May 12 -- FOUR QUESTIONS

SAN FRANCISCO -- So, I'll be traveling for most of the day (San Fran to Philly, via Chicago), and thus, away from my laptop, which will be thankful for the rest. That said, I'll pose four questions for y'all to chew on today. Looking forward to lots of responses when I get home.

1. I asked this yesterday, before J.C. Romero uncharacteristically allowed a home run and lost a lead and the Phillies' right-handed hitters came up small against a lefty in a road-trip-ending loss to the Giants, but it's worth asking again: What did you learn from the Phillies' 3-4 western swing?

2. Last week, I wrote about the possibility of in-season contract negotiations with free-agent-to-be closer Brad Lidge, who told me he's happy in Philly. Team officials said that any dealings with Lidge and/or Pat Burrell will be "handled internally." GM Pat Gillick, who is so old-school that he thinks MySpace is the area around his desk (just kidding, Pat), typically doesn't like to conduct negotiations during the season, but with Gillick stepping down after the season, should the Phils open talks with Lidge and/or Burrell? Keeping in mind that Ryan Howard likely will get another raise in 2009 and Cole Hamels will be arbitration-eligible, which player(s) should be the Phils' priority?

3. Also asked this question last week, but I'll repeat it for those who haven't yet weighed in: Who has been the bigger early-season disappointment: Howard (.171 average) or Brett Myers (5.33 ERA)?

4. The Florida Marlins can't possibly be for real, can they?

OK, discuss. Talk to you from home.

May 11 -- WEEK IN REVIEW

SAN FRANCISCO -- So, the Phillies will complete a seven-game West Coast swing here today, with a chance to finish the week with a winning record. Adam Eaton takes the mound against Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez at AT&T Park. Lineups in a bit.

For now, let's talk about what's happened in the past six days. The Phillies split a four-game series in Phoenix, no easy task considering how hot the D-backs have been. They had a chance to win the series, but Brandon Webb, my Cy Young Award pick through six weeks of the season, shut them down in Thursday's finale at Chase Field. Hard-throwing Giants ace Tim Lincecum, who also makes a compelling early-season case for Cy Young consideration, flummoxed the Phils yesterday.

"Hard, harder, harder," Pat Burrell said of Lincecum, who allowed two runs on four hits in eight innings.

On the plus side, the Phils got Jimmy Rollins back Friday night, and he made an immediate impact with three hits, including a home run. There has been so much talk about how much the Phillies would miss Aaron Rowand's leadership. Rollins, though, has the ability to lead, and with Rowand's outsized personality taking up residence here in San Francisco, Rollins is the Phils' unquestioned leader. He should why Friday night.

Somehow, the Phils are 3-3 on this trip, even with Chase Utley batting .120 (5-for-25) with two RBIs since last Sunday. Burrell is 1-for-16 without an RBI on the trip. Brett Myers didn't pitch well Thursday in Arizona, and after beating touted D-backs rookie Max Scherzer in the trip's opener Monday, Jamie Moyer laid an egg here yesterday. The Phils need a good performance from Eaton today, certainly better than he gave them Tuesday in Phoenix.

So, what's been the biggest thing you've taken from the past seven days?

***
More on Scott Mathieson's situation in today's Phillies notebook. Mathieson, as you might imagine, is hoping his elbow can be fixed arthroscopically. But it sounds like Dr. James Andrews will need to do a more invasive procedure Thursday, probably a second Tommy John surgery. It's really a shame. You never wish so much arm trouble on anybody, but especially not Mathieson, one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. A few months ago, I sat next to Mathieson on a flight to Clearwater for spring training, and it was obvious how much he was looking forward to being able to pitch this season.

***
Chad Durbin is a relief pitcher and an entrepreneur. Durbin and business partner Jake Chapman (both former Blue Rocks, by the way) yesterday launched their recruiting Web site for high school athletes, and I talked to both of them about it last week.

***
Within your Sunday MLB notes, we look at the Kevin Mench trade. Looking forward to seeing Mench next weekend when the Blue Jays come to the Bank. I'm sure Mench is eager to come back home, too.

Happy Sunday, and a very happy Mother's Day to all, especially my mom in NJ.

(Updated, 2:34 p.m. Eastern): Today's lineup against Sanchez (2-2, 4.74 ERA): SS Jimmy Rollins (.313/3/9), CF Shane Victorino (.231/0/3), 2B Chase Utley (.327/13/28), 1B Ryan Howard (.169/7/18), LF Pat Burrell (.295/9/30), RF Jayson Werth (.263/6/14), 3B Pedro Feliz (.240/5/16), C Carlos Ruiz (.236/1/12), RHP Adam Eaton (0-1, 5.63 ERA).

May 10 -- IN-GAME UPDATES

SAN FRANCISCO -- OK, let's try something a bit different here today. An inning-by-inning live blog to keep you updated on the goings on in today's non-televised Giants-Phillies game:

First inning: Wow, you don't see that often. Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum struck out the side -- all looking. Lincecum, 4-1 with a 1.49 ERA this season, froze Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Chase Utley. Jamie Moyer, who signed his first pro contract eight days before Lincecum was born in 1984, also pitched a scoreless inning.

Second inning: Turns out, Lincecum isn't untouchable. Ryan Howard belted an opposite-field homer. Howard had good swings last night, and Rollins talked about a few adjustments they made in the batting cage. The homer landed a few rows deep in left field (in case you were wondering, that big mitt that's above the left-field bleachers here is 501 feet from home plate. Aaron Rowand matched Howard's homer with a leadoff blast, and Lincecum's RBI single up the middle gave the Giants a 2-1 lead.

Third inning: Giants loaded the bases on singles by Randy Winn, Rowand and Jose Castillo. Winn scored on Emmanuel Burriss' sac fly before Dan Ortmeier doubled home Rowand and Castillo. 5-1, Giants.

Fourth inning: Winn, Moyer's teammate for 2-1/2 seasons in Seattle, hit a two-out homer to left field. 6-1, Giants.

Fifth inning: Moyer out, Rudy Seanez in, and two more (unearned) runs for the Giants. Seanez loaded the bases on singles by Rowand and Castillo and a one-out intentional walk to Ortmeier. Lincecum hit a grounder to first, and after Howard retired Rowand on a force at the plate, Chris Coste's throw back to first to get Lincecum was low and wide of the bag, allowing Castillo to score. 7-1, Giants.

Sixth inning: Another inning, another run for the Giants. And, once again, Castillo was in the middle of the rally. His two-out bloop single against Seanez scored Omar Vizquel from second base. Quick aside: It's weird seeing games in San Francisco that don't involve Barry Bonds. There are references to Bonds outside on the sidewalk between AT&T Park and McCovey Cove, and Bonds T-shirts are for sale at the concession stands. But most references to Bonds have been removed from the inside of theballpark.

May 10 -- MORE SURGERY FOR MATHIESON

SAN FRANCISCO -- Bad news for Phillies pitching prospect Scott Mathieson.

Athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said this morning that Mathieson "most likely" will need to undergo a second Tommy John surgery on his troublesome right elbow next week. Mathieson will see Dr. James Andrews to have his elbow scoped Thursday in Birmingham, Ala., but chances are, Andrews will need to perform an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, the same procedure Mathieson underwent in September 2006.

According to Sheridan, the success rate for Tommy John surgery is about 90 percent. Mathieson fell into the 10 percent of pitchers who were unable to recover. The second time, the recovery rate is far lower. Eric Gagne, Victor Zambrano and Jeff Zimmerman are on the short list of pitchers who've had two surgeries. Jose Rijo had three.

***
Today's lineup against Giants RHP Tim Lincecum (4-1, 1.49 ERA): SS Jimmy Rollins (.341, 3/9), CF Shane Victorino (.241/0/3), 2B Chase Utley (.336/13/28), 1B Ryan Howard (.167/6/17), LF Pat Burrell (.303/9/30), RF Geoff Jenkins (.255/2/7), 3B Pedro Feliz (.244/5/16), C Chris Coste (.288/2/7), LHP Jamie Moyer (2-2, 4.15 ERA).

