later.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, just got back to the press box after watching Cole Hamels pitch against the Yankees' triple-A team on a back field at the Carpenter Complex. His line: 4 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 64 pitches/44 strikes. But Hamels threw his curveball for the first time all spring -- and did so effectively. In the third inning, in fact, he struck out John Rodriguez on a particularly nasty hook.
Clearly, though, Hamels wasn't razor sharp (he did all 10 hits), and after he came off the field, he said he "definitely" needs one more start before he's ready to start a regular-season game. He'll get that start Saturday against the Rays in an exhibition at the Bank. But he also said he believes he'll be ready to start the season's fourth game, April 10 at Coors Field in Denver.
"I think that would be the best, just knowing I can go out there, hopefully go a little deeper and hopefully get past that fourth inning because pitching four innings in the big leagues doesn't mean much," Hamels said. "Just knowing I can go out there and really hit my spots is going to be the big key. It'll be good to have another start. I know that's going to help, big-time.
"[Pitching coach Rich] Dubee actually was impressed. I was impressed to, just because it was the first time throwing the curveball, to get so many swing and misses and just kind of know I can throw all three pitches at any time. Definitely trying to work on my location. That's what hurt me. I wasn't able to locate as well as I would've liked."
Asked if he's still on target for April 10, Hamels said, "Yeah, I definitely think so. That's going to be a big start for me, that exhibition game, to really prepare me for the season. That will really get me ready for going out and competing at the big-league level."
More in a bit.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, after this morning's moves, there are only 28 players left in camp but still seemingly a million possibilities for the Phillies to construct their season-opening roster. You know what that means: Lots of huddling among front-office types and the coaching staff. Regardless of what happens, one thing is becoming clear: The roster on Opening Night won't stay static for long.
Here are a few of the many options:
Option A: J.A. Happ wins the No. 5 starter spot, but because the Phillies have three days off in the season's first eight days and won't absolutely need a fifth starter until April 20, he opens the season in triple-A (or extended spring training). In addition to keeping Happ's arm stretched out, it would allow the Phillies to carry infielder Miguel Cairo, whose contract stipulates he can be released if he isn't on the 25-man roster by Opening Night. It also would buy the Phillies more time to find a taker for Geoff Jenkins or Matt Stairs. In that scenario, Chan Ho Park would open the season as a multi-inning reliever, and the Phillies would carry 11 pitchers until they need Happ to make a start.
Option B: Happ wins the No. 5 starter spot and breaks camp with the team, and Park opens in the bullpen. In that case, the Phillies' roster would be set (12 pitchers, 13 position players), and Cairo wouldn't make the team unless Jenkins or Stairs is dealt before Opening Night.
Option C: Chan Ho Park wins the No. 5 starter spot, and Happ opens in the bullpen. Same scenario as Option B. The roster would be full, and barring a trade, Cairo would be out.
Option D: Park wins the No. 5 starter spot, but because of the three days off, begins the season in the bullpen. Happ opens the season as a starter in triple-A, and the Phillies carry 11 pitchers until they need Park to make a start. That would allow Cairo to make the team. Alternatively, they could release Cairo, carry 12 pitchers and give the last bullpen spot to Gary Majewski.
There are other scenarios, too. Several scouts said yesterday that the Phillies are actively pursuing a trade for a right-handed hitter, which would throw everything out of whack. But we'll worry about that if/when it happens.
Meanwhile, I'm cracking open a bottle of Advil. All of these roster possibilities have given me a headache.***Another reminder: You can find me -- and Philled In -- on Twitter. Follow us there, won't you?
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- A few roster moves from the Phillies this morning:
Released: INF Marcus Giles
Optioned to triple-A: OF John Mayberry Jr., RHP Carlos Carrasco
Also, RHP Mike Koplove, OF Jason Ellison and INF Pablo Ozuna have been informed that they won't be making the team. They will, however, accompany the club to Philly this weekend for the exhibition games against the Rays.
We spoke to Giles a few minutes ago, and although he clearly was disappointed, he also saw this coming.
"I didn't play well enough to make it here," he said. "I didn't hit as well as I'm capable of. Don't blame them for their decision. I saw it coming the last week or so. I'll try to get on somewhere else. I just needed some consistent ABs. I got every chance in the world. It's not their fault. There's nobody to blame but myself. I'd probably make the same decision they did, to be honest with you."
The Phillies didn't give Giles the option to go to Lehigh Valley, although Giles said he likely would've turned down that opportunity because of the logjam of middle infielders bound for triple-A (Jason Donald, Ozuna, possibly Brad Harman and several others are slated to play there.)
"I need consistent ABs, 50, 60 at-bats in a row, to make it back to this level, and I just didn't get it done," he said. "I thank the Phillies for the opportunity to prove myself, and unfortunately, I didn't. There's no finger-pointing except this way. It's the truth. The truth hurts sometimes, but it's the truth. I didn't play well enough to make it."***
In today's News Journal: Preview Week continues with a look at the Pen Men, the Phillies' relievers who will be hard-pressed to duplicate their 2008 performance. Within the notebook, we talked to Jack Taschner, the newest member of that bullpen.
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On tap today: Cole Hamels will start a minor-league game, presumably at 1 p.m. here at the Complex (though we haven't gotten a definite time or place). Phillies play the Astros here at Bright House, with RHP Chan Ho Park on the mound for his final Grapefruit League start. Here's the lineup:
SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
RF Jayson Werth
1B Ryan Howard
LF Raul Ibanez
CF Shane Victorino
3B Eric Bruntlett
C Carlos Ruiz
RHP Chan Ho Park
More from Giles in tomorrow's News Journal. More on Philled In shortly.
