April 13 -- HAMELS: 'I LUCKED OUT'

Quick turnaround today, so we'll make this speedy. Besides, Shane Victorino is expected to be available shortly to offer an update on his strained right calf.

So, apparently, Cole Hamels is so good that he can allow one hit over seven innings against the Cubs even when he doesn't have his best stuff. Hamels gave up a lot of fly ball outs last night, and after the game, he basically said he got lucky that some didn't wind up on the other side of the short fences at the Bank. Regardless, Hamels was near-perfect (one hit, two walks). He threw 111 pitches and stretched his scoreless-innings streak to 13. And, through three starts, Hamels (2-1, 0.82 ERA) has been even more dominant than the past two NL Cy Young Award winners, San Diego's Jake Peavy (3-0, 1.64) and Arizona's Brandon Webb (3-0, 2.14).

Imagine how good Hamels will be when he starts pitched well.

"I've definitely been lucking out a lot," Hamels said. "I haven't really hit that groove. It's nice to know I'm still able to go out and challenge guys. I have guys so fooled and off-balance that it can allow me to get away with a poor game."

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Pitching coach Rich Dubee on Kyle Kendrick, who, for reasons passing understanding, tried to make strikeout pitches Wednesday night in New York instead of pitching to contact, the formula that worked so well for him last season: "Last year, I don't even think he knew where he was. He pitched in a blur last year. I wish last year never would've ended and he never would've reflected on what he did. We don't want him to change. Who he is, is what we want. We like Kyle to attack the strike zone, get all the ground balls he can get.

"He wants everything to be perfect when all he has to do is be the guy he was last year. Why change? I told him, it's like dating a pretty girl and bringing her a rose every night and having a great relationship, and then, he stopped bringing her the rose every night. Why change if things are working? Why complicate the matter? Hopefully, he brings the rose next time."

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Among other things, in our Sunday MLB notes, we examine Ed Wade's eight-year tenure as Phillies GM. Wade's new team, the Houston Astros, will be in town next week.

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Rumor has it that Geoff Jenkins -- yes Geoff Jenkins -- is batting leadoff today for the Phillies. Jenkins has never started a game in the leadoff spot during his 11-year career. Lineup hasn't been posted yet. We'll let you know as soon as it becomes official. Time to run downstairs. More later.

April 12 -- UPDATE: VICTORINO ON THE DL

Shane Victorino left tonight's game after the sixth inning with what the Phillies are calling a "right calf strain." He appeared to injure himself scoring from third base on a wild pitch in the fifth.

Victorino, you'll remember, landed on the disabled list last July 31 with a right calf strain. He missed nearly a month and got only 47 at-bats after being activated Aug. 22.

Check tomorrow's paper for more.

(Update, 11:10 p.m.): Victorino was placed on the disabled list after the game. The Phillies have recalled Chris Snelling from Class AAA Lehigh Valley. Jimmy Rollins (sprained left ankle) isn't expected to play tomorrow. Without Rollins or Victorino, expect Jayson Werth to bat leadoff and play center field. So Taguchi is also an option for that duty.

April 12 -- ROLLINS STILL OUT

Another day, another game without Jimmy Rollins.

Eric Bruntlett is in the lineup again for the Phillies tonight against the Cubs. Rollins took batting practice, then retreated to the clubhouse. Haven't had an opportunity to talk to him, but Charlie Manuel hinted that Rollins may not play tomorrow either. With an off day Monday, Manuel said he thinks Rollins will be ready for the three-game series against Houston that opens Tuesday.

Talked to Bruntlett before the game about his role while Rollins is out. "I just need to play my game," he said. "I need to make the plays defensively, move guys over, get bunts down. If I try to go out there and hit the ball all over the place, that's not who I am." More from Bruntlett in tomorrow's paper.

Tonight's lineup against Cubs LHP Ted Lilly: CF Shane Victorino (.209/0/2), RF Jayson Werth (.364/0/2), 2B Chase Utley (.317/3/8), 1B Ryan Howard (.195/2/4), LF Pat Burrell (.400/4/12), 3B Pedro Feliz (.216/1/4), C Carlos Ruiz (.194/0/3), SS Eric Bruntlett (.133/0/0), LHP Cole Hamels (1-1, 1.20).

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Not sure how interested y'all are in baseball's steroids situation, but Geoff Mosher, who pinch-hit yesterday as I made my way back from New York, has some Phillies reaction to MLB's new drug policy. Hamels, for one, offered his endorsement. "Of course, because I know I'll be drug-free for all my career," he said. "It's something that might be selfish; I don't know. But if everyone has a fair advantage, it really goes down to the effort that you put out there, the talent that you're given but also the extra effort that you give in the weight room or training yourself."

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Great stat: After a July 1 game last season in New York, Pat Burrell was batting .201 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs in 214 at-bats. Since then, he's batting .312, with 28 homers and 77 RBIs in 295 at-bats. That includes his two-run homer and go-ahead RBI double last night against the Cubs.

Also, within the game story, Geoff writes about an improved outing for Brett Myers, who used his fastball more often and had a better cutter.

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Apparently, the addition of outfielder Kosuke Fukudome has changed the dynamics of the Cubs' press corps. The team now prints a version of its game notes in Japanese for the reporters who are following Fukudome.

April 11 -- LET'S GO TO THE VIDEOTAPE!

NEW YORK -- Listening to Chris Coste and Charlie Manuel give their versions of the decisive play at the plate in the 12th inning last night, I was reminded of former WCBS sports anchor Warner Wolf, whose catchphrase when he showed highlights on the 11 o'clock news in New York was, "Let's Go To The Videotape."

Well, after the game, Coste and Manuel did exactly that, and they believe Jose Reyes was out.

What did y'all think?

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Most of the notebook in today's paper is about Ryan Madson, who told us (and, presumably, pitching coach Rich Dubee, too) that he'd rather not pitch multiple innings on back-to-back days early in the season. Madson, as you know, missed the final two months of last season with a strained shoulder, and it seems he's a bit gun shy about pushing his shoulder too hard too soon. Dubee and Manuel understand, but they also expect Madson to do his part. And, in any bullpen, there are times when relievers have to pitch even when they're tired or not feeling well.

To me, this is the fascinating part of relief pitching. I talked to Tom Gordon about this during spring training. Most relievers are loath to ask their manager or pitching coach for a day off because they don't want to be labeled as "soft." But Gordon said relievers also have to listen to their body, and if they need a rest, they must ask for it, or else they aren't doing their team any good. There's a fine line between being gutsy and stupid. Dubee is pretty good about touching base with his pitchers before each game to ask how they feel. During batting practice, he walks around the outfield and talks to each reliever to find out who's available.

Still, I get the feeling that Dubee and Manuel would like Madson to be a little tougher. This will certainly be something to watch as the season goes along. Madson is a critical part of the bullpen as the bridge from the starters to the late-inning guys, namely J.C. Romero, Gordon and closer Brad Lidge.

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Also within the notebook, there are a few words about Steve Kline, Kris Benson (remember him?) and Brett Myers, who, according to Dubee, isn't tipping his pitches. But he also isn't throwing his fastball enough, something he will endeavor to change tonight when he faces the Cubs at the Bank.

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Lost in all the extra-inning action last night was another solid start for Adam Eaton. Are you a believer yet?

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Depending on where you live, your paper may include an early-edition story on Shane Victorino, whose slow start hasn't gone unnoticed in his home state of Hawaii. Those of you who received a later edition got the game story instead. Either way, the fine folks at delawareonline.com put the story on the Web for your perusal.