***
Rollins made a grand return last night, and after the game, Charlie Manuel was positively giddy about having him back. "I'm happy we've got everybody back now," he said. "It means we're going to play better. We're going to go get the East. We've got a good league, but when we're healthy, we've got a good chance."

***
Within the notebook, free agent-to-be Brad Lidge said he hasn't begun thinking about where he'll be pitching next season. If he continues his run of success, the Phillies ought to make sure he stays right where he is.

***
No TV today (thank FOX for that), so I'll do my best to post in-game updates. Keep it right here throughout the afternoon.

May 9 -- BREAKING: ROLLINS ACTIVATED

SAN FRANCISCO -- This just in from the Phillies ...

Jimmy Rollins will be activated from the disabled list before tonight's game, and Brad Harman will be sent back to Class AA Reading. Harman took early batting practice here today. Rollins walked across the field and into the Phillies' clubhouse a few minutes later. He must've passed whatever tests were administered by athletic trainer Scott Sheridan. Rollins will bat in his familiar leadoff spot, giving the Phillies their full lineup for the first time since April 8.

More as I get it. Clubhouse will open in about 5 minutes.

(Updated, 8:12 p.m. Eastern): Here's your complete Phillies lineup tonight against Giants LHP Pat Misch (0-0, 5.40 ERA): SS Jimmy Rollins (.308/2/6), CF Shane Victorino (.256/0/3), 2B Chase Utley (.345/13/28), 1B Ryan Howard (.165/6/17), LF Pat Burrell (.305/9/30), RF Jayson Werth (.266/6/14), 3B Pedro Feliz (.237/5/15), C Carlos Ruiz (.235/1/10), LHP Cole Hamels (3-3, 3.10).

And your series preview ...

PHILLIES (20-16) at GIANTS (14-21)
Tonight, 10:15: LHP Cole Hamels (3-3, 3.10) vs. LHP Pat Misch (0-0, 5.40)
Saturday, 4:05: LHP Jamie Moyer (2-2, 4.15) vs. RHP Tim Lincecum (4-1, 1.49)
Sunday, 4:05: RHP Adam Eaton (0-1, 5.63) vs. LHP Jonathan Sanchez (2-2, 4.74)
Hot: Phillies CF Shane Victorino has a five-game hitting streak during which he’s batting .364 (8-for-22); Phillies RH closer Brad Lidge is 8-for-8 in save chances and hasn’t allowed an earned run in 16 innings this season; Giants CF Aaron Rowand is batting .438 (14-for-32) during a nine-game hitting streak; Giants 1B John Bowker has eight hits in his last 14 at-bats.
Not: Phillies 1B Ryan Howard has two hits and 12 strikeouts in his last 24 at-bats; Phillies 3B Greg Dobbs has two hits over his last 17 at-bats; Giants LF Fred Lewis is hitless in his last nine at-bats; Giants SS Brian Bocock is hitless in his last 18 at-bats.

May 9 -- SAN FRANCISCO TREAT

SAN FRANCISCO -- Each season, I look forward to the Phillies' trip to San Francisco, which has to be one of my three favorite cities outside of the NL East (with Chicago and Denver). Between the perfect weather, the idyllic ballpark and the stunning scenery, San Francisco has it all. If you're ever here, I highly recommend having some clam clowder in a sourdough bread bowl from here, nibbling on a few chocolates from here, navigating (by foot, of course) the world's crookedest street, walking across (or taking a ferry underneath the Golden Gate Bridge) and checking out the sea lions while doing some shopping here. A friend who lives here told me touring Alcatraz at night is awesome, although I've never done it. And if you want to steer clear of the touristy stuff, there are plenty of good restaurants like this that are off the beaten path.

No wonder Jimmy Rollins loves the Bay Area so much.

Speaking of which, we'll be seeing the reigning NL MVP in about 30 minutes when the Phillies' clubhouse at AT&T Park opens to the media. I'd be surprised if he isn't activated from the disabled list, but keep it here for updates.

May 8 -- MYERS, HOWARD KEEP STRUGGLING

PHOENIX -- Just sitting here at Gate A7 in Sky Harbor International Airport, waiting to board a flight to San Francisco and wondering what the heck is wrong with Brett Myers.

Myers has no idea.

Honestly, he didn't pitch all that terribly today at Chase Field. His fastball velocity was in the low 90s for most of his five innings, and other than a first-inning home run by Chris Young, the D-backs beat him with a bunch of broken-bat and infield hits. Of course, there were the back-to-back walks to Justin Upton and Stephen Drew to open the four-run fourth inning, and those, more than anything, bothered Myers after the game. But his overall frustration at his 2-3 record and 5.33 ERA in eight starts was obvious.

"I can't put together back-to-back good starts, and I don't know what the problem is," he said. "I made some good pitches they hit. I made some bad pitches they crushed. I don't know. I've just got to try to get through it. Every time I get my rear end kicked it's frustrating. It's definitely not fun, going out there and feeling real good and getting beat up like that."

Catcher Chris Coste's advice to Myers: Don't panic.

"I just hope he doesn't try to reinvent something because the stuff he had today could've easily been one or two runs," Coste said. "There's such a fine line between success and failure. He got two strikes in key situations and just couldn't find that third pitch. He usually can finish off a hitter better than most guys. But I told him, 'Don't think you have to reinvent anything because the same stuff you had today is going to give you eight innings, one run the next time.'"

The Phillies hope so.

***
Ryan Howard picked up an RBI single against Brandon Webb in the ninth inning, but in the last seven games, he's 2-for-24 with 12 strikeouts, leaving his average at .165.

So, who's been a bigger disappointment so far, Howard or Myers? Discuss.

Talk to you from San Francisco.

May 8 -- ROLLINS UPDATE

PHOENIX -- Your daily Jimmy Rollins update:

After playing in a game last night for Class A Clearwater, Rollins will fly to San Francisco tonight, where he'll meet the team and likely hang out with family (he's from nearby Alameda in the Bay Area). But before the Phillies activate Rollins, they want him to work out before tomorrow night's game at AT&T Park under the supervision of athletic trainer Scott Sheridan.

So, there's that.

Your lineup against D-backs RHP Brandon Webb (7-0, 2.49 ERA):

CF Shane Victorino (.244/0/3), SS Eric Bruntlett (.238/2/11), 2B Chase Utley (.350/13/27), 1B Ryan Howard (.163/6/16), RF Geoff Jenkins (.265/2/7), 3B Greg Dobbs (.302/2/10), LF So Taguchi (.195/0/2), C Chris Coste (.286/2/7), RHP Brett Myers (2-2, 4.70 ERA). Day off for Pat Burrell against one of the toughest right-handers in baseball.

May 8 -- RELIEF?

PHOENIX -- As you may already know, especially if you're a delawareonline.com visitor, the Phillies have, in fact, acquired lefty reliever Stephen Randolph from the Astros for a player to be named. Randolph, 34, has made 14 appearances in the majors since 2004 and is what GM Pat Gillick often calls "an inventory guy." It's unlikely he'll be the final solution to the Phillies' need for another lefty in their bullpen.

I did, however, ask Brad Lidge about Randolph this morning. Lidge, who teamed briefly with Randolph in Houston, offered this scouting report: "He's a big, tall lefty, and he actually has two strikeout pitches -- a slider and his changeup. I've watched him strike out a lot of good hitters with them. His whole thing is, when he's going right, his control is down. When that abandons him, that's when he struggles at times. That being said, even though he's a little older now, he has the potential to go through some good stretches."