(Updated, 9:08 a.m.): OK, quick roster check: There are 28 players left in camp, including non-roster RHP Gary Majewski and INF Miguel Cairo and Rule 5 pick RHP Bobby Mosebach. My guess -- strictly a guess -- is that LHP J.A. Happ wins the No. 5 starter spot and opens the season in extended spring training because the Phillies don't need five starters immediately. Then, they can carry Cairo and take an extra week to 10 days to find a taker for either of their lefty-hitting reserve outfielders, Matt Stairs or Geoff Jenkins.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- One week.
That's all that remains before the Phillies officially launch their World Series title defense at the Bank with a nationally televised game against the Braves. So, with the clock ticking toward next Sunday night, we at The News Journal kicked off our Phillies Preview Week in today's paper. Everyone knows how essential Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are to the Phillies' success. But, throughout the week, we will be looking at the less heralded "difference-makers."
Today, for instance, we look at Jayson Werth, who I contend is the most important everyday player in the lineup. With Pat Burrell having moved on to Tampa Bay, Werth is the last remaining right-handed power bat in the middle of the lineup, a substantial responsibility for a player who has never gotten more than 418 at-bats in a season. It'll be up to Werth to get big hits whenever the Phillies face a lefty (the Mets' Johan Santana and Oliver Perez, for instance) and to make opponents think twice about sticking with their lefty relievers in late innings.
"Regardless of where you play, who you're playing with, you're trying to get as much production out of yourself as possible," Werth told me. "That said, being that one right-handed bat in the middle of this lefty-heavy lineup, I know I need to continue to hit lefties well and be productive against lefties because that's when the team is going to count on me the most.
"We've got a lot of really good hitters in this lineup. We played some of the best baseball, I don't want to say in the history of the game, but some really good baseball down the stretch last year, and we've got almost the same group back. So, it's really just about going out and doing your job. That's it. I know what needs to happen. We all know what needs to happen."
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Within the notebook, we talked to Chris Coste about securing the backup catcher job and J.A. Happ after his minor-league start yesterday in Dunedin.
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The best-in-the-nation Boston University hockey team trounced Ohio State yesterday, 8-3, to move on to the Northeast Regional final today against UNH.
More in a bit.(Updated, 1:04 p.m.): It rained earlier this morning (it's sunny and warm now), so Cole Hamels' minor-league start has been postponed. He'll pitch tomorrow, although it hasn't been determined if it'll be in a major-league game or a minor-league game.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, upon further review, Cole Hamels will start a minor-league game here today, while Joe Blanton will face the Red Sox at Bright House. Hamels said last week he'd likely start against the Sawx. Still trying to get a reason for the switch, if in fact there was a switch.
Meanwhile, here's today's lineup against Boston:
SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
RF Jayson Werth
LF Raul Ibanez
3B Pedro Feliz
DH John Mayberry Jr.
C Chris Coste
Joe Blanton will start for the Phillies. Red Sox are bringing CF Jacoby Ellsbury, SS Jed Lowrie, RF J.D. Drew and C Jason Varitek. (Also, for one of Philled In's loyal readers, Gil Velazquez is starting at second base.) Jon Lester will pitch for the Red Sox.
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Newly acquired reliever Jack Taschner joined the team today. It's been a whirlwind last 48 hours for him. His wife, Miriam, is eight months pregnant. Make no mistake, though, Taschner is happy to be with the Phils. Check back later for more from him.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- So, I know y'all were following along on Twitter, but I figured I'd post this here, too. J.A. Happ's line today in a triple-A game against the Blue Jays: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 94 pitches (54 strikes).
That said, he pitched better than his line.
Happ labored through the first inning, throwing 31 pitches and allowing three runs. Then again, he could've had a much easier time if he'd gotten a strike call on a borderline full-count pitch to J.P. Arencibia. Instead, he issued a one-out walk, then allowed three straight RBI hits.
But he retired 13 of the next 14 batters and came out for the sixth inning. He walked the leadoff batter, allowed a single and struck out Nick Gorneault. Having reached his pitch count, he was relieved by Joe Bisenius, who allowed both inherited runners to score on a looper to left field.
***
Pedro Feliz went 0-for-6 with two strikeouts in the same game.
***
Gearing up for the big Boston University-Ohio State hockey game at 5:30.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Awoke this morning, checked my e-mail and saw Ronny Paulino has been traded again. Only a few hours after the Giants acquired him from the Phillies for lefty reliever Jack Taschner, Paulino was dealt to the Marlins for right-hander Hector Correa. So, if you're counting, that's four teams in four months (and three in two days) for well-traveled Paulino.
At this point, though, you're probably more interested in hearing from Chris Coste, who, once again, has survived a challenge to his job security. So, a few of us reporters caught up with Coste in the clubhouse this morning. Apparently, he didn't find out about the trade until this morning. Coste said Shane Victorino called him at about 11:30 last night, but he already had silenced his phone.
"He was kind of upset that I didn't answer the phone," Coste said. "The same thing happened a couple days ago when there were those reports out there that [Paulino] might get traded. Victorino calls me at 11:30 at night. I didn't answer the phone, and he doesn't leave messages because he's too lazy. So, this morning, when I got up, I didn't think much about it because I was half asleep when I found out he'd called. My wife got on the Internet, and she told me in the morning before I came to the ballpark."
Clearly, though, Coste is relieved, right?
"A little bit, certainly," he said. "There's always that constant fight to keep your job once the season starts, but that first hurdle seems to be past anyways. But it's not just me, it's a lot of guys in this room, you're on the team one day and you find yourself in the minor leagues or traded the next. So, as excited as I am, there's always that constant fight to survive the season."