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Tough start for the Phillies' new Class AAA affiliate in Lehigh Valley. The IronPigs return to Allentown for their home-opener tonight after going 0-8 on their season-opening road trip. What's the problem? Looks like the offense. Lehigh Valley scored only 10 runs in its first eight games.

April 10 -- GETTING DEFENSIVE

NEW YORK -- Ran out of real estate in the 50-center for this, so we'll toss it up here. Before the game, Charlie Manuel discussed the Phillies' surprisingly suspect defense, which committed 13 errors through the first nine games. Almost all have come from normally sure-handed infielders: Chase Utley (3), Pedro Feliz (2), Jimmy Rollins (2) and catcher Carlos Ruiz (2).

"Am I worried about it? I'm concerned about it, but I'm not worried," Manuel said. "That should tell our guys that we have to play better. We can practice all we want, but we still have to catch the ball in the game. We have to make the plays, or we're going to give up a lot of runs. The pitcher is going to be out there longer because we gave up extra outs. We get caught undecided in what we want to do, then we're rushing to make a play. That comes into the mental and physical part of it. We have to be heads up.

"You have to understand who's making the errors. If a guy is making [more errors than usual], than that's a concern. We're very good up the middle with Rollins and Utley and we should be good in center with [Shane] Victorino's speed, and [Ruiz] is coming into his own as a catcher."

OK, so Charlie isn't too worried. Are you?

April 10 -- ROLLINS OUT, KLINE IN

NEW YORK -- Hello, all. A few quick updates here from Shea ...

1. Jimmy Rollins is watching batting practice with hitting coach Milt Thompson. After doing some early stretching, he determined his sprained left ankle still isn't feeling better enough for him to resume playing. So, for a second straight game, Rollins will watch from the dugout. Eric Bruntlett is back at shortstop for the series finale against the Mets. I'm sure there's much rejoicing in the Mets' clubhouse. After he was scratched from the lineup yesterday, Rollins said Mets coaches Sandy Alomar Sr. and Sandy Alomar Jr. said, "Oh, we're going to win." Guess what? They were right.

2. The Phillies have signed veteran lefty reliever Steve Kline (pictured) to a minor-league contract. Kline, 35, was designated for assignment by the Giants on March 30 and released on April 4. He's 34-39 with a 3.51 ERA in parts of 11 major-league seasons with the Indians, Expos, Cardinals, Orioles and Giants. According to a team spokesman, Kline will begin working out at the Phillies' facility in Clearwater, Fla., before reporting to Class AAA Lehigh Valley next week.

3. Within the notebook in today's paper, there's word of Ryan Madson's sore shoulder. We'll have more on that tomorrow, but Madson is available to pitch one inning, and only one inning, today.

April 9 -- BRUNTLETT BLUES

NEW YORK -- So, have you ever taken your seat at a Broadway show and found out that the lead actor, a big-name star, was being replaced by an understudy?

Bummer, right?

Well, that's essentially what happened here tonight. Jimmy Rollins, whose sprained left ankle felt no better today than after yesterday's game, was scratched from the lineup before batting practice in favor of Eric Bruntlett. And like the understudy who forgets his lines, Bruntlett made two costly errors in a six-run third inning in which the Phillies looked more like the Bad News Bears.

At least Bruntlett is a stand-up guy. After the game, he said, "First start for a new team, it's not the impression you want to make. It was a big spot. That's the ball game right there. But you just have to try to relax and be ready for the next play. You don't want two to turn into three."

X-rays on Rollins' ankle were negative. Nothing against Bruntlett, but I'll bet Rollins plays tomorrow night.

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Kyle Kendrick walked six batters tonight. Alarming? Yeah, I'd say so. Kendrick is a contact pitcher. Always has been, always will be. And after the game, he said he's trying to make perfect pitches on the corners to fool hitters. Not sure why he'd do that. He won 10 games last season by getting ground-ball outs.

"They only had four hits [against him], but with six walks, it was like they had 10 hits," Kendrick said. "That's not me. I'm a contact pitcher. I'm trying to make better pitches, and I'm nibbling. I'll learn from it and be better the next time."

The Phillies are counting on it.

Talk to you tomorrow. Meantime, ponder this: What are your expectations for Kendrick this season? How many wins, what ERA, do you think he needs to have for the Phillies to have success?

April 9 -- ROLLINS OUT

NEW YORK -- Just got upstairs from the field, where we found out that Jimmy Rollins will NOT play tonight. OK, here's what happened ...

Rollins was listed in the original lineup that had been posted in the clubhouse, but in his pre-game meeting with the writers, Charlie Manuel made it clear that a decision wouldn't be made until Rollins stretched before batting practice. After taking a few swings in the indoor cage and doing most of the stretching exercises, Rollins huddled with athletic trainer Scott Sheridan. At that point, it was decided that he wouldn't play.

Talked to Rollins a few minutes ago. He will have a precautionary X-ray tonight before the game, but he's hopeful the left ankle sprain won't linger for more than a few days. If Rollins doesn't pinch-hit tonight, his consecutive games played streak will end at 230. It's the third-longest active streak, after Cleveland's Grady Sizemore (366) and Atlanta's Jeff Francoeur (334).

Here's tonight Rollins-less lineup against Mets RHP Mike Pelfrey, who is making his first start of 2008: CF Shane Victorino (.188/0/2), SS Eric Bruntlett (.500/0/0), 2B Chase Utley (.357/3/7), 1B Ryan Howard (.179/1/3), LF Pat Burrell (.385/3/9), RF Geoff Jenkins (.250/1/2), 3B Pedro Feliz (.222/0/2), C Carlos Ruiz (.174/0/1), RHP Kyle Kendrick (1-0, 7.20 ERA).

April 9 -- MASTERING THE METS?

NEW YORk -- So, the Phillies beat the Mets yesterday, but that's nothing new. The Phils have won nine straight against the Mets overall and seven straight at Shea.

Do the Phillies have the Mets' number? Martin Frank thinks so -- and I agree -- based on some of the things we saw here yesterday. Ask any of the Phillies players, and they refuse to admit they may be in the Mets' heads. They like to remind everyone that 2008 is a new season, and last season's results don't matter.

Here's the thing: Last season is precisely what allows the Phillies to say that. And last season is exactly why guys like Billy Wagner and Carlos Beltran are popping off about this rivalry, instead of Jimmy Rollins. For once, the Mets are chasing the Phillies. So, don't kid yourself: Last season changes everything.

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Game 1 of the Phillies-Mets 2008 season series went very much according to the script the 2007 season series followed. Mets take an early lead. Phillies' starter keeps the game close. Phillies rally in the late innings against the Mets' bullpen. But there was one thing that happened yesterday that's rarely ever seen: Chase Utley got hit by a pitch three times. Actually, four times if you consider Carlos Delgado's errant throw that hit Utley in the back and allowed two runs to score in the seventh. Two of the pitches grazed Utley's jersey. The third hit him in the back. So, Utley said he didn't have many bruises to show for his effort. But his day was so bizarre that I made it the focus of the game story in today's paper.

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Lineups haven't been posted yet. As soon as they are, I'll let you know if Rollins is playing today. After yesterday's game, Rollins sounded like he'd be able to go. Also within the notebook, Tom Gordon talks about how good he's feeling (and pitching), plus there's a tidbit about Ryan Madson feeling "sore." Madson hasn't pitched since last Friday night in Cincy. We'll try to follow up on that today.

