March 12 -- DAY 26: GONE ... IN A FLASH

A few weeks ago, in an exclusive interview with The News Journal, Tom Gordon (left) told me his shoulder woes last season began to develop in May, long before the pain forced him to the disabled list in August. Today comes the news that Gordon has returned to Philly for a check-up with team doctor Michael Ciccotti. Team officials are downplaying the trip, claiming it's routine maintenance to double-check that everything is OK with the 39-year-old closer. But, with the Phillies still unable to trade for a reliable setup man, any news about Gordon's arm is cause for concern. The Phils already have been cautious with Gordon this spring. He has pitched in only two Grapefruit League games, totaling two innings, and isn't scheduled to pitch again until Thursday. Charlie Manuel has already said Gordon won't pitch more than one inning per appearance, and at least early in the season, won't pitch on more than two consecutive days.

Finally, here's the latest from the Jon Lieber rumor mill. It seems the White Sox, having already seen Gavin Floyd struggle this spring, may have some interest. Of course, the White Sox also would love to re-acquire Aaron Rowand and may be willing to deal reliever Mike MacDougal and a third baseman, either Joe Crede or top prospect Josh Fields. That said, it wouldn't solve the Phillies' need for another outfielder, assuming they have to trade Rowand. MacDougal, 30, could help the Phillies. He recorded 27 saves in 2003 and 21 in 2005, both for the Royals.

March 12 -- FIRST CUTS

Before today's game against Pittsburgh, the Phillies made their first round of spring-training cuts. The biggest name headed to minor-league camp is OF Chris Roberson (left), who figured to have an outside chance at competing for a job as a speedy switch-hitter off the bench. I didn't think Roberson would make the team, but I also didn't think he'd be optioned to triple-A Ottawa so soon. Then again, Roberson, a close friend of Ryan Howard, is hitless in 10 Grapefruit League at-bats and batted only .195 (8-for-41) for the Phils last season. It's safe to say Roberson has fallen behind Michael Bourn and even Greg Golson on the Phillies' list of outfield prospects.

Also sent to minor-league camp were catchers Tim Gradoville, Jason Hill, Jason Jaramillo and Lou Marson; infielder Andrew Beattie; outfielders Golson and Lou Collier; and pitchers Anderson Garcia, Jim Crowell, John Ennis, Jeff Farnsworth and Brian Mazone.

I'll be back in Clearwater on Wednesday, so look for more activity on this blog and daily reports in The News Journal and at www.delawareonline.com.

March 11 -- DAY 25: NO DEAL

Over the weekend, Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi quashed any rumors about a potential Alex Rios-Jon Lieber swap. The Phillies are known to be interested in Rios, a five-tool outfielder, and getting him would free them to trade Aaron Rowand for much-needed relief help. Lieber would help the Jays, too. Presently, the fourth and fifth spots in Toronto's rotation are held by Tomo Okha and John Thomson.

Evidently, though, the Jays aren't interested.

"I don't know where that's coming from, and I don't know why people are writing that," Ricciardi told reporters who cover the Jays. "Do people actually think we'd be stupid enough to trade Alex Rios for Jon Lieber? We have no interest in that type of trade."

Gee, J.P, tell us how you really feel.

March 9 -- DAY 23: LET'S MAKE A DEAL

Over the past few months, I've asked Charlie Manuel several times about his biggest concern heading into the season. And, each time, the Phillies manager has offered the same reply.

The bullpen.

And it's not just that the Phillies don't have a clear-cut setup man. Or that closer Tom Gordon's right shoulder may not be able to withstand a full season's workload. The Phils also don't have a proven left-handed specialist, a point that was hammered home today when the Red Sox hammered Matt Smith in the fifth inning. Smith, the only left-handed lock in the bullpen, allowed six runs on three hits and three walks and retired only two batters before being replaced.