May 8 -- HAWAIIAN PUNCH

PHOENIX -- Woke up this morning (it's still morning here on the Left Coast) and had a message from a friend back home, wondering how on earth the Phillies won last night. He stayed up late, watched the game, and saw the eighth-inning comeback with his own eyes. But at no point in the game did he really believe the Phillies were going to win.

That's what made Shane Victorino's collision with Conor Jackson so important.

By that point, with the Phils trailing 4-3, they need something, anything, to spark their offense. So, after he struck out and the ball skidded away from D-backs catcher Chris Snyder, Victorino sprinted toward first base. "The Flyin' Hawaiian" was a punt returner on his high school football team, so he's used to taking (and sometimes giving) hits to players twice his size. Giving up some height (six inches) and weight (about 30 pounds) to Jackson, Victorino smashed into the Arizona first baseman, who had stepped into the base line to catch Snyder's throw, sending him pin-wheeling into the air. Jackson got the worst of the collision, possibly suffering a minor concussion. Victorino stayed in the game and scored one batter later on Eric Bruntlett's double. One batter after that, Bruntlett scored on Chase Utley's single.

And that, my friends, was how the Phillies pulled out that game.

Said Victorino, "That'll leave a dent. I didn't feel good at the time. Now I feel good. When I saw [Snyder] miss the ball, I just wanted to hustle down the line. Get a runner on base, you never know, maybe you can manufacture a run."

Said manager Charlie Manuel: "When I came out and saw [Victorino] on the ground giggling, I knew he was all right. He looked up and said, 'I'm going to get up and steal a base.'"

***
Speaking of Bruntlett, Jimmy Rollins' impending return will send him back to the bench. But after batting .293 (17-for-58) with a homer, 10 RBIs and one error in his last 15 games, Bruntlett deserves to keep playing (at third base?) as much as possible until he cools off. Doesn't it seem like his two-error debut in New York was eons ago.

***
Within the notebook, there's news of Rollins' latest rehab start for Class A Clearwater. I should have a more detailed update on him today, although I'm still betting we'll see him tomorrow in the Bay Area. Can't wait to get to San Francisco, by the way. It may be my favorite city in the National League.

For now, we're going to hunt down details on the Phillies' apparent acquisition of Class AAA lefty reliever Stephen Randolph from the Astros. The clubhouse will open to the media in about 40 minutes, so we should have more information at that time.

More later.

May 7 -- LINEUPS & ROLLINS

PHOENIX -- Lots to get to for The Paper before tonight's game begins, but I wanted to pass along the lineup against heavy-hitting Diamondbacks RHP Micah Owings (4.42 ERA, .429 batting average): CF Shane Victorino (.247/0/2), SS Eric Bruntlett (.240/2/10), 2B Chase Utley (.351/13/26), 1B Ryan Howard (.168/6/16), LF Pat Burrell (.313/9/30), RF Geoff Jenkins (.263/2/7), 3B Pedro Feliz (.236/4/13), C Carlos Ruiz (.238/1/10), RHP Kyle Kendrick (2-2, 5.01 ERA).

As I type this, Jimmy Rollins is playing in a game for Class A Clearwater. After five years of covering the Mets' farm system, I can safely say it's always a thrill for minor leaguers when a big-league player comes through on a rehab assignment. Mostly, though, they like it because the big leaguers usually pay for a well-catered postgame spread. I'm sure J-Roll is buying dinner tonight for his Clearwater Threshers teammates.

Oh, you want to know how he's playing? Through four innings, Rollins is 0-for-2. He reached on an error and scored a run in the first inning. I'll try to update you when that game is over.

(Update, 10:13 p.m. Eastern): Rollins finished 0-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. Still no definite word from the Phillies on his schedule, but assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. issued this statement: "Jimmy played today and felt fine. We're confident that he's still progressing well and, at this stage, he is still day to day."

May 7 -- LIFE OF RYAN

PHOENIX -- So, upon entering the Phillies' clubhouse after last night's 6-4 loss, one of the first people I saw as I walked toward Charlie Manuel's office was Ryan Howard.

Well, I only saw his back.

While most of the Phillies were quietly eating dinner or making their way to and/or from the shower, Howard was sitting on a chair, facing his locker, and fiddling with his cell phone. When we reporters walked out of Manuel's office a few minutes later, he still was in the same position. These seemingly are stressful times for Howard, who struck out again in a pinch-hit appearance last night and is batting .168. Since his game-winning homer last Thursday night at the Bank, he's 1-for-16 with eight strikeouts.

And although he picked up two RBIs and hit several balls hard Monday night, I thought his pre-game comments yesterday about how he judges himself relative to how others judge him revealed something about his state of mind lately: "To me, it's all about seeing the ball and having good at-bats," Howard said. "To everyone else, it's about results. That's how it is in the media and everywhere else. So that's that. People see what they want to see. There's a lot of stuff that you don't see, other stuff that's going on. I try to do what I can to help the team win in whatever ways I can."

OK, what do you make of that?

***
When it came to the four-pitch, bases-loaded walk he issued to D-backs pitcher Randy Johnson (a .126 career hitter) in the five-run fourth inning last night, Adam Eaton didn't mince words.

"To walk the pitcher on four pitches is pretty pathetic," he said. "I [bleeped] up. I don't think Arizona beat us. I think I beat ourselves."

Here's a sobering stat for the Phillies: Eaton's ERA in his first three starts was 4.12. His ERA in his last four starts is 7.23.

***
Depending on where you live, your paper may have included this early-edition story on Carlos Ruiz, who suddenly has seven hits in his last 16 at-bats after batting .188 at the start of last week. The difference: Manuel said Ruiz is using his hips and legs more, instead of trying to swing only with his upper body.

***
Kyle Kendrick goes to the mound today, and he says he's trying to be more like Brandon Webb. Who isn't? Webb, who starts tomorrow for the D-backs, may be the best pitcher in baseball right now (he's 7-0 with a 2.49 ERA). Like Kendrick, Webb is a sinker-ball pitcher. But Webb also has a nasty changeup, and Kendrick, who is trying to develop that pitch, said yesterday he was planning to ask Webb for pointers. Good idea.

More later from Chase Field.

May 6 -- HOWARD ON BENCH

PHOENIX -- Ryan Howard isn't in the lineup tonight against the D-backs, but this time, it's not because he's swinging the bat poorly. Actually, Charlie Manuel likes how Howard has been swinging. And with Randy Johnson on the mound tonight for Arizona, Manuel doesn't want to see that swing get fouled up. As you might expect, Howard was disappointed by the decision.

Much more from Howard in tomorrow's paper.

Tonight's lineup against Johnson (1-1, 4.79 ERA): CF Shane Victorino (.243/0/2), SS Eric Bruntlett (.232/1/7), 1B Chase Utley (.362/13/26), LF Pat Burrell (.315/9/30), RF Jayson Werth (.258/5/13), 3B Pedro Feliz (.222/4/12), C Chris Coste (.304/2/7), 2B Brad Harman (.200/0/1), RHP Adam Eaton (0-0, 4.72 ERA).

Programming note: I'll be joining Jim Jackson on tonight's radio pregame show, so tune in if you get a chance.

More later.

May 6 -- ROLLINS UPDATE

PHOENIX -- Clubhouse is about to open to the media, so I'll make this quick. Your daily Jimmy Rollins update: He went 2-for-4 with a homer, two RBIs, two walks, two runs and a stolen base in an extended spring training game today. He'll start for Class A Clearwater tomorrow, but at this point, a weekend return looks very possible.

More later.

May 6 -- HOME RUN DERBY

PHOENIX -- OK, here's how this newspaper thing works when the Phillies (or any of our local teams) are on the West Coast. Because of the late start times, and our need to get that ink-stained paper to your door by a certain hour each morning, I (or any of the reporters covering a West Coast game) must write what we call a "plug" feature that, basically, holds the space in the paper where the game story usually goes. Then, in the very latest editions, that feature is replaced by a game story.