More later.

April 8 -- ROLLINS HURT? (UPDATED)

NEW YORK -- The Phillies have tacked on two runs in the eighth to go up 5-2, but Jimmy Rollins has left the game. He spun awkwardly back to second base when Mets reliever Aaron Heilman faked a pick-off throw, and although he stayed in the game and scored on Chase Utley's RBI double, he has been replaced at shortstop by Eric Bruntlett.

We'll find out after the game if he's seriously injured.

(Updated, 4:15 p.m.): Rollins has been diagnosed with a left ankle sprain. More after the game.

April 8 -- WEEK 2 AUDIOFILE ... AND GAME UPDATES

NEW YORK -- Before the game began, I found a quiet room at Shea (no easy task today with all the media types on hand for the final opener here) and taped our Week 2 Phillies Audiofile with Camden Courier-Post beat writer Mike Radano, columnist Kevin Roberts and my News Journal colleague Martin Frank. On the agenda today, we discussed some surprises from the season's first seven games and the burgeoning rivalry between the Phillies and Mets.

To listen, click the link here: R09_0002.mp3

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(Update, 1:44 p.m.): After pre-game introductions in which Jimmy Rollins and Brett Myers were booed loudly, the Mets took a 1-0 lead when Carlos Delgado led off the second inning against Jamie Moyer with his 432nd career home run. Here's an interesting debate: Is Delgado a future Hall of Famer? Discuss.

(Update, 2:17 p.m.): Moyer loaded the bases and allowed a run in the fourth, with a little help from Chase Utley. Utley dove to his left to field Angel Pagan's tough grounder, but looked to second base when he got to his feet instead of throwing to first. Pagan was safe on the play. One batter later, Carlos Beltran scored on Ryan Church's RBI groundout. 2-0, Mets after four.

(Updated, 2:54 p.m.): If the Phillies lose today, remember the sixth inning. They chased Oliver Perez and loaded the bases with two out on back-to-back-to-back walks. But Carlos Ruiz bounced into a rally-killing fielder's choice to end the threat. Mets still lead, 2-0.

(Updated, 3:04 p.m.): No scoring to report, but we just had a Jerry Seinfield/Larry David celebrity sighting. They're sitting about 10 rows behind the Phillies' dugout. Nice outing today for Moyer, who is being pinch-hit for by So Taguchi in the seventh. Six innings, two runs, four hits, three walks, one strikeout.

(Updated, 3:33 p.m.): Phillies scored three runs to take the lead in the seventh. Jayson Werth's two-out single drove in Utley with the go-ahead run, but an even bigger play came after Utley was hit by a pitch for the third time in the game. Ryan Howard grounded to Delgado, who tried to start a double play but hit Utley in the back on the throw to second base. The ball skipped into the outfield, allowing Rollins and Shane Victorino to score. Chad Durbin in the game (Brad Lidge is unavailable to close today, leaving Tom Gordon or J.C. Romero for the eighth and ninth). Phillies lead 3-2.

April 8 -- WELCOME TO THE BIG APPLE

NEW YORK -- So, on the cab ride over from La Guardia, I marveled at the progress that has been made on Citi Field, the sparkling new ballpark that rises beyond the left-field wall here at Shea. Looks like the place will be ready long before next season starts. Looks like it'll be pretty nice, too.

The fans here are already in mid-season form, by the way. Turns out, Shane Victorino's trash-talk is, too. When the Phillies took the field for their pregame stretch, several folks began heckling Victorino and Jimmy Rollins. Victorino smirked and fired back with something about how he didn't see the Mets in the playoffs last season. There were some other remarks, too, but this is a family blog.

Phillies lineup today against Mets LHP Oliver Perez (1-0, 0.00 ERA): SS Jimmy Rollins (.300/2/5), CF Shane Victorino (.143/0/2), 2B Chase Utley (.346/3/6), 1B Ryan Howard (.208/1/2), LF Pat Burrell (.435/3/9), RF Jayson Werth (.200/0/1), 3B Pedro Feliz (.261/0/2), C Carlos Ruiz (.258/0/0), LHP Jamie Moyer (0-0, 7.36 ERA).

Keep it here for more.

(Update, 3:20 p.m.): A team spokesman just told us Rollins is playing tonight. Still no official lineup yet, though. Clubhouse opens to the media in 15 minutes.

April 8 -- BURRELL GETS HOT

"As long as we whip 'em, we don't have to make a big deal
about it. They'll talk. We'll hit."
- Charlie Manuel on the growing Phillies-Mets rivalry

DAYTON, Ohio -- Are you ready to rumble?

Manuel is.

Good morning from Gate C14 at Dayton International. Waiting for the sun to rise -- and for my short US Air flight to La Guardia to board -- so I'll offer a few thoughts before we get in the air ...
Pat Burrell usually does his best work against the Mets, belting more home runs (41) and gathering more RBIs (102) against them than any team. This year, though, he has heated up even before getting to Shea. Burrell bashed two homers yesterday, his 17th career multi-homer game, and is batting .435 with three homers and a team-leading nine RBIs through seven games. Not bad.

Hitting is a feeling, Burrell says. And, right now, he's feeling good.

"I just tried to carry things over from last year to this year," he told me and the other beat writers after the game. "The second half and even in the playoffs, I felt like I had a pretty good approach. I spent most of spring training just trying to get that back. ... It's hard to explain, but if you consistently go to the plate and feel like you're going to take good swings, you're usually going to have good results."

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Brad Lidge's first Phillies save was a white-knuckle experience, thanks to a two-out walk and an uncharacteristic miscue in left field by So Taguchi. But after a generous call from plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt, Lidge could laugh about it. His final strikeout victim, Reds pinch-hitter Javier Valentin, didn't think it was so funny, though.

OK, almost ready to board (hopefully). Talk to you in a few hours from Shea. Meantime, I'll ask y'all to do your best Jimmy Rollins impression and predict what will happen in the Phillies-Mets season series. Who will be the team to beat in 2008.

April 7 -- MEET THE METS. BEAT THE METS?

CINCINNATI -- Big win for the Phillies today. Four home runs off Reds starter Bronson Arroyo -- two by red-hot Pat Burrell -- and a harder-than-it-had-to-be first save for Brad Lidge salvaged a split of the four-game series at Great American Ball Park.

But, admit it, you're already thinking about the Mets. I know I am. So, most of the questions that I and the other beat writers asked after the game were Mets-related. And the best sound byte came from someone you wouldn't expect.

Charlie Manuel.

About an hour before the Phillies traveled to New York for tomorrow's final home-opener ever at Shea Stadium, Manuel discussed the burgeoning Phillies-Mets rivalry thusly: "As long as we whip 'em, we don't have to make a big deal about it. They'll talk. We'll hit."

Good stuff, right?

Lately, the Mets have been doing most of the talking. You remember Carlos Beltran's spring-training imitation of Jimmy Rollins' "team to beat" comment, right? Check out Billy Wagner's comments to New York reporters last weekend about the Mets' epic September meltdown: "The collapse didn't come because the Phillies beat us. It came because we just played bad. That's how I look at it. It wasn't like they beat us. A lot of times we beat ourselves with defense or not doing things we did all year."

Rollins, by the way, isn't engaging in the war of words. Not yet, at least.

"Write something for me," he said with a smile. "You have my permission. Anyone asks me if I said it, I'm like, 'Hey, they wrote it.'"

Tomorrow should be fun. Talk to you from New York.