Ruben Amaro Jr. told me last night that Paulino didn't show the Phillies enough to wrestle the job from Coste. Charlie Manuel always has been a backer of Coste's and feels confident with a Carlos Ruiz-Coste catching tandem.
"We won a World Series with those two catchers," he said.Taschner, by the way, is expected to fly here today and could join the team tomorrow.***Phillies are heading to Bradenton today to face the Pirates. Before that, thought, I'm heading over to Dunedin to watch J.A. Happ pitch in a minor-league game against the Blue Jays.More later.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Having already determined that catcher Ronny Paulino isn't going to turn into everything they had hoped when they traded for him in December, the Phillies turned Paulino into the left-handed reliever for whom they have been looking.
In a deal that was finalized late tonight, Ruben Amaro Jr. swapped Paulino to the San Francisco Giants for Jack Taschner, who will serve as the Phillies' second lefty reliever, at least until J.C. Romero returns from a 50-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. Scott Eyre is the incumbent left-hander in the bullpen.
"We've been looking for some left-handed depth, and we're hopeful that [Taschner] can provide that for us," said Amaro, reached moments ago by phone. "We'll see how it works out, but we figured he'd be a good risk to put in the mix to help us."
Taschner, 30, went 3-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 67 games for the Giants last season, and in 16 appearances against NL East teams, he was 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA. But he isn't regarded as a lefty specialist. Last year, left-handed hitters batted .279 against him, and for his career, he has been far tougher on right-handed hitters (.247) than lefties (.288).
He also fits into the Phillies' payroll. Taschner is due to make $830,000 this season, less than what left-hander Will Ohman is believed to be seeking on the free-agent market. The Phillies had some interest in Ohman during the offseason. Lefty reliever Joe Beimel recently got a one-year, $2 million contract from the Washington Nationals.
The Giants made Taschner available after he posted a 6.23 ERA in eight Cactus League appearances, and the Phillies were similarly disappointed in Paulino after acquiring him in a Dec. 10 trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor-league catcher Jason Jaramillo.
Paulino, 27, was expected to challenge incumbent Chris Coste for the backup catcher job. And although Coste was slowed last month by a hamstring strain and is batting .095 (2-for-21) this spring, Paulino was batting only .194 with one home run in 13 Grapefruit League games. After Thursday's game, Charlie Manuel was critical of Paulino's approach at the plate, calling him "stiff."
"Coste is a better fit for us," Amaro said. "We just felt more comfortable with Coste as the backup."
(Updated, 10:57 p.m.): Andrew Baggarly, the Giants beat writer for the San Jose Mercury News, spoke to Taschner and posted some comments to his blog. The highlights: "I'm excited for the opportunity," Taschner said. "I get to play with Scotty (Eyre) again. He was huge in my first year in the big leagues. He helped me in a lot of ways. I'm looking forward to meeting new teammates and a new coaching staff and hopefully pitching well. ... Any time you can get a new set of eyes, a new point of view and hear new terminology on the way you're pitching, it's always a good thing. I expect that will be a good thing for my career."
BY SCOTT LAUBER
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- So, as you get off the exit at the junction of I-4 and US-192, a sign directs you to the left for the Magic Kingdom and to the right for Kissimmee. Got to tell you, I found it a little difficult to steer my car to the right.
Anyway, I'm here at Osceola County Stadium for Phillies-Astros. The team bus just arrived, too, so I'm headed downstairs to the clubhouse in a few minutes. For now, though, here are the lineups with spring stats, and please don't forget to weigh in on our poll question below.
PHILLIES
CF Shane Victorino (.188/0/1)
1B Eric Bruntlett (.345/1/8)
2B Chase Utley (.318/2/4)
RF Jayson Werth (.298/4/10)
LF Raul Ibanez (.242/0/9)
3B Pedro Feliz (.125/0/1)
SS Miguel Cairo (.295/3/6)
C Chris Coste (.111/0/1)
P Brett Myers (1-1, 2.63)
ASTROS
2B Kazuo Matsui (.105/0/0)
C Ivan Rodriguez (.444/2/2)
1B Lance Berkman (.325/3/7)
LF Carlos Lee (.200/0/5)
SS Miguel Tejada (.257/1/3)
RF Hunter Pence (.278/2/2)
3B Geoff Blum (.178/0/7)
CF Michael Bourn (.219/0/8)
P Roy Oswalt (0-0, 6.00)
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Morning, all. TGIF!
I'll be spending most of the morning in my car, driving to Kissimmee for Phillies-Astros. So, we'll keep this post relatively short. First, a few links: In today's News Journal, Chase Utley told me he's ready to start the season, although his home-run swing in the first inning yesterday could've spoken for itself. Also, in the notebook, Charlie Manuel is a critic of Ronny Paulino, Cole Hamels' bullpen session went well, Kyle Kendrick's minor-league re-debut did not, and a few other nuggets.
Because our last reader poll generated great response, I wanted to throw out another. Please check it out below, and vote early and often.
Finally, a reminder that Philled In is now on Twitter. Follow us, won't you?
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- When spring training began here nearly six weeks ago, one of the biggest questions facing the Phillies was whether Chase Utley would be ready to start the season after undergoing right hip surgery Nov. 24.
Utley's first-inning swing today provided the answer.
It was a compact, left-handed stroke, and it resulted in a laser solo home run over the right-field wall against Yankees right-hander Joba Chamberlain. In other words, it was vintage Utley. If I didn't know better, I'd have thought it was midseason at Citizens Bank Park, not late March at Bright House Field with Utley only 17 weeks removed from the operating table. He played eight innings and went 2-for-4 in the 10-2 loss to the Yankees, hiking his Grapefruit League average to .318 (7-for-22).