So, depending on where you live, your paper today may contain a "plug" about how the Phillies' offense has been dependent on the home run. With Jimmy Rollins (sprained left ankle) and Shane Victorino (strained right calf) sidelined for much of April, the Phillies were missing their speed at the top of the lineup. Needless to say, it's been difficult to manufacture runs. Luckily, the Phillies lead the majors with 48 homers, and (stat of the day alert) Chase Utley and Pat Burrell have combined to hit more homers (22) than eight entire teams.

Entering last night's game, 70 of the Phillies' 150 runs (46.67 percent) had come via homers.

That figures to change once Rollins returns (more on that later), and history shows it had better if the Phillies want to keep winning. Homers are great, but through 2006, only eight teams in baseball history had finished a season with home runs accounting for more than 46 percent of their runs. Only the 1961 Yankees -- with Roger Maris, Mickey Mantle and their epic chase to surpass Babe Ruth's single-season homer record -- reached the playoffs.

"You're going to have games where you blow teams out, they blow you out," Geoff Jenkins told me yesterday. "But those one-run, two-run games, the difference is getting that bunt down, getting that guy over, manufacturing a run. It's the hugest part of the game offensively, if you ask me."

***
If you stayed up late to watch the game, you know Jamie Moyer stole the show on a night that was supposed to belong to flame-throwing D-Backs rookie Max Scherzer. For what it's worth, Moyer thinks Scherzer is going to be pretty good. "He's a young kid, and he's got a big arm," Moyer said. "It's just a matter of him figuring things out. It's him trying to figure out, 'What can I do at this level?' As long as he stays in his character, he'll be fine. He wouldn't be here if he didn't have a lot of talent."

***
We mentioned this yesterday on The Blog but it bears repeating: Rollins went 4-for-4 yesterday in an extended spring-training game and may still be on track to return to the Phillies' lineup by this weekend in San Francisco. That's the sort of Mother's Day present he wants to give his mom, who lives in nearby Alameda. Also, within the notebook, updates on the health of Scott Mathieson and Kris Benson.

More later from Chase Field.

May 5 -- MAD MAX

PHOENIX -- OK, so we're between editions for The Paper, and there's some time to kill. So, I did some extra research on D-backs rookie starter Max Scherzer and found out he's heterochromic. Basically, that means his eyes are different colors (the right one blue, the left one brown), as you can see from this New York Times photo that ran a few years ago.

Creepy, isn't it?

(Does that make the rest of us homochromic?)

Anyway, the Phillies didn't have much trouble hitting his 98-mph fastball tonight. They scored five runs (two earned) on seven hits in four innings. Even Jamie Moyer had two hits.

5-1 Phillies, top of the 7th.

OK, back to work for me.

May 5 -- ELBOWED OUT?

PHOENIX -- Just got finished writing this for The Paper, but I want to post it here, too. Scott Mathieson's string of tough luck seemingly won't stop. Mathieson, a hard-throwing 24-year-old right-hander, could be headed for his third elbow surgery in less than three years. He felt tightness in his elbow two weeks ago while long-tossing, and after being examined separately by noted orthopedic surgeons Dr. Lew Yocum and Dr. James Andrews, those doctors are going to meet with Phillies physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti to discuss a course of action.

Assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said the Phillies hope to have a verdict by Wednesday, but he said another surgery is "a possibility."

May 5 -- ROLLINS UPDATE & LINEUPS

PHOENIX -- So, before we get to tonight's game here at retractable-roofed Chase Field (named for the bank, not the Phillies' second baseman), let's talk about someone who isn't here. Jimmy Rollins played four innings of an extended spring training game today in Clearwater, Fla., and went 4-for-4. He ran sprints after the game and didn't report any problems with his sprained left ankle.

Next up: Rollins will play in another extended spring game tomorrow. There's still a chance he could rejoin the Phillies for Thursday's game here. Otherwise, I think it's likely we'll see him in San Francisco.

West Coast deadlines mean I have to get going on writing for The Paper, but for now, here's tonight's lineup against flame-throwing D-Backs rookie RHP Max Scherzer: CF Shane Victorino (.231/0/2), SS Eric Bruntlett (.222/1/4), 2B Chase Utley (.357/13/26), 1B Ryan Howard (.167/6/14), LF Pat Burrell (.330/9/30), RF Geoff Jenkins (.250/2/6), 3B Pedro Feliz (.214/4/12), C Carlos Ruiz (.203/1/9), LHP Jamie Moyer (1-2, 4.50).

May 5 -- RAISING ARIZONA

Good morning, all.

Got a few minutes before I have to board a US Airways flight to Phoenix, so let's preview the Phillies-D-Backs series that starts tonight at Chase Field. I watched a bit of the D-Backs' loss to the Mets yesterday, and it occurred to me that folks in our corner of the country don't know much about them. They were the surprise of baseball last season, winning the NL West despite allowing more runs than they scored. But that experience, coupled with getting swept in the NLCS by the Rockies, only helped the young D-Backs, who are off to a 21-10 start.

Arizona is built on pitching. Brandon Webb, who will start Thursday, may be the best in the league (sorry, Johan Santana and Jake Peavy), and the offseason addition of Dan Haren gave them perhaps the majors' best 1-2 punch. If they get anything out of 44-year-old Randy Johnson, heavy-hitting Micah Owings (.429 batting average, 4.42 ERA) or 23-year-old flamethrower Max Scherzer, they'll be tough to beat, especially in October. Scherzer, who retired 13 straight batters (seven by strikeout) in his major-league debut last week, will make his first start tonight against Phillies lefty Jamie Moyer. Scherzer wasn't even 2 years old when Moyer made his major-league debut in on June 16, 1986.

Here's a look at the series:

PHILLIES (18-14) at DIAMONDBACKS (21-10)
Tonight, 9:40: LHP Jamie Moyer (1-2, 4.50) vs. RHP Max Scherzer (0-0, 0.00)
Tuesday, 9:40: RHP Adam Eaton (0-0, 4.72) vs. LHP Randy Johnson (1-1, 4.79)
Wednesday, 9:40: RHP Kyle Kendrick (2-2, 5.01) vs. RHP Micah Owings (4-1, 4.66)
Thursday, 3:40: RHP Brett Myers (2-2, 4.70) vs. RHP Brandon Webb (7-0, 2.49)
Hot: Phillies 2B Chase Utley, the NL Player of the Month for April, batted .348 (8-for-23) with three homers and five RBIs during the six-game homestand; Phillies RH closer Brad Lidge hasn't allowed an earned run and has struck out 13 batters in 15 innings; Diamondbacks RF Justin Upton has eight hits in his last 18 at-bats (.444); Diamondbacks 1B Conor Jackson has nine hits in his last 24 at-bats (.375).
Not: Phillies OF Jayson Werth has two hits in his last 21 at-bats; Phillies 1B Ryan Howard is 0-for-11 with five strikeouts since his game-winning homer Thursday night; Diamondbacks 3B Mark Reynolds has three hits and 14 strikeouts in his last 26 at-bats; Diamondbacks CF Eric Byrnes has two hits in his last 28 at-bats.

***
Kevin Tresolini took a break from covering UD and pinch-hit for me at the Bank yesterday. He has details from the walk-off win (Charlie Manuel's 500th managerial victory) over the Giants, and the Phillies' thoughts on facing Arizona.

***
Almost about to board. I hear it's going to be 95 degrees in Phoenix today, but, as the natives say, it's a dry heat. We'll see. More later from the desert.

May 4 -- MYERS FINDS HIS MOJO

Brett Myers wasn't himself last week.

Ordinarily, Myers is the Phillies' resident clubhouse cut-up. You don't have to look hard to find him laughing, cracking wise, clowning around and generally driving his teammates crazy. His voice tends to rise above the rest. But, after another ineffective start last Sunday in Pittsburgh that drew the ire of Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee, he spent the week long-tossing, watching video of his two previous solid starts to try to rediscover his fastball and quietly playing with his 3-year-old son, Kolt.