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I put together this chart for the 50-center on the Phillies' eight-game winning streak over the Mets. Here's a look at the past eight games between the teams.

July 1 at Philly -- Phillies 5, Mets 3: Kyle Kendrick prevents a four-game Mets sweep.
Aug. 27 at Philly -- Phillies 9, Mets 2: J.D. Durbin throws 6-1/3 strong innings.
Aug. 28 at Philly -- Phillies 4, Mets 2: Two-run walk-off homer by Ryan Howard in 10th.
Aug. 29 at Philly -- Phillies 3, Mets 2: Game-ending interference call on Marlon Anderson.
Aug. 30 at Philly -- Phillies 11, Mets 10: Epic ends with Chase Utley's RBI single in ninth.
Sept. 14 at NY -- Phillies 3, Mets 2: Greg Dobbs hits sacrifice fly in 10th.
Sept. 15 at NY -- Phillies 5, Mets 3: Jimmy Rollins' two-run triple keys three-run eighth.
Sept. 16 at NY -- Phillies 10, Mets 6: Dobbs hits a pinch-hit grand slam.

April 7 -- ABOUT VICTORINO

CINCINNATI -- Sorry for the late post this morning. The unusual 12:35 p.m. start bumps everything up a bit, and I'm just getting upstairs from the clubhouse now. Anyway, one more game in Cincy before we head to New York for the big home-opener at Shea. Much more on that later today.

For now, though, let's address some great comments from Zach and others about Shane Victorino, who remains in the lineup today despite his 0-for-4, 2-strikeout game yesterday and his 3-for-23 slide to start the season. Victorino took extra swings in the cage for at least an hour after yesterday's game and said he's seeing positive signs even though the results remain lousy. Charlie Manuel said yesterday that Victorino is chasing some bad pitches out of the strike zone and conceded that he may consider giving him a day off. But he also said it's easier to rest your regulars when the team is winning, and the Phillies have won only twice in the first six games.

So, that's that.

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So many questions about Brett Myers' start yesterday. Manuel thought Myers' fastball velocity was down, but Myers insisted he feels fine. Myers was more puzzled by the swings he didn't get on pitches that ordinarily fool hitters. The game story takes a look at one such situation in Corey Patterson's fourth-inning at-bat. Myers told us about a 2-2 slider in the dirt that he expected Patterson to swing at. Instead, Patterson didn't flinch. Patterson ripped the next pitch for an RBI double. Myers couldn't say for certain if he was tipping his pitches. If so, he needs to correct it before his next start, Friday night at home against the Cubs.

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Most pitchers aren't fond of Great American Ball Park, which, like Citizens Bank Park, is prone to allowing a lot of home runs. Cole Hamels loves it here. Hamels gave up one hit in five innings of his major-league debut here in May 2006. Last April, he struck out 15 in a complete-game shutout. Yesterday, he mentioned that the mound here may be the highest in the NL, which he believes gives him an advantage. Regardless, it bodes well for the Phillies, who give the ball to Hamels today.

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For the Spanish-speakers among us: The nameplate above Pedro Feliz's locker here has been replaced by a strip of paper that reads "Pete Happy."

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Phillies lineup today against RHP Bronson Arroyo: SS Jimmy Rollins (.269/1/4), CF Shane Victorino (.130/0/2), 2B Chase Utley (.429/3/6), 1B Ryan Howard (.200/1/2), LF Pat Burrell (.421/1/6), RF Geoff Jenkins (.263/0/1), 3B Pedro Feliz (.211/0/2), C Carlos Ruiz (.188/0/1), LHP Cole Hamels (0-1, 1.13 ERA)

More later.

Blue Rocks: Chilly Sunday

It must be April. Today is the Blue Rocks' first day game, and the game-time starting temperature (47) is colder than it was Friday and Saturday night (52, 56).

A few changes today for the Rocks. Josh Johnson is starting at third base. He spent all of 2007 in Wilmington, mostly playing second base or shortstop. He should be used primarily at third this season, with the Rocks (and Royals) looking to groom SS Chris McConnell and 2B Jeff Bianchi as their middle infield combo (though today, Bianchi is the DH, with Wilver Perez starting at second).

Today's starting pitcher is 22-year-old Greg Holland, whose first year in the pros was last year with Idaho Falls, a short-season rookie league team. In 22 games, Holland was mainly the Chukars' closer in 2007, when he was 6-1 with six saves.

The Blue Rocks are starting Holland off with the piggyback format. That means when Holland is scheduled to start, another pitcher will be already be announced to pitch that day as the first reliever.

Holland's piggyback partner will be 23-year-old Everett Teaford, and the next time in the rotation, Teaford will start and Holland will relieve.

With Holland a righty and Teaford a lefty, it makes it a trickier for opponents to set a lineup. But that's not too much of a concern with respect to Myrtle Beach. For the third straight game, the Pelicans are starting all right-handed hitters -- the Pelicans only have one position player who hits from the left side, outfielder Quentin Davis, who has started the season on the disabled list.

Update: The Blue Rocks win 3-1, as Holland struck out seven and walked none over five scoreless innings, scattering four hits. Teaford gave up a run in the sixth but closed the game and only allowed one hit over his final three innings. All seven of the Rocks' hits came over the first three innings, when they did all of their scoring. Bianchi had a single, a walk and a stolen base, scoring two runs, and right fielder Joe Dickerson was 2-for-4 with a single and triple, scoring a run. Myrtle Beach stays in town for one more Monday, when game time is 6:35.

April 6 -- TO WALK, OR NOT TO WALK?

CINCINNATI -- So, until Wes Helms was traded at about 10:15 last night, the first item in the Phillies notebook in your Sunday paper was going to be about the decision not to intentionally walk Paul Bako with one out and runners in second and third in the ninth inning yesterday.

Before we go any further, let me say that I agreed with that choice.

Bako is a .232 career hitter, and Reds prospect Joey Votto was on deck. Yes, Bako already had two hits in the game. And, yes, Votto grounded into a double play one inning earlier. But if I'm Chad Durbin, I'd rather take my chances with Bako, even with first base open, than pitch to Votto with the game hanging in the balance.

The problem, of course, was that Durbin fell behind Bako 2-1. He threw a pitch out of the strike zone that he didn't expect Bako would swing at. Instead, Bako laced a grounder that forced Jimmy Rollins to range to his right. And, well, you know what happened. Rollins couldn't unleash a throw to the plate, Ryan Freel scored and the game was over. 4-3, Reds.

You play manager. What would you have done in that situation?

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But there were positives yesterday, namely the performance of Adam Eaton.

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Still two more games in Cincy, but I'm already looking forward to Tuesday and the last opening day ever at Shea Stadium. I grew up about 45 minutes from New York, and mostly, my dad took me to Yankee Stadium. But Shea is a fairly historic place, too. Just not for the same reasons.

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Phillies lineup today against Reds RHP Edinson Volquez: SS Jimmy Rollins (.273/1/3), CF Shane Victorino (.158/0/2), 2B Chase Utley (.412/3/6), 1B Ryan Howard (.235/1/2), LF Pat Burrell (.375/1/5), RF Geoff Jenkins (.267/0/1), 3B Pedro Feliz (.250/0/2), C Carlos Ruiz (.167/0/1), RHP Brett Myers (0-0, 5.40 ERA).

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Enjoy your Sunday.

April 5 -- BREAKING NEWS: MARLINS FISH FOR HELMS

CINCINNATI -- Wes Helms is headed back to Florida.

