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.