So, after the game, I hung around the clubhouse for a while and waited for Utley to finish getting treatment. I had a simple question for him: Is there any doubt he'll be ready for Opening Night, April 5 at the Bank against the Braves?
"We're moving in the right direction," Utley said. "It's a positive that everything feels good to this point. The last three or four games I haven't even thought about [the hip], to be honest with you. At first, I thought about it a little bit, but now, it's out of mind completely."
Charlie Manuel insists he knew all along that Utley would be ready. Ruben Amaro Jr. seemingly wasn't so sure. That's why he collected veteran infielders this winter, signing Marcus Giles, Pablo Ozuna and Miguel Cairo to minor-league contracts. But now that Utley is on the verge of completing a successful rehab, Amaro admitted to me yesterday that, because the surgery wasn't as extensive as it could have been, the Phillies were hoping Utley's recovery would be closer to four months than six.
***
Pedro Feliz also appears to be ready for the season-opener after having surgery Nov. 20 to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. But Feliz's timing at the plate isn't as advanced as Utley's. Including his 0-for-4 here today, Feliz is 3-for-24 (.125) in Grapefruit League play.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, my spy in nearby Tampa today has informed me Kyle Kendrick got rocked in his first start since being sent to the minors Monday.
In a triple-A game against the Yankees, Kendrick surrendered five runs on eight hits, walked three and struck out two in 3-1/3 innings. Things didn't start well. Kendrick served up a three-run homer to perennial Yankees prospect Eric Duncan in the first inning.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Another day, still no decision on which pitcher will start the Phillies' season-opener. But we do have this update on Cole Hamels, courtesy of Rich Dubee:
Hamels threw a bullpen session (48 pitches) today and felt fine, free of any out-of-the-ordinary after-effects from his 48-pitch start in a minor-league game Tuesday. So, Hamels will start Sunday against the Red Sox, as scheduled. Dubee said he'll throw about 70 pitches.
What happens after that? Could Hamels still start the opener?
"If Chuck [Manuel] says he's good for 90 [pitches]," Dubee said with a smile. "He could go nine [innings] Sunday."
Don't hold your breath. Dubee later said Hamels remains a "long shot" to start the opener, but it's not likely the Phillies will have any decisions until after he pitches here Sunday.
***
Chase Utley had a beautiful swing on a home run in the first inning. I just spoke to him for a few minutes, but I won't spoil the surprise (how's that for making you want to buy tomorrow's News Journal?). For now, let's just say that Charlie Manuel thinks Utley and Pedro Feliz will be ready to go on Opening Night, and he insists he knew all along that they would be.
More later.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- This got lost in all the Cole Hamels news from the other day, but Jimmy Rollins said he and David Wright were able to put their Phillies-Mets rivalry aside for three weeks and co-exist as teammates in the World Baseball Classic.
"It was fun," Rollins said. "He was different than I thought. Little bit of an instigator. He gets it going in that clubhouse."
But, according to the New York Post's Mets blog, J-Roll had a message for D-Wright after their commercial flight from Los Angeles landed in Atlanta on Monday and they went their separate ways.
"He said, 'It's on again,'" Wright said.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- T-minus seven days until the Phillies break camp here and head north, which is good news. I think everyone is itching to get home.
Here's your lineup for today's game against the Yankees at Bright House:
SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
LF Raul Ibanez
RF Jayson Werth
DH Matt Stairs
3B Pedro Feliz
C Ronny Paulino
Pitching today: Carlos Carrasco (pictured), Clay Condrey, Scott Eyre, Brad Lidge.
The Yankees, by the way, are bringing many of their regulars across the Causeway from Tampa. Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira, Hideki Matsui and Robinson Cano are making the short trip. Joba Chamberlain will get the start.
***
I've gotten a few e-mails from folks wondering if Carrasco has a chance to make the team. Ruben Amaro Jr. said the other day that he is still being considered for the No. 5 starter spot, but really, it's a two-man race between J.A. Happ and Chan Ho Park. Carrasco is still here, though, because the experience of being in major-league camp has been beneficial for him. For instance, before his last start, he was counseled both by Rich Dubee and Brett Myers about changing the grip on his curveball. He used the new grip and threw the pitch with effectiveness against the Cardinals in Jupiter.
"He's still in the running, but more than anything else, I think this is a great learning experience for him," Amaro said of Carrasco. "But we haven't made a decision on him, and when we do, he'll be notified. But I think, even if he's not on our club, I think this will be a heck of a learning experience for him as he gets closer and closer to being a major-league pitcher."
***
Your daily reminder that I -- and by extension, Philled In -- am now on Twitter.
More in a bit.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, after yesterday's game, a few of us beat writers peppered Ruben Amaro Jr. with questions. At one point, I asked about the backup catcher competition, specifically whether the Phillies would consider keeping three catchers -- Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste and Ronny Paulino -- on the opening-night roster.
"It's a possibility, though probably more remote," Amaro said.
Asked a follow-up question about Paulino, Amaro said, "He's done some things well for us. Both him and Coste have done some things well. Clearly, for me, Ruiz is our No. 1 catcher. Again, we haven't made any final decisions on our backup situation or whether we're going to carry three. It's a remote possibility, but it still remains a possibility."
Well, according to well-sourced Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Phillies are shopping Paulino, which makes sense. As we've discussed here at Philled In, and as I wrote in a story for Thursday's News Journal, Paulino hasn't outplayed Coste this spring. The Phillies are familiar with Coste, who does a good, if unspectacular, job as Ruiz's backup. With prospect Lou Marson slated to start at Lehigh Valley, there won't be much playing time for Paulino, who seemingly has greater value to the Phillies as trade bait than a triple-A backup.