Moments ago, the Phillies announced that Helms has been traded to the Marlins for cash considerations, three days after being designated for assignment. The deal likely means the Phillies are no longer responsible for all of the $2.9 million remaining on Helms' contract.

Thus far, general manager Pat Gillick and assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. have been unavailable for comment.

Helms, 31, signed a two-year, $5.45 million contract in November 2006 but was a disappointment for the Phillies last season, batting only .246 with five home runs and 39 RBIs in 280 at-bats. He was rendered expendable after the Phillies signed free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz in late January.

The Marlins began inquiring about Helms during the winter meetings in December. Helms batted .329 with 10 home runs and 49 RBIs in 240 at-bats for Florida in 2006.

April 5 -- A QUALITY START FOR EATON?

CINCINNATI -- Is this really happening?

As I typed this, Ryan Howard just stepped on first base to end the seventh inning, and ladies and gentlemen, Adam Eaton has retired 15 of the last 17 batters. After allowing single runs in the first and second innings, Eaton has been, dare I say, dominant in a notorious homer-friendly ballpark. To this point, he has posted his first quality start (at least six innings, no more than three runs) since last July 3 in Houston, a span of 15 starts.

Most impressive, he has thrown only 78 pitches through seven innings.

If the Phillies can get the lead, we may see Brad Lidge in this game, too.

(Update, 2:55 p.m.): As I filed that post, Howard clobbered a homer off lefty reliever Kent Mercker that nearly landed on the berm in center field. Phillies lead, 3-2. It's worth noting that Howard just missed hitting two other homers today, flying to the warning track in left field in the first inning and center in the third.

(Update, 3:09 p.m.): Spoke a bit too soon. Corey Patterson just homered to center field to tie the game. Two on, two out, Eaton being replaced by Tom Gordon ... who strikes out Brandon Phillips. No win for Eaton, but a quality start nonetheless. Much more on this in tomorrow's paper.

April 5 -- PREGAME: LAHEY OUT

CINCINNATI -- Pregame notes from a sunny (finally!) Saturday in Cincy ...

* As expected, the Phillies have activated Brad Lidge, who is available to pitch the ninth inning today, if necessary. And, as expected, reliever Tim Lahey, has been designated for assignment. As a Rule 5 draft pick, the process is a bit more complicated for Lahey. If he clears waivers, Lahey must be offered back to his 2007 team, the Twins. At that point, the Phillies could work out a deal with Minnesota to keep Lahey and send him to the minors.

* Your lineup today against Reds ace RHP Aaron Harang: SS Jimmy Rollins (.278/1/3), CF Shane Victorino (.133/0/2), 2B Chase Utley (.357/3/5), 1B Ryan Howard (.214/0/1), LF Pat Burrell (.385/1/4), RF Geoff Jenkins (.250/0/1), 3B Greg Dobbs (.333/0/1), C Chris Coste (.500/1/1), RHP Adam Eaton. Should be interesting to see how Eaton pitches. Not too cold here in Cincy, and it's supposed to get into the 60s. Not bad for his balky back.

* Finally, in the runway that leads from the Phillies' clubhouse to the dugout, there's a masking-tape outline of a player's body, arms flailing in the air and the No. 34 on his chest. Urban legend has it that Diamondbacks first baseman Conor Jackson once fainted in that runway, and the tape outline commemorates the "event." For me, though, No. 34 brings to mind Freddy Garcia, whose one victory in his infamous 2007 season with the Phillies came here in Cincy last April.

More later.

April 5 -- VINTAGE KENDRICK

CINCINNATI -- During the late innings of last night's rain-delayed -- and thus, late-ending -- game, I was writing what we in the newspaper business call a "running." Basically, it's a cobbled-together version of the game story that appears in the earliest editions of the 50-center.

And while I was writing, I was thinking that Kyle Kendrick didn't pitch particularly well.

In his first start of 2008, Kendrick allowed four runs on eight hits and couldn't get out of the sixth inning, putting more strain on an already taxed bullpen. His fastball and sinker were high in the strike zone, and although he got plenty of his usual groundouts (including five comebackers to the mound), he also benefited from several balls that were hit right at one of his defenders. At one point, he told us later, pitching coach Rich Dubee came out to the mound and scolded him for throwing his sinker too hard. "What, are you trying to be a power pitcher?" Dubee said.

But, as usual, Kendrick got great run support.

And, as usual, he got a win.

Kendrick often pitched better than this last season, en route to his surprising 10-4 record after being called up from Class AA Reading in mid-June. In 15 of his 20 starts, he allowed three or fewer earned runs. But he also benefited from the Phillies' league-leading offense, which gave him 6.67 average runs per start and scored five or more runs in 15 of his starts.

Last night was no different. Pat Burrell belted a two-run homer in a three-run first inning, and Chase Utley went deep twice. The second homer, a solo shot in the fifth, was the 100th of his career. Kendrick pitched with a lead from the moment he stepped on the mound, and although he got into jams in three of his five innings, he never relinquished that lead.

"He got outs when he had to," manager Charlie Manuel said.

And, ultimately, that's how Kendrick will win 10 or more games again this season. He'll keep the Phillies close long enough for the offense to win it. Or else, the offense will give him a big lead, and he'll hold it. Kendrick will never dazzle with his stuff, like Brett Myers or Cole Hamels. He isn't that kind of pitcher, but the Phillies don't need him to be. Not with their offense.

"I definitely was happy I minimized the damage," Kendrick said after the game. "You know, give up a run rather than two or three. Avoid the crooked numbers. I kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win."

That's the idea.

Blue Rocks: Thanks, Matt

You have to wonder. With the forecast for rain so definite, getting in tonight's opener did not look good.

Looks like someone up there put in a good word with the Big Guy, because the sun is shining at Frawley Stadium and, at least for now, it is a perfect April night for baseball.

Matt Minker, whose construction company, in five months, built Frawley Stadium in time for the Blue Rocks' 1993 debut, died in November. He was the team's president and was among principal owners upon his passing. He was remembered in a pregame ceremony, when the crowd applauded upon learning that the city has renamed part of the lane around the stadium as Matt Minker Way.

As for checking out the Blue Rocks' menus this year, new items include boneless buffalo wings, as well as sliders, which if you don't know, are mini burgers. Marble Slab Creamery is the new supplier for ice cream, with Molli Coolz! the new vendor for the frozen-dots style ice cream.

Chick-fil-A has opened a new stand on the left field concourse, and per company policy, the stand will be closed on Sundays.

As far as the Blue Rocks, I am looking forward to the middle infield combo of shortstop Chris McConnell and second baseman Jeff Bianchi. Some of the early talk about the Blue Rocks is asking how many bases they will still this season.

But with McConnell and Bianchi, counting how many double plays the Blue Rocks turn this season will be a heady task, too. In 2007, Rocks recorded 119 double plays, tied for fifth-most in the eight-team Carolina League. So, it's certainly a good area for improvement, though the Rocks' .980 fielding percentage last year did lead the league.

Tonight's opening lineup is CF Derrick Robinson, SS McConnell, 2B Bianchi, 1B David Wood, DH Anthony Seratelli, RF Joe Dickerson, 3B Kurt Mertins, C Jeff Howell, LF Jarrod Dyson. The starting pitcher is right-hander Blake Wood.

UPDATE (MID-GAME, 0-0, MID 7TH)

Wood struck out nine and faced the minimum number of batters over five and one-third innings. He did not allow a hit until there were two out in the fourth, an infield single by Myrtle Beach shortstop Brandon Hicks. Hicks was then caught stealing to finish the Pelicans' half of the fourth.