So, with less than three weeks until Opening Day, the Phillies must consider a deal to upgrade the bullpen. The lastest rumor out of Chicago has CF Aaron Rowand (above) heading back to the White Sox for a package that includes LHP prospect Boone Logan. Ideally, if they must trade Rowand, the Phils would like to get a more experienced pitcher. They'd also need to replace Rowand in the outfield, and there are no in-house candidates (Jayson Werth, Michael Bourn, Chris Roberson, etc.) ready for that assignment. Their preferred trade bait remains RHP Jon Lieber, but I'm hearing the Blue Jays aren't interested, at least not for RF Alex Rios.

Stay tuned.

March 9 -- REMEMBERING VUK

Reports from Clearwater are that today's pregame tribute to John Vukovich was stirring and emotional. Phillies players, coaches and off-field personnel lined up on the field, and Pat Burrell and Jimmy Rollins, the club's longest-tenured players, brought out a uniform with Vukovich's name and No. 18 on the back. In a nice touch, VUK was painted in the third-base coach's box, where Vukovich spent so many days. Also, something I neglected to write in today's Vukovich obituary in The News Journal: The Phils' uniforms this season will feature a black patch with VUK printed on it. Several members of the organization will be taking a charter flight to Philly on Tuesday for a private funeral and burial. Curt Schilling and Terry Francona will be there, too, and I'm assuming many people from around baseball will join them.

In lieu of flowers, the Vukovich family is requesting donations in Vuke's memory be sent to: Phillies Charities, Inc., Citizens Bank Park, One Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148. Contributions will be donated to various charities endorsed by Vukovich. The Phillies are welcoming fans to e-mail their thoughts about Vuke to remembervuk@phillies.com.

March 8 -- DAY 22: RULE 5 WOES

Tough day in Winter Haven for Rule 5 draft picks Alfredo Simon (left) and Jim Ed Warden (right). With the Phillies facing the Indians, Simon entered in the sixth inning and didn't get out of the seventh. He allowed two runs on four hits, walked one and struck out one, raising his Grapefruit League ERA to 18.00. After the Phillies scored three runs in the eighth, Warden came in to save a 6-5 win. But he retired only one batter, loading the bases before allowing Shin-Soo Choo's two-run single that gave the Indians a 7-6 victory. Warden has a 27.00 ERA in two spring outings.

Ordinarily, it wouldn't make much sense to write about a couple of middling middle relievers having rough springs. But, as Rule 5 picks, the hard-throwing Simon and side-arming Warden either have to stay on the Phillies' 25-man roster all season or be offered back to their former teams. Keep in mind: the Phils kept Fabio Castro on the roster during the second half of last season even though there was some doubt about his readiness to pitch in the majors. There's plenty of time still left in spring training, but you'd have to think Simon and Warden will have to show more than they have to warrant spots in an already thin bullpen.

One other note: Pedro Swann, a product of St. Mark's High and Delaware State, was summoned from minor-league camp to make the long trek to Winter Haven and went 0-for-1.

Finally, hopefully you read some of the thoughts posted below about John Vukovich. The Phillies are encouraging fans to share their memories by writing to remembervuk@phillies.com. Some of the fan responses will be read on upcoming Phillies broadcasts.

March 8 -- LOOK WHO'S BLOGGING

It appears Curt Schilling (right) is cyber-savvy. Schill, the never-shy Red Sox hurler, has launched his own blog -- 38Pitches.com -- and you're sure to want to keep it bookmarked. The blog's initial entry carries the following mission statement:

I’ve been called everything from outspoken to blowhard to much, much worse. I believe those labels spring out of the fact that I care about the things people ask me as much as any other cause. I’ve never been a yes/no kind of guy, which probably hasn’t been received well by some. I don’t know that I’ll be changing my style, but I do know that getting ripped for something I say here will be getting ripped for something I actually said–with the entire contents of my comments included.

After his start today at Fort Myers, Schilling provided a moving tribute to longtime Phillies coach John Vukovich. But yesterday, he assailed the Phils for not always cultivating a winning attitude in spring training during his tenure with the team. This comment ought to make team president David Montgomery blush with pride: "Every year seemed to be 'Phase 2' of a rebuilding project with no timeline. Every spring it seemed we had a Rule 5 player and six-year Minor League free agents in spots that championship teams usually fill with experienced and talented big-league players."