Last night, Myers found his mojo.

The Phillies lost to the Giants, 3-2 in 10 innings, but Myers overcame a first-inning quagmire and tossed seven solid innings. His fastball, which had dipped into the mid-80s, often rose into the low-90s. But, most importantly, he stuck with his fastball rather than leaning too heavily on his cutter. He mixed in a good curveball and struck out a season-high 10 batters.

Ran out of real-estate in the 50-center before I really could get into this, but it may not be a coincidence that Myers pitched well with Chris Coste behind the plate. Myers' last good start, April 17 against Houston, came with Coste doing the catching. In two starts pitching to Coste, Myers has a 1.93 ERA (three earned runs in 14 innings). In five starts pitching to Carlos Ruiz, Myers has a 6.00 ERA (20 earned runs in 30 innings).

***

I asked Manuel yesterday if Pat Burrell's soon-to-expire contract has anything to do with his fast start. "It could have something to do with it," Manuel said. "If that helps, that's good. If [the money] is there, go get it. The better he does, the better I do."

Meanwhile, everyone suddenly wants to know if Burrell will be back in 2009. It wasn't long ago that the Phillies would've done anything to unload him -- and his big contract.

***

Finally, twice in the past two nights, the Giants have brought in a lefty reliever to face Ryan Howard. Both times it was Jack Taschner, not Barry Zito. Makes sense. When the Giants put Zito in the bullpen last week, the idea was to let him pitch in low-stress situations until he figures out where his once-dominating stuff has gone. And, within our Sunday MLB notes, we examine why long-term contracts for pitchers -- like the seven-year, $126 million deal that the Giants gave Zito before last season -- are dangerous.

Enjoy your Sunday, everyone.

May 3 -- IS BURRELL THIS YEAR'S ROWAND?

OK, we get it.

Pat Burrell is hot.

How hot? Well, consider Burrell's at-bat last night in the 10th inning. By now, you've undoubtedly seen/heard how it turned out. Burrell bashed his third career walk-off home run -- and his first since April 10, 2002 -- to spoil Aaron Rowand's return to The Bank. But instead of focusing on the result of the at-bat, let's examine how Burrell got there.

With the Phillies trailing 5-4, Chase Utley on first base and two out, Burrell stepped to the plate against hard-throwing Giants closer Brian Wilson. The first three pitches were fastballs, all in the upper-90s and all out of the strike zone. Most hitters, staring at a 3-0 count in that situation, would automatically take a pitch, even though they know they're almost certainly going to get another fastball. But Burrell has been seeing the ball so well and feeling so good at the plate that he swung away -- and missed. He fouled Wilson's next pitch, another heater, straight back, a sign that he was beginning to get his timing.

Then, boom.

"He was throwing really hard," Burrell said. "I got to 3-0 and said, 'I've got to take a chance at this.' Just take a swing and see where I'm at. Kind of gauge the speed to the swing."

So, Burrell is batting .330 with nine home runs and a league-leading 28 RBIs in exactly 100 at-bats. With runners in scoring position, he's batting .478 (11-for-23) with two homers and 17 RBIs, and after getting down 0-2 in the count, he's batting .357 (5-for-14) with six RBIs.

All of which leads me to my larger point: Burrell will be a free agent after the season. Rowand, in the same position last year, had the best season of his career and cashed in with a five-year, $60 million contract from the Giants. Burrell, in the final season of a six-year, $50 million extension, is making $14 million in 2008.

If he continues to produce at this rate, what sort of contract could he reasonably expect to get? And, if you were the Phillies, how much is it worth for you to re-sign Burrell?

Just a few questions to ponder as the weekend begins. More later from The Bank.

***

Also, in your Saturday paper, Jimmy Rollins says he's aiming to be ready to play by next Thursday in Arizona. That would mean he could go home to the Bay Area for Mother's Day weekend and play against the Giants in San Francisco. His mother would like that. And, within the same notebook, there's news that the Phillies have moved lefty Josh Outman to the bullpen at Class AA Reading. They've done the same with Fabio Castro. With only one lefty in the bullpen (J.C. Romero), it's possible Outman and/or Castro could help the Phillies later this season.

***

Finally, moving to a new team meant getting a new pair of batting-practice wristbands for Rowand. Finding them, however, wasn't easy. Rowand said he took a $40 cab ride to a mall in Illinois during a recent road trip to St. Louis to find a Spencer's, where he purchased black wristbands with a logo of "The Punisher," a Marvel comics character.

May 2 -- ROLLINS UPDATE (AND LINEUP)

Just finished talking to Jimmy Rollins, who said he's aiming to be back in the Phillies' lineup by next Thursday's game in Arizona. Rollins, who, as you know, hasn't started since April 8 and went on the disabled list April 20, ran the bases again today and is slated to continue his rehab Sunday in Clearwater, where he thinks he'll be playing in a few extended spring-training games.

More on Rollins, and some words from Aaron Rowand, in tomorrow's paper.

Tonight's lineup against Giants LHP Patrick Misch (0-0, 3.00 ERA): CF Shane Victorino (.235/0/2), RF Jayson Werth (.265/5/13), 2B Chase Utley (.357/11/23), 1B Ryan Howard (.184/6/14), LF Pat Burrell (.333/8/26), 3B Pedro Feliz (.200/3/10), C Chris Coste (.350/2/7), SS Eric Bruntlett (.228/1/4), RHP Kyle Kendrick (2-2, 5.13).

May 2 -- FIRST-PLACE PHILLIES?

So, let's get this straight: Jimmy Rollins has been out since April 20 (and, really, since April 8); Shane Victorino returned this week after spending two weeks on the disabled list; Brett Myers has a 5.11 ERA; and Ryan Howard is batting .184.

But the Phillies are in first place.

Really?

Yes, the standings in The Paper are correct. Despite their myriad problems during the season's first month, the Phillies are 16-13, somehow a half-game ahead of the Mets and Marlins in the NL East. For that, they can thank Chase Utley (majors-leading 11 homers), Pat Burrell (tied for the NL-lead with 26 RBIs), Cole Hamels (2.70 ERA), Brad Lidge (no earned runs allowed in 12 innings), Tom Gordon (1.64 ERA since opening day) and J.C. Romero (no earned runs allowed in 12-2/3 innings).

So, who is your Phillies MVP so far?

***
Last night, Howard finally took his turn in the hero's role, blasting a game-winning solo homer in the eighth inning against Padres lefty reliever Joe Thatcher. I asked Howard if he sees any correlation between the two days off Charlie Manuel gave him last week and his improved swings. He doesn't. But he said he has been swinging the bat better since batting practice last Friday in Pittsburgh. Manuel, of course, took him out of the lineup last Thursday and Friday.

***
Hold on to your hats, Aaron Rowand returns to The Bank tonight for the first time since defecting to San Francisco for a five-year, $60 million contract. Here's what he told the Giants' Web site about his return:

"That's in the past. I'm in San Francisco now playing for the Giants. I look back at my time with Philadelphia with fondness, and it puts a smile on my face. But I'm not going to dwell on any of the stuff that happened during the offseason."

Of Manuel, Rowand said, "I loved playing for him. He was a great man, a great manager and I was very close with him. I miss him just as much as I miss the guys on the team."

Much more later from the ballpark. Meanwhile, don't forget to weigh in with your vote for the Phillies' MVP through 29 games.

May 1 -- WEEKLY AUDIOFILE (AND LINEUP)

Our weekly audiofile is back, just in time for the weekend series against Aaron Rowand and the Giants. I got together before the game with Camden Courier-Post beat writer Michael Radano to talk about the Phillies' winning April, Rowand's return to Citizens Bank Park, Brett Myers' struggles and more.