After Wood retired the Pelicans' Willie Carbera to start the sixth, he was relieved, likely because of an early-season pitch count. Reliever Russ Halitwanger retired the first batter he faced before loading the bases on a triple and two walks. He escaped after inducing a ground out to end the threat.

Wood's counterpart had an even more impressive start. Tommy Hanson, one of the top prospects in the Atlanta organization, went five innings and did not allow a hit, walking one and striking out 13.

Hanson is only 21 years old. But I can't see Atlanta keeping him at this level for a whole season. The Pelicans are next at Frawley from May 9 to 11. That might be your last chance to see Hanson in Wilmington.

To start the sixth, against Myrle Beach reliever Gonzalo Lopez, Howell doubled for the Blue Rocks' first hit of 2008.

New Blue Rocks manager Darryl Kennedy has promised to play small ball this year, and sure enough left fielder Jarrod Dyson came out and sacrificed Howell to third. But the Blue Rocks' next two batters, Robinson and McConnell, struck out, leaving the game scoreless.

Aaron Hartsock was the Blue Rocks' new pitcher to start the seventh, and he recorded a 1-2-3 inning, all of them flyouts to Robinson.

Tonight's attendance was announced as 5,827.

UPDATE (BLUE ROCKS LOSE 2-0 IN 13)

The Blue Rocks open 2008 with a loss. With strikeouts all the rage early on, each team had plenty of chances to score later on. Most hurtful was the Rocks loading the bases with one out in the bottom of the 11th, but there would be no appearance from Mr. Celery on this night.

Blue Rocks reliever Gilbert De La Vera walked four batters (one intentionally) in the top of the 13th, with two of the walks forcing in runs. The Blue Rocks did not mount a comeback. Brett Bigler popped up in the infield, Robinson was hit by a pitch and McConnell almost beats out a double play, but doesn't.

Saturday's game starts at 6:05. The Blue Rocks starting pitcher will be 25-year-old Matt Kniginyzky, who hails from Mississauga, Ontario, which in a way is Canada's version of Wilmington. According to Wikipedia, Mississauga has a large financial district and is home to Canadian headquarters for several Fortune 500 companies, including General Electric, Microsoft, Pepsi and Wal Mart.

A righty, Kniginyzky only made five starts for three different minor league teams last season (none for the Blue Rocks) after injuring his right shoulder on July 16, making only rehab start over the rest of 2007.

April 4 -- LIDGE IS HERE ... AND THE LINEUP

CINCINNATI -- Just returned from the Phillies' clubhouse, where Brad Lidge is present and accounted for. And, before tomorrow's game, he'll be activated from the disabled list.

"Physically, I feel fine," Lidge said. "Facing some major-league hitters will bump up my velocity a little bit more to where I like to be. So, yeah, I'll definitely be ready to throw tomorrow."

Lidge said his fastest fastball clocked in at 93 mph last night in Clearwater, a few ticks below his usual velocity. No word yet on what the corresponding roster move will be, though I think reliever Tim Lahey's days here are probably numbered.

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Rain has been falling all afternoon, but there's supposed to be a break in the weather. Tonight's lineup against Reds RHP Josh Fogg: SS Jimmy Rollins (.231), CF Shane Victorino (.091), 2B Chase Utley (.300), 1B Ryan Howard (.300), LF Pat Burrell (.300), RF Geoff Jenkins (.375), 3B Pedro Feliz (.250), C Carlos Ruiz (.125), RHP Kyle Kendrick.

Charlie Manuel likely has a short bullpen today. After pitching in three straight games, Chad Durbin probably isn't available today. Manuel also would like to stay away from Tom Gordon, who threw 34 pitches yesterday. So, if the Phillies have a lead in the ninth, it could be J.C. Romero or Ryan Madson.

*
Finally, lefty reliever Mike Zagurski underwent ulnar ligament reconstruction surgery (commonly called "Tommy John surgery") yesterday. Dr. James Andrews performed the procedure in Birmingham, Ala. Zagurski will miss at least a full year.

April 4 -- WELCOME TO CINCY

CINCINNATI -- Greetings, all. Happy Friday.

Throughout the season, I'll use The Blog to give y'all a flavor of the road cities where the Phillies play. Touched down here in Cincy a little while ago, and on the way in from the airport, sports radio (not WKRP) was buzzing about Johnny Cueto, the 22-year-old phenom who struck out 10 Arizona Diamondbacks yesterday in his major-league debut. The Phillies won't face Cueto this weekend. Good for them. Too bad for us. I was looking forward to watching him. Maybe in June when the Reds come to Philly.

The Reds play at Great American Ballpark, which opened in 2003 on the banks of the Ohio River. It replaced Riverfront Stadium, the cookie-cutter home of the great Big Red Machine teams of the '70s. Most of the scribes who cover the Phillies, including me, stay across the river in Kentucky, which actually is where the airport is located. Restaurant recommendation: Montgomery Inn. Great ribs.

OK, a few Phillies notes:

* No baseball game in April, especially the first week of April, is a "must-win." But the Phillies needed that one yesterday. Everyone can exhale now. Psychologically, there's a big difference between leaving home 0-3 and being 1-2. When the Phillies came to Cincinnati last April, they were 4-10. They dropped the first game of a weekend series when Tom Gordon served up a two-out, game-tying home run to Scott Hatteberg in the ninth inning and a bases-loaded, game-winning single to Brandon Phillips in the 10th. The next day, Charlie Manuel held a 90-minute team meeting. That won't be necessary today. Not after Jimmy Rollins' first-to-third jaunt in the 10th inning yesterday helped set up the bases-loaded walk to Jayson Werth that clinched the Phillies' first win of 2008. As Martin Frank writes, they did it by playing small ball, not by hitting home runs.

* Still not sure why Rollins blew off reporters after yesterday's game. Maybe he had better things to do. Maybe he was upset with how we covered the Phillies' latest slow start. Maybe we'll get an explanation today.

* It's all about Kyle Kendrick tonight. During spring training, I talked to an AL scout who called Kendrick's out-of-the-blue, 10-win 2007 season "a miracle." Tonight, Kendrick can begin to dispel any notion that he's a flash in the pan, a one-year wonder. Or, he can spark more doubts. We'll see. Also, within this notebook, there are a few words on Ryan Howard's strange day in the field.

* Watch yesterday's game as News Journal photographer Suchat Pederson did, through his camera.

* Want to know about the Blue Rocks? Buddy Hurlock tells us that they should be exciting on the bases this year. They open their season at Frawley Stadium tonight, weather-permitting.

Check back in a few hours for more from Cincy, including, hopefully, an update on Brad Lidge, who is eligible to be activated from the disabled list before tomorrow's game.

April 3 -- LIDGE'S LINE

So, I have to catch an early-morning US Airways flight to Cincinnati, but I wanted to pass along Brad Lidge's line from tonight. Lidge, pitching the first inning of Class A Clearwater's season-opener, allowed a one-out solo home run by Dunedin's Sean Shoffit. He struck out two batters, issued one walk and yielded a two-out double but gave up only the one run. He's expected to rejoin the team tomorrow and could be activated from the disabled list before Saturday's game.

I'll have a Lidge update, and some thoughts on today's big 8-7, 10-inning win, once I arrive at Great American Ballpark.

Talk to you then.

April 3 -- ONE HIT? (AND YOUR LINEUP)

Well, that was something you don't see every day. In fact, it happens once every five years or so.