***
Another Phillies-related rumor has surfaced in the San Francisco Chronicle: The Giants are dangling lefty reliever Jack Taschner, and the Phils may be interested. I'll ask Amaro about this one Thursday (although, he usually doesn't comment on trade rumors). Once again, though, this one makes sense. The Phillies need a second lefty reliever, and with an $830,000 salary for 2009, Taschner fits into the budget.
Talk to y'all tomorrow before Phils-Yanks at Bright House.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- OK, the Phillies have the day off, but here at Philled In, we're busy working on season-preview stories and other assorted goodies that will appear in the pages of The News Journal next week. Wanted to take a few minutes, though, to discuss some roster decisions that still need to be made by Ruben Amaro Jr., Charlie Manuel & Co.
1. The Drive For No. 5: It's down to two candidates -- J.A. Happ and Chan Ho Park -- in the fifth-starter competition, and I think it's really a dead heat. Park has a guaranteed roster spot, either as the No. 5 starter or a multi-inning reliever. Happ (left, AP photo) has a good chance, too, with Amaro saying yesterday that he could fill the Phillies' need for a second lefty reliever. If anything, I'd give the slight edge to Happ (3.15 ERA in 20 Grapefruit League innings) in the race for No. 5, because the organization is more invested in his future as a starter than Park's. But Park (2.87 ERA in 15.2 innings) has pitched every bit as well, if not better, than Happ this spring. Something to consider: The Phillies have three days off during the season's first eight days and likely won't need a fifth starter until April 20. So, in theory, Happ and Park can both open the season in the bullpen before one joins the rotation. "The decision we make will come down to the wire," Amaro said.
2. Which backup will catch on?: One of the backup catchers in camp, Chris Coste or Ronny Paulino, will make the team. Chances are, though, both will not. Amaro said yesterday it's a "remote" possibility that the Phils will carry three catchers. They know all about Coste. He's a good, albeit streaky, hitter, an adequate defensive catcher, and he knows the pitching staff. Paulino remains a mystery. He has good size and plenty of raw ability, but he hasn't been overly impressive this spring, batting only .185 (5-for-27). "He's done some things well for us," Amaro said. "Both him and Coste have done some things well." To me, though, unless Paulino gets hot over the next week, familiarity will work in Coste's favor and he'll win the job.
3. Is 11 enough?: Typically, Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee prefer to keep 12 pitchers. But with all the early-April off-days, it's possible they could open the season with 11 (four starters, seven relievers) and add a 12th pitcher before April 20, when they will need a fifth starters. And since Amaro said yesterday that Cole Hamels likely will open the season on the active roster (not the disabled list), the top 11 pitchers would seem to be Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, Clay Condrey, Park and Happ. That means reliever Gary Majewski would start the season in triple-A, and Rule 5 reliever Bobby Mosebach would have to be offered back to the Angels and/or clear waivers before going to triple-A.
4. Will Jenkins or Stairs be left out?: Amaro admitted yesterday that Geoff Jenkins and Matt Stairs are, in essence, the same player. Both are veteran left-handed hitters. Both have power. Neither has much speed or is particularly strong defensively. So, really, is there room on the Phillies' bench for both? "I think it's a redundancy, and in a perfect world, I'd like to have more versatility and give Charlie different types of choices," Amaro said. "But that doesn't mean, at the end of the day, that we won't have all three of those left-handers [Stairs, Jenkins and pinch-hitting specialist Greg Dobbs] on our bench." It figures to be easier for the Phillies to move Stairs, who is making only $1 million this season, but they'd prefer to deal Jenkins. They've reportedly been shopping him around, but he has $8 million left on his contract, including the $1.25 million buyout of his 2010 option. Of course, the Phillies also could release Jenkins and swallow most of that money, just like they did last month with Adam Eaton.
5. What about Cairo and Mayberry?: If the Phillies open with 11 pitchers, they'll have an extra bench player. That would allow them to keep Miguel Cairo, the veteran utility man who bats from the right side of the plate. Cairo signed a minor-league contract Feb. 15 and has a clause that allows him to be released if he doesn't make the opening-night roster. Cairo has had a superb spring, batting .302 (13-for-43) and even belting three home runs (he hasn't homered in his last 781 regular-season at-bats), and he can be an asset off the bench. But Amaro indicated the Phillies also could keep Mayberry, the power-hitting outfield prospect. They'd rather have the 25-year-old playing every day in triple-A than sitting on the bench in the majors, but if it's only for a few weeks until they add a 12th pitcher, they could conceivably keep Mayberry in the majors. "I can't say that's going to happen, but I can't rule it out completely," Amaro said.
***
In today's News Journal, we have details from Hamels' minor-league start. Also, within the notebook, the latest sign that Chase Utley will be ready for the season-opener and a sleepless night for Park. And, finally, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino are back from the WBC, and Rollins wonders if Team USA will ever have enough chemistry to win the tournament.
***
Speaking of the WBC, Mike Schmidt wrote this column about the experience for the Associated Press.
***
A published report yesterday suggested the Phillies have talked to the Colorado Rockies about trading Kyle Kendrick for utility man Jeff Baker. But Amaro dispelled the rumor by saying, "I don't know if that's a fair trade, actually."
***
A reminder: Philled In is now Twittering. Please check it out by clicking here.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, I know you've been tracking this all day over on Twitter (and muchas gracias to everyone who is following me there), but I wanted to make sure we keep Philled In updated as well:
Cole Hamels threw 48 pitches (35 strikes) in 3-2/3 scoreless innings against a group of Pirates minor leaguers. He allowed one hit, walked one and struck out five. Most important, though, Hamels said afterward that he didn't feel any stiffness between innings. That's significant because it means the anti-inflammatory injection he received last Tuesday in Philly has taken effect. Before the shot, Hamels said he had trouble bending his arm at the elbow and raising it high enough to touch his shoulder.
