BY SCOTT LAUBERJUPITER, Fla. -- Well, we made it. Lots of interesting tales to tell from the nearly 4-hour trip across the state. Did you know there is actually a place called Yeehaw Junction? For the first time in my life, I saw a road sign that warned "Panther Crossing." I listened to U2's new CD twice (it's excellent, by the way) before finally finding a radio station. There's so much more, but I'll spare you the details.
Anyway, we're here, at Roger Dean Stadium, home of both the Marlins and Cardinals. The teams share this stadium, although as you'd expect, they have separate team offices and clubhouse facilities. So, it's not like Albert Pujols and Hanley Ramirez are locker neighbors or anything. Nice little town, Jupiter. It's home to Florida Atlantic University, and there's a cool shopping area adjacent to the stadium with what look to be some nice restaurants. I plan to try one later tonight.
The Phillies are just starting to trickle in, so it's almost time to head downstairs. A few notes before I do:
-After allaying fans' concerns yesterday, Cole Hamels is throwing back in Clearwater today. I don't expect much news to come out of that, but if there is, we'll let you know.
-Chris Coste is behind the plate today against the Marlins. Talked to Coste after yesterday's game, and he's beginning to feel some stress over keeping his job. He tweaked his hamstring a few weeks ago, and entering today's game, he's been limited to only eight Grapefruit League at-bats (he still doesn't have a hit). It's not like Ronny Paulino (4-for-20, 2 RBIs) is tearing the cover off the ball, but Coste needs to put together a good final 2-1/2 weeks down here to make sure he holds on to the backup catcher spot.
-Don't worry about Charlie Manuel's health. He said he's fit enough to manage the Phillies another 25 years.
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Today's lineup vs. the Marlins:
2B Pablo Ozuna
SS Jason Donald
LF Raul Ibanez
1B Ryan Howard
CF Jayson Werth
RF Geoff Jenkins
3B Marcus Giles
C Chris Coste
RHP Joe Blanton
More in a bit.
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