The Phillies were one-hit last night. By Nationals journeyman right-hander Tim Redding, who looked more like Cy Young for seven innings, and two relievers. The last time the Phillies had only one hit in a game? Try July 2, 2003, against the Cubs at Veterans Stadium.

"I couldn't believe, I looked up in the eighth inning and we had one [hit]," Geoff Jenkins said after the 1-0 loss.

It was all too real. Redding flummoxed the Phillies from the start. They never even advanced a runner to second base. That may be even harder to fathom than the one hit. I was in the press box, but I could imagine Harry Kalas doing his best impression of Bob Uecker in Major League: "One hit? That's all we got? One hit?" Ueck would've mixed in a few off-color words, of course.

And now, the Phillies are in danger of being swept in their season-opening homestand for the third time in as many years. In 2006, they lost four straight to the Cardinals. Last season, they dropped three straight against the Braves.

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Few changes in today's lineup against Nationals RHP Jason Bergmann, who, like myself (and also Nationals president Stan Kasten), graduated from Manalapan High School in New Jersey: SS Jimmy Rollins, CF Shane Victorino, 2B Chase Utley, 1B Ryan Howard, LF Pat Burrell, RF Geoff Jenkins, 3B Pedro Feliz, C Chris Coste, LHP Jamie Moyer.

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So, what's the deal with Wes Helms? It's explained within the notebook, but the Phillies have 10 days to dispose of his contract, either by trading, waiving or releasing him.

First, they'll try to swing a deal. That won't be easy. They've been shopping Helms since the end of January, when they signed Feliz, but there was absolutely no interest during spring training. If the Phillies can't trade Helms, they'll put him on waivers. But it would be foolish for a team to claim Helms because they would assume full responsibility for his $2.15 million salary in 2008 and the $750,000 buyout of his 2009 option.

That leaves the Phillies with releasing Helms. Once that happens, any team that signs him would have to pay him only $390,000 (the major-league minimum salary), and the Phillies would be responsible for the rest of the $2.5 million or so that's still owed to him. As we mentioned in today's notebook, the Dodgers may be interested in Helms, especially since Nomar Garciaparra and Andy LaRoche are injured. But they may be inclined to wait until the Phillies release him.

"If two or three teams have a need, it may not be that difficult," GM Pat Gillick said of the prospect of trading Helms. "But we can't be terribly optimistic."

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Check out how last night's game looked through Bill Bretzger's camera.

Enjoy today's game. More later.

April 3 -- RUDY SEANEZ: ULTIMATE FIGHTER?

Interesting fellow, this Rudy Seanez.

After passing a physical and signing a one-year contract, the new Phillies reliever held court for a few minutes before batting practice yesterday. Among other things, Seanez, released by the Dodgers last week, said he would've retired after 16 seasons in the majors if he hadn't received a phone call from an interested team by Monday night. (The Phillies contacted him last Friday). Never mind that he made a career-high 73 appearances and posted a more-than-respectable 3.79 ERA for the Dodgers last season. If his phone didn't ring before Letterman was over Monday night, he was calling it quits.

"I was pretty much done," he said. "I was going to stay in shape until Sunday night, and if nobody called by Monday, I was done, man."

OK. So, does Seanez have any post-baseball plans?

He'd like to become an ultimate fighter.

No kidding.

Since 1997, Seanez has spent offseasons training at the San Diego Fight Club in El Cajon, Calif., where he works with former King of the Cage champion Charlie Kohler. Seanez is no slouch, either. Rumor has it, he doesn't wear headgear while sparring. He has met other ultimate fighters through Dodgers pitcher Brad Penny, and he said competing in that arena is something he may want to pursue after he finally stops pitching.

"Maybe one day. We'll see if I can hold up. It would be probably submission fighting first," Seanez said. "I don't want to end up on the mat, out cold. I need to get some training time in first. They just don't let anybody fight there, man. Those guys are pretty good."

Meanwhile, Charlie Manuel remembers Seanez as a flame-throwing 18-year-old pitcher in the minors. In 1990, he pitched for Manuel in Class AAA and routinely hit 100 mph on the radar gun. "When we had him warming up at Colorado Springs, our mound was on the right-field line and we were in the dugout," Manuel recalled. "When we made him the closer, he'd be whisking balls right by my head. I'd tell someone to tell Seanez to sit down."

But if Seanez pitches as well for the Phillies as lefty J.C. Romero did last season after being picked up off the reliever scrap heap, Manuel won't be shy about calling for him to warm up.

*
Spoke to farm director Steve Noworyta before last night's game and got an answer to "Gkit's" question in the comments section of a previous post: Zack Segovia is starting the season in extended spring training because his velocity isn't quite up to snuff after right shoulder surgery last Sept. 19.

*
Speaking of the minors, each of the Phillies' full-season minor-league clubs get things started tonight. J.A. Happ will start for Class AAA Lehigh Valley in Scranton, while Drew Carpenter goes for Class AA Reading in Altoona. Joe Savery will start for advanced-Class A Clearwater at home, and Drew Naylor will take the ball at home for Class A Lakewood.

April 2 -- HELMS OUT, SEANEZ IN (AND THE LINEUP)

The forgettable Wes Helms era is over.

As expected, the Phillies have finalized a one-year contract with reliever Rudy Seanez. To make room for him on the roster, they have designated Helms, a spare infielder, for assignment.

What, exactly does that mean?

Well, the Phillies have 10 days to dispose of Helms' contract. They can trade him. They can release him. But if they release him, they'd be on the hook for most of the $2.9 million left on his contract. Any team that signs Helms as a free agent after the Phillies release him would be responsible for paying him only the major-league minimum salary, $390,000.

The Dodgers need a third baseman and may be interested in acquiring Helms. But rather than giving anything up for him, they may gamble that the Phillies will have to release him 10 days from now.

Almost time to trek down to the Phillies' clubhouse. More on this later.

(Updated, 5:36 p.m.): Here's tonight's lineup against Nationals RHP Tim Redding: SS Jimmy Rollins, CF Shane Victorino, 2B Chase Utley, 1B Ryan Howard, LF Pat Burrell, RF Geoff Jenkins, 3B Pedro Feliz, C Carlos Ruiz, LHP Cole Hamels

April 2 -- FAITH IN FLASH

So, during my conversation with Pat Gillick yesterday, we discussed Tom Gordon and his disastrous ninth inning Monday, and I posed a question that I raised here on The Blog.

Is it possible that, at age 40, Gordon may be through as an effective late-inning reliever?

Gillick's rather candid answer: "He's not the Gordon he was. He's 40 years old. To say that his stuff at 40 is the same as it was at 23, that's not being realistic. But his stuff is still plenty good to pitch in the big leagues. Ability-wise, he has enough stuff to pitch in the big leagues. I mean, look at what he did for us last September. He had what, a 1-something ERA? That's the latest data you've got to go on. Spring training is another thing. Veteran guys use it to get themselves in shape, not as a yardstick for any indication of how they're pitching."

Fair enough. Gordon did have a 1.32 ERA in his last 15 appearances last season. Let's not write off his 2008 just yet.

*
Just in case, though, the Phillies have signed 39-year-old reliever Rudy Seanez, pending a physical. He may be in uniform tonight. I'll update you from the Bank later.

*
Kevin Noonan thinks Charlie Manuel was a slave to going by "The Book" on Monday. I disagree. J.C. Romero has been a lefty specialist for most of his career, and with five of the Nationals' next six hitters being right-handed, I thought Gordon was the way to go. Your thoughts?