"It felt good just because the fact of getting into competition," Hamels said. "It's just trying to establish feeling each pitch, one at a time, inning-by-inning. It was more about how I was going to feel between innings, and I felt great. Nothing stiffened up. To go out here and throw about 50 pitches, I think I did pretty well."I think now I can really focus on getting ready for the season. You have to get out there. You have to get your reps in. Now, mentally, I know I'm good to go. It's a good feeling to move it around. So, just kind of going with that, I know I'm going to feel good tomorrow. I tried to up it from what I did in the bullpen, and it felt good."
So, what's next?
Hamels is scheduled to pitch Sunday at Bright House against the Red Sox. If that goes well, he'll face the Rays in one of the exhibition games next weekend at the Bank. He won't be able to start the season-opener April 5, but he likely will start during the season's first week, possibly April 10 at Coors Field against the Rockies.
There was a large contingent of minor leaguers gathered around Mike Schmidt Field to watch Hamels. Assistant GM Chuck LaMar was there, and although he declined to comment, he passed along a report to Ruben Amaro Jr.. Talked to Hamels after he threw today, and he said he began to tire in the fourth inning. It showed. Here's an inning-by-inning breakdown of Hamels' start:
First inning: 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 walks, 0 strikeouts, 7 pitches, 6 strikes
Second inning: 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 walks, 2 strikeouts, 13 pitches, 11 strikes
Third inning: 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 walks, 2 strikeouts, 12 pitches, 10 strikes
Fourth inning: 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 walk, 1 strikeout, 16 pitches, 8 strikes
***
In other minor-league action, Joe Blanton allowed one run on six hits, didn't walk a batter, struck out five and threw about 95 pitches in seven innings. J.C. Romero struck out three and threw 14 of 17 pitches for strikes in two hitless innings.
***
According to our spies in nearby Dunedin, Chan Ho Park allowed three runs on four hits, walked one and struck out seven in four innings against the Blue Jays.
More shortly.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, I was standing in the Phillies' clubhouse a few minutes ago when bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer walked over at pointed at the first two names in the lineup.
"We called two guys up from the minors to help us today," he said.
Uh, not exactly.
Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino have returned after spending the past three weeks with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, and they're in the lineup today against the Blue Jays at Dunedin Stadium. We'll hear from them later, but for now, here's the full lineup, which kind of looks like the lineup the Phillies may use on Opening Night (minus the DH, of course).
SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
RF Jayson Werth
LF Raul Ibanez
3B Pedro Feliz
DH Chris Coste
C Carlos Ruiz
Chan Ho Park will start in Dunedin. Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and J.C. Romero will pitch in a minor-league game here at the Complex.
***
Speaking of pitching, here's the rotation for the week. Based on this alignment, it would seem Brett Myers will start the season-opener April 5 at the Bank. Although, to quote Rich Dubee, there's a "very, very, very small shot" that Hamels could still make that start. For that to happen, he'd have to be lights-out for 80 or so pitches Sunday, and the Phillies would have to decide that he doesn't need a final spring-training tune-up before the season starts.
Thursday vs. Yankees (Clearwater): Carlos Carrasco, Clay Condrey, Scott Eyre, Chad Durbin, Brad Lidge
Friday at Astros (Kissimmee): Brett Myers, Ryan Madson, Condrey, Bobby Mosebach, J.C. Romero
Saturday at Pirates (Bradenton): Jamie Moyer, J.A. Happ, Lidge, Eyre, Durbin
Sunday vs. Red Sox (Clearwater): Joe Blanton, Cole Hamels, Madson, Eyre
Monday vs. Astros (Clearwater): Chan Ho Park, Condrey, Durbin, Mosebach
Tuesday vs. Blue Jays (Clearwater): Myers, Lidge, Romero, Madson.
Wednesday at Yankees (Tampa): Carrasco, Madson, Lidge, Eyre.
***
In today's News Journal, we examine the fall of Kyle Kendrick. Also, the roster picture is getting clearer.
***
I'll write a longer post about this later, but I've gotten a few e-mails about a rumor that has surfaced in the Boston Globe about a potential swap that would send catching prospect Lou Marson to the Sox for either pitcher Clay Buchholz or hard-throwing prospect Daniel Bard. The deal seemingly would make sense for both sides. The Sox need a catcher, and the Phillies would love to add another young pitcher to their rotation, especially with Myers headed for free agency after the season. But it's highly, highly doubtful the Sox will part with either of those young arms. Buchholz already has thrown a no-hitter in the majors, and Bard hit 100 mph on the radar gun this spring.
More in a bit.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, Cole Hamels will throw about 50 pitches in a minor-league game tomorrow at the Carpenter Complex, and we'll be there to bring you all the details. It's a significant step, to be sure, because it's the first time Hamels will pitch in a game since receiving that anti-inflammatory injection in his left elbow last Tuesday in Philly. But, surely, you're more interested in when Hamels will be ready to make his regular-season debut, right?
Well, it won't be on Opening Night.
Pitching coach Rich Dubee said as much after today's game. Last week, he said Hamels was a "long shot" to start the season-opener, and today, he downgraded those odds to a "very, very, very small shot." If everything goes well tomorrow, Dubee said Hamels will start again (and throw about 70 pitches) Sunday. After that, he'll toss about 90 pitches in one of the exhibition games against the Rays next weekend (April 3 or April 4) at the Bank. So, obviously, starting the April 5 season-opener against the Braves isn't a possibility.