Say this for Schilling: He's never boring.

March 8 -- JOHN VUKOVICH (1947-2007)

Memories of Vuke from some of his closest friends.

Dallas Green, Phillies senior advisor and former manager: I watched him grow up in baseball, give every ounce of himself to reach his goal in the major leagues and stay there. Vuke was very important to me and our success in 1980, not so much for what he did on the field, but what he did in the clubhouse and behind the scenes. He understood and helped carry my message. It helped us win a championship and put rings on our fingers. He worked and taught the Phillies players how to be professional and play the game the right way during his coaching career with the Phils. That was his strength. I respected him for his baseball knowledge, dedication to the game and the Phillies, his loyalty to his managers and organizations, his honesty and his work ethic. He was one of the best baseball men I’ve ever been around. Vuke was one of my best friends.

Ruben Amaro Jr, Phillies assistant GM: Vuke is much more than a friend to me. Vuke is family. Ever since I can remember being on a baseball field -- from Eugene, Ore., at 5 years old to the GM’s box at Citizens Bank Park -- he has been a special part of my life. Very few people in my life have helped shape me as a person and as a baseball man as has Vuke. I can remember spending many hours in Chicago at my father’s high-rise condo (Vuke was a boarder), discussing why I thought it was so much easier to lay off the high fastball rather than the low pitch. Vuke and I had a lot of arguments over the years and that was the first one. Of course, he was right. I was wrong. This was usually the case, but not always.

Ruly Carpenter, former Phillies owner: Our relationship began over 40 years ago when he signed with the Phillies. He was not only a true baseball man but also an ardent hunter. Over the years, we spent a lot of time together on deer stands and in duck blinds. One of Vuke’s outstanding qualities was his innate ability to tell it the way it was. You always knew exactly where he stood on any issue whether it pertained to baseball or not.

Ron Reed, former Phillies pitcher: Vuke was a deer hunter and so am I. We used to tell each other lies: how big the one was we got the year before and how big the one was that got away. On one of our baseball road trips, I was wearing a bronze deer head for a belt buckle. Vuke saw it and said he needed to find one like that. I immediately took mine off and gave it to him. Every time I saw him after that, he always had that buckle on.

March 7 -- DAY 21: BURRELL GOES BOOM

Hard to believe spring training began three weeks ago. Harder to believe the season starts in less than a month. A few notes from Clearwater today:

* Bad back and all, LF Pat Burrell (hatless, at left) belted a two-run homer in the fourth inning. 3B Wes Helms (with helmet, at left) came up next and also homered.

* Another game, two more hits for INF Greg Dobbs, who is now batting an even .500 (9-for-18) in his bid for one of the final two bench spots. Dobbs has been so good that teammates have taken to calling him Roy Hobbs as in "The Natural." Something to keep in mind: Dobbs and C/INF Chris Coste (1-for-8, .125) have an option remaining on their contract, which means they can be sent to the minors without clearing waivers. OF Karim Garcia (7-for-20, .385) has a contractual clause that states he can opt for his release if he doesn't make the major-league team. Stay tuned.

* Here's a hunch that OF Jayson Werth travels with the Phillies to Winter Haven tomorrow to face the Indians. Werth had his wrist broken in a spring-training game in 2005 by right-hander A.J. Burnett's blazing fastball, and Burnett is pitching for the Blue Jays tomorrow against the Phillies in a "B" game.

March 7 -- "SAY A PRAYER"

All you need to know about John Vukovich's long-standing value to the Phillies is that, from 1988 through 2004, he remained on the coaching staff, even though the team had six different managers during that 17-year span. "Vuke" was the Phillies' first-round draft pick in 1966. He made his major-league debut with the Phillies as a September call-up in 1970. And he was part of the Phillies' 1980 club that rode in a parade on Broad Street after winning the franchise's only World Series championship.