To listen to the audiofile, click here: R09_0015.mp3

Lots to get to here tonight, so here's the lineup against Padres LHP Randy Wolf: CF Shane Victorino (.224/0/2), RF Jayson Werth (.278/5/13), 2B Chase Utley (.360/11/23), 1B Ryan Howard (.172/5/12), LF Pat Burrell (.326/8/25), 3B Pedro Feliz (.209/3/10), SS Eric Bruntlett (.227/1/4), C Carlos Ruiz (.206/0/8), RHP Adam Eaton (0-0, 5.08).

May 1 -- WOLF VS. EATON

Of all the stories I've heard over the past three years from Pat Gillick, one of most entertaining involves a trip he made to Los Angeles during the winter of '06 in an effort to re-sign Randy Wolf. Gillick was sitting in Wolf's living room, feeling pretty confident that he'd be able to lure the lefty back to Philly, when Wolf's girlfriend, a Philly-area native, mentioned she was having her cats flown to LA.

Right then, Gillick knew Wolf wasn't coming back.

Within a few weeks, Wolf signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with his hometown Dodgers, and the Phillies wasted little time replacing him. Gillick promptly signed Adam Eaton to a three-year, $24.5 million deal. The baseball gods have a sense for these things, and tonight, in the rubber match of a three-game series at The Bank, Wolf will start for the Padres against Eaton.

May the best pitcher win.

Were it not for the latest developments in Ankle-Gate starring Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies notebook in your 50-center today would've been chock full of Wolf's comments about facing his former team for the first time since he left. Wolf, one of the most intelligent and thoughtful players I've covered, had plenty of good things to say. Unfortunately, we only had space for about four paragraphs.

Wolf had another chance to come back to the Phillies last winter, but he opted to go to San Diego. Hard to blame him. Wolf needs to revive his career after three injury-plagued seasons, and where better to do that than pitcher-friendly Petco Park? Certainly, The Bank isn't conducive to pitchers. Wolf addressed that and other topics in a 15-minute conversation with reporters Tuesday. Here are the nuts and bolts of that session:

Q: What's it going to be like pitching here against the Phillies?
A: It's exciting. It's weird. A lot of those guys over there I've played with and I'm friends with them. So, of course, whenever you're competing against guys that you're friends with, it makes for an interesting experience. But I'm excited. Obviously, with their lineup it's a tough task. You've got to be on your game.

Q: Have you heard from the Wolf Pack?
A: Actually, I got an e-mail the other day basically just wishing me well.

Q: Are they coming to root you on?
A: I don't know. That would be weird. I don't know how that would go over.

Q: Have you talked to Mike Lieberthal? Thoughts on him retiring as a Phillie?
A: Yeah. He's golfing. I remember he told me that he is definitely not a professional athlete anymore. I think it's great. He put in a lot of time here, and he was a staple of this organization for a long time. Obviously, I think he should retire as a Phillie. I think that's who he associated himself with. That's what he feels, and I think that's good for him.

Q: You had a chance to come back the past two years. Why not?
A: There was a lot of factors involved. Last year when I saw the Dodgers, obviously I wanted to play for them. That was the main thing. It really was. And then this past year, it was tough. It was a really tough decision. There were three or four teams that I had to choose. There were a lot of factors that went into me signing with San Diego, and there was no negative things against Philly. I think it was the pros I felt for me to be in San Diego was the reason I chose San Diego. That's pretty much it. Everybody in the Phillies' organization always treated me great. When Pat came on board, I thought he was great. He was nothing but fair and honest with me. Same thing with Ruben [Amaro Jr.]. With Charlie [Manuel] and [Rich] Dubee, I love all those guys.

Q: Gillick said you didn't want to pitch at Citizens Bank Park. Was that a factor?
A: That was a factor, yeah. There were a lot of factors. I'm not saying that was the top one or anything like that. There were a lot of things that went into the decision. Pitching in San Diego did have a lot to do with it.

Q: How's the shoulder/elbow?
A: Great. Back to Colonel Steve Austin good. Last year was really frustrating. I was happy it wasn't anything major. Doctors are always really skeptical. I remember after the surgery, the doctors were pumped up. They were like, 'You're going to be fine.' Usually they're like, 'You do this, you're going to be out for a while.' That was something that was really encouraging. Rehab went great, felt great in spring training, and then this year, so far my arm strength has been better than it ever is in April. It's exciting.

Q: What was it like for you to see Phils reach the playoffs from afar?
A: It was amazing. At that point, [the Dodgers] were out of it. We kind of fell off in the second half. It was a great with all the teams that were involved, especially Colorado and Arizona and obviously the Phillies coming in, and the way the Mets played at the end of the year, and the Phillies took advantage of that. I was really happy for those guys. Being here for a while, I understand what the city's gone through and not having a divisional winner for a long time. For those guys to come back and play how they did, I know that was real exciting for them and the city as well. I know they wanted to do better after that, but that's a big step to get to that point.

Q: Wasn't it bittersweet, though?
A: I think we both felt that, but I think Lieby felt it a lot. When we played here, that's all we wanted. Of course, the year that we're gone, they get in there. It's kind of bittersweet. I'm happy for them, but there's an element of jealousy involved. But again, those guys deserved it. They played great.

April 30 -- ROLLINS UPDATE

So, Jimmy Rollins is still feeling discomfort when he runs, especially when he has to change direction. Thus, he won't be starting a minor-league rehab assignment tomorrow. And, after having some problems today, maybe not until next week, either. It now seems highly unlikely that he'll come off the disabled list Monday.

Much more on this in tomorrow's paper.

Tonight's lineup against Padres RHP Chris Young (1-2, 3.77 ERA): CF Jayson Werth(.289/5/13), SS Eric Bruntlett (.222/1/4), 2B Chase Utley (.364/10/21), 1B Ryan Howard (.177/5/12), LF Pat Burrell (.337/8/25), RF Geoff Jenkins (.241/1/4), 3B Pedro Feliz (.216/3/10), C Chris Coste (.361/2/7), LHP Jamie Moyer (1-1, 4.05).

Charlie Manuel said Shane Victorino probably will start tomorrow against LHP Randy Wolf.

April 30 -- ROLLINS RUNS

Last weekend, athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said the Phillies had received positive reports from Clearwater, Fla., about the progress of Jimmy Rollins' sprained left ankle. But when he was asked if there was a timetable for when Rollins may begin a minor-league rehab assignment, Sheridan said that hadn't been decided. Sheridan wanted to wait for Rollins to work out early this week before making any judgments.

"Seeing is believing," he said.

Well, a few moments ago, I saw Rollins running in right field -- and looking fairly nimble, too. It's possible Rollins could begin a rehab assignment Thursday at Class A Lakewood, and if he doesn't suffer any setbacks over the weekend, he could be activated before Monday night's game in Arizona. Right now, though, that's merely speculation from me. I'll try to get an update when the clubhouse opens in about 40 minutes.

***

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Phillies have 15 wins in six straight months for the first time since July 1963 to August 1964 when they did it in seven straight months. So, there's that.

Also, got an e-mail this morning from Wilmington resident Larry Shenk, the Phillies' recently retired PR honcho, who points out that tomorrow is the 125th anniversary of the Phillies' first game. To commemorate the occasion, Maje McDonnell, the longest-tenured Phillies employee, will throw out the first ball. McDonnell joined the organization as a batting practice pitcher in 1947.

More later.

April 30 -- NO MORE APRIL SHOWERS

The Phillies were going to win last night.

Cole Hamels guaranteed it.

Hamels, the ace lefty, was so confident that he'd be able to beat the Padres -- and 349-game winner Greg Maddux -- that, upon arriving in the Phillies' clubhouse, he walked across the room to Tom Gordon's locker and made a promise to the 40-year-old setup man.