"There's a good chance he won't pitch Opening Day," Dubee said. "It's a very, very, very small shot, if at all. But saying that isn't saying he can't pitch the fourth game of the season and not miss a start."
The fourth game of the season would be April 10 against the Rockies at Coors Field.
Mark your calendar.
***
Thanks to everyone who weighed in today on our reader poll. As of this post, 48 percent of you think Brett Myers should start Opening Night, 42 percent want to see Jamie Moyer on the mound against the Braves, and 10 percent picked Joe Blanton. If you didn't vote, it's not too late. You can weigh in by clicking here.
***
Programming note: You can now find me (and, by extension, Philled In) on Twitter. Join me there, won't you?
Talk to you tomorrow.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, the Phillies beat the Yankees, 8-3, in the rain at Bright House. Just got through talking with both Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee. Lots of stuff about Kyle Kendrick, but we'll get to that later.
After the game, Jason Donald was sent to minor-league camp, but that's not a surprise. Manuel and assistant GM Scott Proefrock told me yesterday that Donald would almost certainly start the season in triple-A. So, all tolled, six players got sent down today (Kendrick, Donald, catcher Lou Marson, infielder Brad Harman, right-hander Dave Borkowski and lefty Jake Woods).
So, where do we stand?
Well, based on the postgame conversations with Manuel and Dubee, here's my best guess. And, please, keep in mind this is only a guess at this point and a lot of things can still change: Because of the three off days during the season's first eight days, the Phillies will start with only 11 pitchers. I think both J.A. Happ and Chan Ho Park will make the team, leaving Gary Majewski and University of Delaware product Mike Koplove to go to triple-A. Carrying one fewer pitcher will allow the Phillies to also carry one extra position player, opening a spot for Miguel Cairo, who belted his third Grapefruit League homer in the seventh inning. About 10 days or two weeks into the season, the Phils will add a 12th pitcher (Majewski?), but they will still have extra time to try to trade either Geoff Jenkins or Matt Stairs. The only other decision will be which backup catcher makes the team, Chris Coste or Ronny Paulino.
Here, then, is my projected 25-man opening-night roster:
Pitchers (11): Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, Chan Ho Park, Clay Condrey, Scott Eyre.
Catchers (2): Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste.
Infielders (7): Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz, Eric Bruntlett, Greg Dobbs, Miguel Cairo.
Outfielders (5): Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth, Matt Stairs, Geoff Jenkins.
***
Hamels will start in a minor-league game tomorrow, as scheduled. If that goes well, Dubee said he'll start again March 29 and then April 4 (the Saturday exhibition game against the Rays at the Bank). Thus, Dubee has downgraded his chances of starting opening night from a "long shot" to a "very, very, very small shot."
Must start writing. More later.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The rain has ceased. The game has started. And Kyle Kendrick spoke to us a few minutes ago. Some highlights:
On his reaction to the news: "At first, I was upset. But I know what I need to do. I need to go down there and work on my secondary pitches. And I'll be back. I didn't show my off-speed stuff early enough. It was a little erratic at times. It needs to get better. I need to get better. I'll go down there with a clear mind and get better, and I'll be back. It was hard to swallow at first, but I know if I go down there and do what I need to do, it's going to help."
On going to triple-A instead of to the Phillies' bullpen: "I think they see me, and I see myself, as a starter for my career. I'm not going to be a bullpen guy. So, if there's no room here, obviously, I'll go to triple-A. I'll go down there and work on those pitches and come back."
On winning 21 games in the majors over the past two seasons with essentially one pitch: "When I came up, I was a one-pitch pitcher. The slider was OK. But I was mainly a one-pitch pitcher. I think the league figured that out. I've tried to develop my changeup. It took a little longer than what I liked, what they liked. So, I'll work on those pitches. In the minors, it's more about development instead of numbers. One thing I need to do is go down there and not pitch how I've been pitching with just my sinker. I need to go down there and develop my changeup, develop my curve, develop my slider, and not just trying to get back here. If I go down there and throw my changeup and it gets hit for a home run, I need to throw it again, not worry about my numbers. I need to worry about what I need to do."
On whether a trip to the minors can do for him what it did for Brett Myers last year: "Definitely. I've heard stories about guys going down and coming back up. Guys take a step backward. Look at Jamie's [Moyer] career. I know what I need to do. That's the good thing."
On whether he thought this might be coming: "I'm not going to lie. I knew they [J.A. Happ and Chan Ho Park] were pitching good, and I had a couple games where I didn't pitch good. I knew what I needed to do, and I didn't do well, obviously. Those guys pitched good. But I know what it's going to take to get me back here. I thought about my options, what could happen. All the options kind of crossed my mind."
More later.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Kyle Kendrick has been optioned to minor-league camp, a somewhat surprising move considering there are nearly two weeks remaining until the season-opener. That leaves J.A. Happ and Chan Ho Park as the remaining candidates for the No. 5 starter job.
Kendrick, a 24-year-old right-hander, initially was projected as a slight favorite to win the job by pitching coach Rich Dubee. But he was 1-3 with a 9.20 ERA in four Grapefruit League starts. When I spoke to him the other day, he seemed to know he wasn't going to be the Phillies' fifth starter. He was, however, holding out hope that he'd get a spot in the bullpen. Clearly, though, the Phils want Kendrick to pitch in the rotation at Class AAA Lehigh Valley and continue to develop his changeup. He won 21 games for the Phillies over the past two seasons, but he lacks an effective secondary pitch to augment his signature sinker.We hope to have some reaction from Kendrick in a bit.