So, it rocked the organization in January when Vukovich, only 59, went into Thomas Jefferson University Hospital to be treated for a brain tumor. Out of respect for the privacy of Vukovich, his wife Bonnie, their children Nicole and Vince and the rest of their family, longtime Phillies PR honcho Larry Shenk asked the media not to write about Vukovich's illness. But today comes word from Clearwater that Vukovich's condition is grim.

"Say a prayer," Shenk said, and I'm sure Phillies fans everywhere will do just that.

March 6 -- DAY 20: BELL & SNELL

Less than a month before the season starts, and former Phillies third baseman David Bell still doesn't have a job.

Now, it seems, Bell has an even bigger problems.

An ongoing SI.com report has uncovered that Bell received six packages of human chorionic gonadotropin, HCG for short, at a Philadelphia address last April, when he played for the Phillies. The cost was $128.80, and the drug was prescribed in conjunction with an Arizona anti-aging facility. Bell told SI.com that he received the drug "for a medical condition," but he declined to disclose the condition.

Before we jump to conclusions, allow for the possibility that Bell had a medical condition (his ongoing back problem, perhaps?) that required HCG. Also, from what I can tell, HCG can be used as a fertility drug. Bell and his wife, Kristi, had their first child in the offseason.

A few notes from the Phillies' game today in Bradenton against the Pirates: Camden native and Caesar-Rodney High grad Ian Snell, the Pirates' top starter, struck out seven but allowed three runs in three innings of the Phillies' 11-10 victory. ... 3B Greg Dobbs went 0-for-2 but drew two walks and scored two runs. Dobbs, vying for one of the last two bench spots, is batting .438 this spring. ... LF Pat Burrell, still nursing a stiff back, didn't play.

March 5 -- DAY 19: PAT ON HIS BACK

A few days ago, I spoke to Pat Burrell for a Sunday feature in The News Journal. When I walked up to Burrell's locker, following a workout at the Carpenter Complex, he had his lower back wrapped in ice. He said it was routine stiffness, probably the result of standing around in between tedious drills. But word today from Sarasota, where the Phillies lost to the Reds, is that Burrell's back continues to bother him. He was scratched from the lineup and remained back at the Complex for a "B" game against the Blue Jays. The Phillies say they aren't concerned, at least not yet, but everyone knows how much they need Burrell to be at full strength.

Also, Jon Lieber (left) made his first Grapefruit League start and tossed two shutout innings. He allowed three hits, struck out three and drew more than a handful of scouts from opposing teams. No idea if the Blue Jays had any scouts there. But Toronto right fielder Alex Rios did make the trip to Clearwater for the "B" game.

March 5 -- DEAR DIARY ...

Camden native and Caesar-Rodney High product Ian Snell (left) is keeping a spring-training journal for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Snell, whose 14 wins for the Pirates last season were the most by a Delaware-born pitcher in 38 years, shares his thoughts each week with Rob Biertempfel, a writer for the newspaper. Click here for Snell's most recent entry, which includes his thoughts on being a role model in Delaware and winning the John J. Brady Athlete of the Year award from the Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association in January. Here's a snippet from the journal:

My folks still call me every week, especially during the season. Mom tells me, "You need to be an example," because in Delaware, where I'm from, everybody looks up to me now. People there always are asking when I'm coming back home so they can see me. It's hard, because after the season all I want to do is relax, go fishing and do things I like to do.

At the end of this year, I think I might go up and say hi to the kids at the schools. I visited my old elementary school two years ago and hung out with some kids and my teachers. But my high school changed. You can't even get through the front door because of the security. There's no crime in Delaware! Why do they need so much security? I talked to my old high school coach. He said to call him first before I come in the next time, so he can get me in the classroom to talk to the kids. I'm going to do that a couple times next year.

Snell is scheduled to pitch against the Phillies on Tuesday in Bradenton.

March 4 -- DAY 18: 2007 PAYROLL

There was some confusion in the comments section of a post from last week about the Phillies' 2007 payroll. Now that Ryan Howard's contract has been renewed, here's a breakdown of the payroll, which comes in at nearly $95.5 million, roughly the same as last season. The salaries listed below include signing bonuses but not performance bonuses. Salaries are listed for Chris Coste, Karim Garcia and Greg Dobbs. Only two of those three figure to make the opening-day roster. Also, note the inclusion of Jim Thome. The Phillies will pay $5.5 million of his annual salary through the 2009 season.