"I'm going to give you the night off," Hamels said.
Hamels was superb last night, yielding two runs in 7-1/3 solid innings against the feeble-hitting Padres and upstaging Maddux, who allowed three runs in 6-1/3 innings. But Hamels, with an assist from J.C. Romero, left the Phillies in a bases-loaded, one-out bind in the eighth, and it took Gordon to bail them out with two grounders that preserved a 3-2 lead before the Phils tacked on four runs in their eighth.

"When they called down and told me to get up, I didn't want to move because Cole told me I could have the day off," Gordon said with a smile. "He pulled a Randy Johnson. You never want to come into that situation, but it's what our job requires at times. You want to hold that game. Cole pitched so well, as relievers, we had to be able to help him, too."

And, just like that, the Phillies clinched a winning record in April for the first time since 2003. Yeah, it's been a while. Since I've been covering the team, we've always spent this portion of the calendar talking about how the Phillies are off to another slow start. But, somehow, with Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino missing significant time with sprains and strains, the Phils recovered from a 4-6 start and are 11-6 in their last 17 games.

How, exactly, have they done it? Give credit to Chase Utley and Pat Burrell, a stronger-than-expected starting rotation, an excellent bullpen and Charlie Manuel's upbeat nature. But, even GM Pat Gillick said the other day, the Phillies' performance thus far has been a little mystifying.

***
Victorino went from the disabled list to the bench last night. But he repeated, several times, during a session with reporters that he doesn't think he has lost his starting job to Jayson Werth. He also said he still thinks of himself as a center fielder, even though Manuel indicated Victorino may play some more in right.

OK, you be the manager: How would you align the Phillies' starting outfield, keeping in mind that you have to choose from Pat Burrell, Victorino, Werth and Geoff Jenkins. Would you just play the hot hands? Would you have a platoon for righties and lefties? Do you prefer Victorino is center field, where his speed becomes a factor, or in right, where his strong arm may play bigger?

***
Check out Bill Bretzger's photo gallery from last night's game, including a nice picture of 2008 Miss America Kirsten Haglund. Trust me, that's worth looking at.

April 29 -- VICTORINO ACTIVE, NOT PLAYING

Just a quick word before tonight's game starts:

Shane Victorino has been activated from the disabled list (T.J. Bohn is back at triple-A Lehigh Valley). But Victorino isn't in the lineup tonight. Instead, Jayson Werth is in center field, while Geoff Jenkins is in right. Why Jenkins? He's a .426 career hitter (23-for-54) against Padres starter Greg Maddux, who is going for his 350th career win tonight.

Victorino isn't happy about not playing, but he seems to understand. He also doesn't believe he has lost his hold on the center-field job, regardless of how well Werth has played. Much more from Victorino in tomorrow's paper.

Here's the full lineup: CF Jayson Werth (.292/5/12), SS Eric Bruntlett (.217/1/3), 2B Chase Utley (.359/10/21), 1B Ryan Howard (.174/5/11), LF Pat Burrell (.349/8/25), RF Geoff Jenkins (.237/1/4), 3B Pedro Feliz (.202/3/9), C Carlos Ruiz (.188/0/6), LHP Cole Hamels (2-3, 2.75).

April 28 -- CATCHING ON

So, I came home from Pittsburgh today, about six hours later than scheduled (I'll spare you the travel horror story, but let's just say that US Airways is brutal), and waiting from me was an e-mail from the Phillies about old friend Mike Lieberthal.

Lieberthal, who caught more games than anybody in Phillies history, retired last year after spending his 14th major-league season as a backup with his hometown Dodgers. But Lieberthal wants to retire as a Phillie. So, on June 1, he'll sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the Phillies, then formally announce his retirement. The last Phillies player to retire in this fashion was outfielder Doug Glanville, who signed a one-day contract in 2005.

Say what you want about Lieberthal -- and many fans have said many things, not always nice -- but the guy was devoted to the Phillies. He grew up in the organization after being drafted in the first round (third overall) in 1990 and spent 13 seasons in the red and white pinstripes. From 1994 through 2006, Lieberthal played in 1,174 games, much of the time through searing pain. Multiple knee injuries required multiple surgeries, and he made seven trips to the disabled list. In 2001, he tore his ACL and MCL and cartilage in his knee while attempting to dive back to second base. In 2002, he was named NL Comeback Player of the Year. Overall, he batted .275 with 150 home runs and 609 RBIs. He was an All-Star in 1999 and 2000, a Gold Glove winner in 1999, and someday, he'll be in the Phillies' Wall of Fame at The Bank. Bank on it.

I covered Lieberthal for only one year, but my favorite story came in mid-September 2006. The Phillies had just won a series in Houston and were making their usual late-season push for the NL wild-card berth. Lieberthal sat on a couch in the clubhouse at Minute Maid Park, his legs propped on a table and ice bags strapped to his knees, looking very much like Tom Berenger's fictional catcher from Major League. Chit-chatting with a group of reporters, myself included, he made a bold guarantee.

"We have a good chance to win it, and I think we will win it," he said of the wild card. "The way we're playing, we should be able to make the playoffs. I'm certain of it."

Of course, Lieberthal was one year too early on that prediction. Too bad, too. After all those games behind the plate, I remember thinking that Lieberthal should've been the one to catch the first pitch of the NL Division Series last October.

April 27 -- IS MYERS HURT?

PITTSBURGH -- So, once Charlie Manuel had met with us reporters after today's 5-1 loss to the Pirates, he had a 10-minute, closed-door meeting with Brett Myers. I can't be exactly sure what was said, but I can almost guarantee that, at some point, these three words came out of Chuck's mouth.

What the hell?

It's a legitimate question.

Through six starts, Myers is 2-2 with a 5.11 ERA. His fastball, once a consistent 92-95 mph, has barely topped 90 mph, and often, he has abandoned the pitch for a cutter. He threw almost as many cutters (27) as fastballs (37) today, even though he and pitching coach Rich Dubee agreed before the game that he'd throw more fastballs and curves and scrap the cutter. And the weak-hitting Pirates teed off for four runs on eight hits (including two homers by Nate McLouth) in five innings.

Some sobering numbers for Myers:

7.50: His ERA in his last two starts. He has allowed 10 runs on 19 hits in his last 12 innings.
10: Homers he has allowed in 37 innings. Last year, he allowed nine homers in 68-2/3 innings.
89: According to Manuel, the top speed of his fastball against the Pirates.

Which brings us back to the initial question: What the hell?

"I don't know," Myers said. "I'm trying to throw it as hard as I can every time. There's no mishits. It's kind of like the ball McLouth hit. I felt like if it was 92-93 instead of 88 or whatever, he could have mishit, popped it up or fouled it back. I'm not getting any of that right now. I haven't really been getting it the whole season. I'm trying to pitch with my offspeed stuff. I never knew how to pitch at 87, 88. It's different for me."

Myers reiterated that his arm feels fine. "That's the thing why I can't figure it out," he said. "It's not like I'm hurt. It's not like it's aching. It's not like I can't throw or anything like that. I've had times where it is barking a little bit, and I still go out there and throw 92-93. Right now it just ain't coming out. It's like doo-doo going up there. They say you go through dead-arm periods or whatever, but usually it's never lasted for six starts. I'm not the guy that's going to make excuses or anything like that. It's just tough for me to try to pitch with that when I never really have before. It's kind of a learning experience also. Not every game am I going to feel good, but at least I'll have something on the ball. Right now I'm just throwing 86 mph fastballs and trying to let it go. I don't know."

Dubee has his own theories. After today's game, he told us he'd like Myers to play long-toss two or three times a week to continue building arm strength. Myers isn't a big long-toss fan. If anything, Dubee said, Myers will throw only about five long-tosses on the day he starts, none in between. Dubee also thinks Myers needs to keep throwing his fastball (instead of the cutter), even if the velocity isn't there.