Also, catcher Lou Marson and infielder Brad Harman were optioned to minor-league camp.
Just started raining here, and the Yankees are scurrying off the field. Today's lineup:
3B Eric Bruntlett
CF Jayson Werth
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
LF Raul Ibanez
RF Matt Stairs
SS Jason Donald
C Ronny Paulino
LHP J.A. Happ
BY SCOTT LAUBER
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- If he's not ready to go, Cole Hamels has nominated Brett Myers to start the season-opener.
Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee aren't as decisive.
Myers would be a sensible choice, especially since he's started the past two openers. But Jamie Moyer (2000, 2004, 2005, 2006 with Seattle) and Joe Blanton (2008 with Oakland) also have made opening-day starts. Really, though, does it matter? Starting on opening day is largely ceremonial. In the end, it's really just one game out of 162.
Regardless, you make the call.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Getting ready to make the 2-hour drive up I-75 back to Clearwater, but before I go, a few notes from City of Palms Park:
--More on this in Monday's News Journal, but Jason Donald and John Mayberry Jr. almost certainly will open the season at triple-A Lehigh Valley. Why? Well, Charlie Manuel and assistant GM Scott Proefrock explained today that the Phillies believe both players will benefit more from playing every day in the minors than coming off the bench in the majors. So, I spoke to Eric Bruntlett, who was a starting shortstop in the minors before becoming a bench player in the majors. He said the adjustment to the big leagues can be tougher if you aren't getting regular at-bats. Do you agree? Disagree?
--Chatted with reliever Chad Durbin, who is working on a slider to offset his cutter. The idea stemmed from a conversation Durbin had with Brad Lidge. Turns out, the grip on Lidge's devastating slider is similar to the grip on Durbin's cutter. Durbin has thrown two sliders in games, both for strikes. But he's still trying to decide if the pitch is ready for regular-season use.
--No brawl this time between Ryan Howard and Josh Beckett. No runs for the Phils either. After being held to an Eric Bruntlett solo homer yesterday against the Twins, they were blanked today by Beckett, Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen and Daniel Bard. But Manuel isn't freaking out. "I ain't worried about our team offensively," he said. "We're all right. We're going to have a big year this year. I feel real good about us. We know we can do better than what we did the second half of last year offensively. We've got guys that can put up bigger numbers than they did last year."
--Don't expect a verdict on the backup catcher competition until April 3 or April 4. It will be among the last decisions the Phillies make before they set the roster.
***
Clearing out the inbox: I came across a few e-mails from folks who are wondering if Manuel or Rich Dubee will make the final decision about the No. 5 starter. The short answer is it will be a mutual decision. But you should know that Manuel defers to Dubee on most pitching issues. It's kind of like Andy Reid trusting Jim Johnson to handle all matters related to the Eagles' defense. So, if, just for the purposes of this discussion, Dubee says J.A. Happ should be the No. 5 starter and Chan Ho Park should be in the bullpen, odds are Manuel won't overrule him. For more on Dubee, check out this feature that I wrote in The News Journal nearly a year ago.
***
Asked today about when the Phillies will make the customary World Series champions' visit to the White House and was told by a team official that April 14, an off-day in DC, is a possibility. Of course, the date/time will be determined more by President Obama's schedule than the Phillies'.
***
Finally, from the Ex-Files: Gavin Floyd has signed a four-year, $15.5 million contract extension with the White Sox.
On tap tomorrow: Happ starts against the Yankees at Bright House. Talk to y'all then.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Greetings from City of Palms Park, spring home of the Boston Red Sox. Josh Beckett on the mound for the Sawx. Ryan Howard in the cleanup spot for the Phils. And if y'all remember the spring of '06, you know why that's significant. Beckett and Howard exchanged words and nearly got into a rare Grapefruit League brawl one sunny day at Bright House Field.
Doubt we'll see any fireworks today, but hey, ya never know.
Sox have close to their A-lineup here today, with the exception of nicked-up first baseman Kevin Youkilis. So, it should be a good test for Brett Myers. Here's the Sox full lineup with spring-training stats: CF Jacoby Ellsbury (.294/1/4)
2B Dustin Pedroia (.333/0/2)
DH David Ortiz (.176/2/5)
3B Mike Lowell (.385/1/1)
LF Jason Bay (.250/1/3)
RF Rocco Baldelli (.208/0/4)
C Jason Varitek (.185/2/10)
SS Jed Lowrie (.439/2/10)
1B Paul McAnulty (.256/1/9)
And for the Phils:
3B Eric Bruntlett (.333/1/5)
CF Jayson Werth (.286/3/8)
LF Raul Ibanez (.216/0/8)
1B Ryan Howard (.289/6/16)
DH Matt Stairs (.259/0/4)
RF John Mayberry Jr. (.281/3/10)
SS Miguel Cairo (.289/2/4)
2B Pablo Ozuna (.367/1/4)
C Carlos Ruiz (.313/0/4)
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A few notes: INF Jason Donald (twisted ankle) is here today and likely will play at some point. ... RHP Joe Bisenius was optioned to minor-league camp. ... Routine day off for 2B Chase Utley.
***
In your Sunday News Journal: I had a conversation with Kyle Kendrick after he pitched yesterday. Judge for yourself, but I thought, based on his comments, that he sounds like a guy who is bracing for bad news. Also, within the notebook, we have news on Cole Hamels' bullpen session, Chan Ho Park's hamstring, Scott Eyre's teeth and more. And, finally, in the Sunday MLB notes, we look at the Curse of the World Series-winning aces. From Chris Carpenter to Beckett to Hamels, pitchers have had their problems in the season immediately following their playoff heroics.Enjoy your Sunday.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