Pat Burrell, LF: $13 million
Freddy Garcia, RHP: $10 million
Jimmy Rollins, SS: $8 million
Adam Eaton, RHP: $7.875 million
Jon Lieber, RHP: $7.5 million
Tom Gordon, RHP: $7 million
Jamie Moyer, LHP: $7 million
Jim Thome, 1B (White Sox): $5.5 million
Chase Utley, 2B: $5.5 million
Brett Myers, RHP: $5.25 million
Aaron Rowand, CF: $4.35 million
Wes Helms, 3B: $2.55 million
Rod Barajas, C: $2.5 million
Abraham Nunez, 3B: $2.1 million
Ryan Madson, RHP: $1.1 million
Ryan Howard, 1B: $900,000
Geoff Geary, RHP: $837,500
Antonio Alfonseca, RHP: $700,000
Karim Garcia, OF: $700,000
Shane Victorino, RF: $410,000
Cole Hamels, LHP: $400,000
Jayson Werth, OF: $400,000
Chris Coste, C/INF: $385,000
Greg Dobbs, INF/OF: $385,000
Fabio Castro, LHP: $380,000
Carlos Ruiz, C: $380,000
Matt Smith, LHP: $380,000

March 3 -- DAY 17: GOING COSTE-AL

Three games into the Grapefruit League schedule, Greg Dobbs (left) is doing his best impression of Chris Coste. In the Phillies' 10-inning, 12-9 victory over the Red Sox today at Fort Myers, Dobbs went 4-for-5 with a two-run home run and four RBIs, making him 7-for-10 (.700) with two homers and six RBIs. Dobbs, who plays first and third base and left and right field, is vying for one of the final bench spots, and his primary competition is outfielder Karim Garcia, first baseman Randall Simon and Coste, last season's feel-good story after batting .463 in spring training.

Also of note: Word from Fort Myers is that GM Pat Gillick didn't make the long trek to City of Palms Park, instead opting to stay behind in the Clearwater area and watch the Blue Jays play at Dunedin. It marks the second time in four days that Gillick has attended a Jays game, prompting speculation that he's been watching Toronto outfielder Alex Rios. If the Phillies were able to acquire Rios, preferably in a package that includes No. 6 starter Jon Lieber, it would free them up to trade Aaron Rowand for a reliever. Rios, 26, is a five-tool center fielder who batted .302 with 17 homers and 82 RBIs and was picked for the All-Star Game last season.

March 2 -- DAY 16: HOWARD'S CONTRACT

My first reaction when I heard about Ryan Howard's 2007 contract -- a $900,000 pact -- was that the Phillies low-balled their MVP slugger, a silly move that would come back to bite them when it's time to discuss a multi-year extension.

But then I heard that the sides discussed a long-term deal but couldn't reach an agreement. Also, the Phillies may have offered more money as the average-annual value for a long-term deal, but Howard and agent Casey Close opted for the renewal figure of $900,000.

So, what do we make of all this?

Absolutely nothing.

Howard appears to understand that players with less than two years of major-league service have to wait their turn in baseball's salary structure. Until they become arbitration-eligible, they don't often get a contract extension. He'll get his turn, possibly as early as before next season. And when the time comes, assuming Howard's production doesn't slip, the Phillies will be more than willing to resume talks on a contract extension.

And, don't forget: Howard can't become a free agent until after the 2011 season. So, regardless of any hurt feelings or animosity that may or may not have been created by this negotiation (and Howard's feelings don't hurt easily), he'll be with the Phillies for several more years.

March 1 -- DAY 15: TALKING TRADE?

An intrepid Associated Press photographer caught Phillies GM Pat Gillick (at right, in photo) chatting with Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi before a game yesterday in Dunedin, which is interesting only because the Phillies played a night game at home against Florida State.