"I think it's as simple as him throwing more fastballs and him getting out there and playing some more long toss," Dubee said. "He's not a real big believer in long toss. And I am. I think that's one way you build up arm strength, some elasticity in his arm. I think it's something he has to buy into a little more. Again, look into the preparation, maybe. Maybe his [last] couple outings will [make him] see the light. I don't know."

Asked if he thinks Myers is hurt, Dubee said, "I can only go off what he says. But whether it's 88, 90 or 92, there are a lot of guys pitching in this league at 88 without the other weapons that he has, the curveball, the splitter, the slider. You pitch with whatever you have. The fact of the matter is you pitch down in the strike zone and you locate your fastball. This isn't a slap by any means but Jamie Moyer throws 80, 82. How does he do it? He changes speeds and pitches down. There's a knack for pitching with whatever you have, but the first thing you have to be able to do is command it."

So, what do you think is wrong with Myers? Is his problem with his arm or between his ears?

***

T-minus eight hours before I have to leave for the airport to catch my flight home. When the cab arrives at my hotel, I'll leave breathtaking PNC Park (right) in the rear-view mirror. Since the Phillies won't play here again until next year, I thought I'd run down my list of top-five major-league ballparks.

1. Camden Yards (Baltimore): The first of the retro parks is still the nicest.
2. PNC Park (Pittsburgh): If only the Pirates were as great as their ballpark.
3. AT&T Park (San Francisco): Catch a ball in McCovey Cove or try a Sourdough bread bowl.
4. Yankee Stadium (New York): OK, I'm biased. I saw my first game here. And probably my second, third, fourth, 10th, 20th. I'll be sorry to see it go.
5. Fenway Park (Boston): Another sentimental pick since I once lived across the street in Kenmore Square. Few things are more striking than the Green Monster.

Honorable mention: Coors Field (Denver), Wrigley Field (Chicago), Citizens Bank Park.

Which ballparks make your list?

April 27 -- HOWARD GOES DEEP

PITTSBURGH -- Finally.

It was only nine days and 30 at-bats, but it felt like forever since Ryan Howard had homered or, really, made any kind of productive contact. Howard was 0-for-12 with eight strikeouts (or 3-for-30 with 15 strikeouts, or 6-for-42 with 18 strikeouts) when he took Matt Morris deep toward my hotel (the arched building in the background of this picture) in the first inning last night. And while we're hardly ready to declare that Howard is out of his slump (he also struck out twice), the homer represented a step in the right direction.

So, maybe those two days off worked?

"In batting practice, the ball has been jumping off his bat," Charlie Manuel said. "It seemed like he stayed on the ball better. Against the lefty, it looked like he chased some bad pitches. If you notice, the home run was a little close to him. That's what he needs to do. He needs to let the ball get close to him. When you hear people say you should move closer to the plate to get the ball close to you, that's what you do. But we're only talking about a very small amount of space we want him to move. He'll get it. He's coming."

Said Howard, "It felt good. I ran the count a little deeper, and my swing felt good. I'll take a home run. But even with that aside, I felt better at the plate. A lot of it can be a snowball effect. All it takes is one day. You can take something positive from one day."

***

Kris Benson update: He suffered another setback yesterday in his first start in extended spring training, straining his right groin. The Phillies say they'll have a more complete update today.

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Scott Mathieson update: He felt some discomfort in his elbow while long-tossing a few days ago, and he's scheduled to see Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. Farm director Steve Noworyta said the Phillies don't think it's a serious setback, but when you're dealing with a pitcher who has had two elbow surgeries since September 2006, you can't be too careful.

***

Keep a close eye on the radar gun today. Manuel said Brett Myers' fastball hasn't been up to par during most of his five starts. Myers says he feels fine. He should be able to dominate the weak-hitting Pirates, especially if he can command his fastball. We'll see.

***

Here's a question for you: With the way Pat Burrell has been hitting, would you take him out of a game for defensive replacement in the late innings knowing that he may get another at-bat? Manuel said it's tough not to replace Burrell with a one-run lead, especially in big ballparks like PNC Park or Coors Field. At Citizens Bank Park, though, where the outfield is smaller, Manuel said you may see Burrell stay in games.

***

Within our MLB Sunday notes, Ian Snell talks about being a cornerstone of the perennially rebuilding Pirates. Plus, Jeff Conine has gone from baseball to triathlons.

Enjoy your Sunday, everyone.

April 26 -- SNELL TO HOWARD: 'BE YOURSELF'

PITTSBURGH -- Few pitchers have made Ryan Howard look more foolish at the plate over the past few years than Ian Snell. Snell, who considers Howard a close friend, even joked in spring training that he "owns" the Phillies' first baseman, who is 1-for-10 with six strikeouts against him.

So, with Howard mired in the deepest slump of his career, I decided to visit with Snell yesterday to find out if he ever has seen him look worse. Turns out, Snell had already talked to Howard about a funk that has grown to 0-for-12 (eight strikeouts), 3-for-30 (15 strikeouts) and 6-for-42 (18 strikeouts).

"From a friend to a friend, I just told him to relax and be yourself," said Snell, the Pirates' right-hander and Caesar-Rodney High product. "He's a good hitter. He'll figure it out eventually, and he's going to strike fear in everybody again. He'll be fine. Everybody's going to start pitching him, and he's just going to start realizing what's coming and he's going to hit it 1,000 feet."

The Phillies will just have to trust that Snell is right.

***

So, as I tapped away last night at the game story for The Paper's final edition, I considered shifting the focus away from the success of Charlie Manuel's creative lineup and spending more words on Adam Eaton's struggles. In the end, maybe because the Phillies held on to beat the Pirates, I stuck with the initial theme and looked at the three-hit, three-RBI night for new No. 5 hitter Chris Coste.

That said, we really should talk about Eaton, who, after being staked to a 6-0 lead, allowed three runs in the fourth inning and may have given up more if Manuel hadn't removed him from the game. Manuel, clearly frustrated, winged his gum as he trudged to the mound, and after the game, he took a few not-so-subtle shots at Eaton.

"I felt like he didn't have a whole lot when he started the game," said Manuel, who lost faith in Eaton last season while the right-hander posted a 6.29 ERA in 30 starts. "But through three innings, he did make a pitch when he had to, every now and then. In the fourth inning, they were hitting the ball hard, and he was starting to struggle. I thought they were catching up with him. If you want to know the truth, I didn't think he was going to hold 'em."

Regarding Eaton, Coste said, "I don't know if he was feeling very well." Eaton cryptically insisted nothing was wrong with him. Stay tuned, though, and pay close attention to Eaton's next start, slated for Thursday against the Padres at The Bank.

***

Jimmy Rollins update: Manuel said he has been taking infield and batting practice at the Phillies' spring-training complex in Clearwater, Fla. Still no word on when he will begin playing in minor-league rehab games. That will be determined by how his sprained left ankle responds to the physical activity. The Phillies have time, too. Rollins can't be activated until May 5.

April 25 -- UTLEY PLAYING FIRST

PITTSBURGH -- So, how's this for an interesting lineup?

RF So Taguchi
CF Jayson Werth
1B Chase Utley
LF Pat Burrell
C Chris Coste
3B Pedro Feliz
SS Eric Bruntlett
2B Brad Harman
RHP Adam Eaton

No, Charlie Manuel hasn't lost his mind. As expected, Ryan Howard is getting another day off to think about his slump, and with lefty Zach Duke starting for the Pirates, Manuel wants to stack the lineup with right-handed hitters. Thus, no Greg Dobbs or Geoff Jenkins. In case you're wondering, Utley has played in 24 major-league games at first base. Earlier today, he was trying out first-base mitts (no, he doesn't have his own). This is Harman's first major-league start (he got a pinch-hit at-bat Tuesday night in Colorado). And, no, Coste has never before batted fifth in the majors.