April 2 -- MINOR MATTERS

Morning, everyone.

Just wanted to take a moment to address the Phillies' minor-league teams, which open their seasons later this week. Talked to farm director Steve Noworyta last week in Clearwater, and the places to go, it seems, to see the most prospects are Class AA Reading and low-Class A Lakewood. Both teams will have seven of the Phillies' top 25 prospects on their opening-day rosters. Here's a list of each farm club's roster, with top prospects listed in bold.

LEHIGH VALLEY (Class AAA)
Pitchers: Jason Anderson, Travis Blackley, Kevin Beirne, Joe Bisenius, Ron Chiavacci, Matt Childers, Vic Darensbourg, J.D. Durbin, John Ennis, J.A. Happ, Gary Knotts, Brian Mazone.
Catchers: Jason Jaramillo, Pete Laforest
Infielders: Mike Cervenak, Gookie Dawkins, Brennan King, Casey Smith, Andy Tracy, Chris Woodward
Outfielders: T.J. Bohn, Valentino Pascucci, Chris Snelling, Brandon Watson

READING (Class AA)
Pitchers: Kip Bouknight, Carlos Carrasco, Drew Carpenter, Fabio Castro, Ron Hill, Jason Kershner, Josh Outman, Patrick Overholt, Justin Pope, Will Savage, R.J. Swindle, Shane Youman
Catchers: Tim Gradoville (player/coach), Lou Marson, John Suomi
Infielders: Luke Appert, Jason Donald, Joey Hammond, Brad Harman, Neil Sellers, Juan Tejeda
Outfielders: Greg Golson, Javon Moran, Jeremy Slayden, Mike Spidale

CLEARWATER (high-Class A)
Pitchers: Antonio Bastardo, Dan Brauer, Darren Byrd, Alex Concepcion, Andrew Cruse, Edgar Garcia, Matt German, Brett Harker, Nate Johnson, Carlos Monasterios, Joe Savery, Brian Schlitter, Sam Walls
Catchers: Tuffy Gosewisch, Orlando Guevara, Alan Robbins
Infielders: P.J. Antoniato, Welinson Baez, Adrian Cardenas, Clay Harris, Fidel Hernandez, Carlos Leon, John Urick
Outfielders: Quintin Berry, Jake Blalock, Jay Miller, Gus Milner, Matt Spencer

LAKEWOOD (low-Class A)
Pitchers: Tyler Brummet, Chance Chapman, Jacob Diekman, Chris Kissock, Yen-Feng Ling, Miguel Matos, Moises Melendez, Drew Naylor, Joseph Roccio, Julian Sampson, Jared Simon, Walter Tejada
Catchers: Joel Naughton, Jesus Sanchez
Infielders: Karl Bolt, Herman Demmink, Michael Durant, Freddy Galvis, Travis Mattair, Derrick Mitchell, Matt Rizzotti, Dennis Winn
Outfielders: Dominic Brown, D'Arby Myers, Michael Taylor

April 1 -- RYAN HOWARD: PERSON TO WATCH

Got an e-mail yesterday from the folks at Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal, who wanted to promote their annual list of the top 20 people to watch in Major League Baseball this season. Ryan Howard is one of only two players (Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain is the other) on the list, which also features owners and executives.

Here's what Street & Smith's had to say about Howard:

Given baseball's intensifying efforts to reconnect with the African-American community, MLB would love for Howard to continue on his rapid rise into one of MLB's truly elite players. Howard, however, had an up-and-down season last year, and his once lighthearted demeanor darkened deeply at times. Now, fresh off a record $10 million arbitration win, expectations will be through the roof for the young slugger. Exposure is already on the rise after an expanded endorsement deal with Adidas.

Also on the list: Dodgers chief operating officer Dennis Mannion; MLB senior VP of special events Marla Miller; Rays owner Stuart Sternberg; Pirates president Frank Coonelly; Rangers president Nolan Ryan; Cubs chairman Crane Kenney; Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon; Cardinals president Bill DeWitt III; Giants executive VP and chief operating officer Larry Baer; MLB Players Association general counsel Michael Weiner; FSN executive VP Doug Sellars; ESPN VP for event production Tim Scanlan; MLB Advanced Media executive VP Dinn Mann; Brewers owner Mark Attanasio; Nationals president Stan Kasten; MLB senior VP of broadcasting Chris Tully; New Era CEO Chris Koch.

April 1 -- SEANEZ UPDATE

Just spoke to GM Pat Gillick, who said he "really can't comment" on the LA Times report that the Phillies have signed 39-year-old reliever Rudy Seanez to a major-league contract. Of course, Gillick didn't deny it either, which likely means Seanez will join the Phillies but the deal hasn't been finalized. Chances are, he still has to pass a physical. The Phillies don't have to make a roster move until Seanez is signed, although the end of Wes Helms' tenure with the club may be near.

Gillick did say, however, that the Phillies are "not interested at all" in veteran relievers Mike Stanton or Steve Kline. So, there's that.

More later. For now, will Seanez help the bullpen? Discuss.

April 1 -- OPENING THOUGHTS

A few random thoughts while I try to confirm an LA Times report that the Phillies have signed 39-year-old reliever Rudy Seanez, late of the Dodgers, to a major-league contract. (Thus far, I've left messages for several team execs, and we'll keep trying to pin this down). If it's true, Seanez would give the Phillies another setup man to ease the pressure on Tom Gordon.

*
Speaking of Gordon, did he have a rough ninth inning yesterday, or what? Filling in for injured closer Brad Lidge (more on him later) in a 6-6 game, Gordon allowed five runs on four hits, including three RBI doubles that were absolutely scalded by Nick Johnson, Paul Lo Duca and Ronnie Belliard. The Nationals' lineup is better than it was last year, but come on. Gordon has to be better than that.

The good news, I suppose, is that Gordon insists he's healthy. But that's the same thing he said in spring training, when he posted an 11.00 ERA in 10 appearances. And, at age 40 and after lengthy stints on the disabled list in 2006 and 2007, it's worth asking if Gordon can be as effective as he once was. He may be healthy, but don't all pitchers reach a point where they simply can't get hitters out anymore?

Thoughts?

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The game story focused on Charlie Manuel's Opening Day anxiety. Before the game, he said he barely slept Sunday night. In fact, he was awake, guzzling coffee and thinking about his team, from about 1:45 a.m. until he left for The Bank at about 7:30 a.m. Phillies players maintain that they're confident they'll be as good as they were last year. From talking to Manuel daily in spring training and again yesterday, I don't think he's as certain.

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No matter what Manuel did with his pitchers yesterday, it didn't work, Kevin Noonan writes.

*
Lidge returned to Clearwater last night to pitch in a minor-league exhibition today. He'll also pitch in Class A Clearwater's opener Thursday. Then, he'll meet the Phillies on Friday in Cincinnati, and if he has no setbacks, he can be activated Saturday. Also, within the notebook, there's news of Manuel's decision to start Jayson Werth over Geoff Jenkins against a left-handed pitcher. Good call. Werth had a second-inning double.

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Martin Frank caught up with some fans who braved the cold and rain to watch the Phillies yesterday.

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Re-live the pomp and pageantry of Opening Day through the lens of Jennifer Corbett's camera. Included in the photo gallery is this great shot of Chris Coste coaching Philly Mayor Michael Nutter before the ceremonial first pitch. Nutter, by the way, threw a strike.