Makes you wonder if Jon Lieber's name came up, doesn't it?

The Phillies, as you know, have six starting pitchers in their rotation. Lieber is the most likely to be traded, and back in December, the Phillies were sure they'd find a market for him. But, so far, they've received no offers that they have deemed fair. The Blue Jays' rotation appears set with Roy Halladay, AJ Burnett, Gustavo Chacin, Tomo Okha and Jon Thomson, and they'd have to pick up Lieber's $7.5 million salary this season. Still, Lieber could probably help their rotation. Then again, Lieber could help a lot of rotations, and the Phillies are counting on somebody wanting him before spring training is over. Otherwise, they'll have to figure out how to work six natural starters into their pitching staff.

That brings me to the reports that Brett Myers has volunteered to be the Phillies' closer. I'm back home for two weeks (I return to Clearwater on March 14), but to me, the scenario presents two problems: 1. Myers has been almost exclusively a starter, even in the minors; 2. The Phillies already have a closer with Tom Gordon. Evidently, Myers told Gillick in December that he'd be willing to close if the Phillies went into the season with a six-pack of starters. And, in the abstract, it may work. Myers has electric stuff that could be dominant in the ninth inning, and he appears to have the makeup for closing. But, right now, it's just a fleeting idea, nothing that has been seriously discussed. The Phillies still intend to trade Lieber at some point this month.

Feb. 28 -- CRYING FOUL

They don't want to be quoted about it, but several Marlins officials are reportedly upset that former Florida manager Joe Girardi offered advice last July that Phillies right-hander Jon Lieber credits for turning around his season.

Girardi and Lieber, former teammates and still close friends, talked after the Marlins rocked Lieber on July 31, and Girardi told him what Marlins hitters were saying about his "flat" pitches. Lieber (at left, talking to his 7-year-old son Jared), heeded Girardi's advice and went 5-3 with a 3.38 ERA in his last 11 starts, including two wins against the Marlins.

"If you think a friendly conversation cost us the wild card, you're sadly mistaken," Girardi, who feuded with Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, told the Palm Beach Post. "They're acting like I sat people down and gave signals away."

Added Marlins ace Dontrelle Willis, "To be honest, I don't think it's a big deal. If we lost the wild card by two games, I'd have a bigger problem with it."

What do you think?

Feb. 28 -- "FANCY SHOES" FLOYD

Newsflash: Gavin Floyd is having trouble with the White Sox. I know, you're probably shocked.

It appears the former Phillies' first-round pick twisted his right ankle during an intrasquad game Monday, an injury White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen attributed to "fancy shoes." Floyd sheepishly said he plans to switch to a pair that offers more support. Asked yesterday how his ankle is feeling, Floyd appeared confused. "It's a little tight still," he told reporters. "It feels 100 percent better. Well, not 100 percent, but 75."

Gullen couldn't have been happy when the White Sox traded Freddy Garcia, his neighbor in Venezuela, to the Phillies for Floyd. Just wondering: If Floyd doesn't pitch well this spring, how long before Guillen starts getting on his case?

Feb. 28 -- DAY 14: ROTATION UPDATE

Good morning.

Just a quick note on the Phillies' starting rotation for the first few days of games: Jamie Moyer will pitch tomorrow's Grapefruit League opener against the Tigers in Lakeland. He'll be followed by Brett Myers on Friday against the Indians at Bright House, Adam Eaton on Saturday against the Red Sox in Fort Myers and Cole Hamels on Sunday against the Yankees in a televised game at Bright House. Freddy Garcia will pitch in a B-team game Monday at home against the Blue Jays, while Jon Lieber will travel to Sarasota to face the Reds.

It's WAY to early to speculate on the opening-day starter, but what fun would this blog be if we didn't? So, I've looked ahead on the schedule, and if the pitchers stay on rotation (a virtual impossibility since Lieber and Garcia can't continue pitching on the same day in major-league games), the April 2 opener against Atlanta would be Myers' turn. Keep your eyes peeled for rotation changes, and I'll update them as spring training lurches on.