March 14 -- SPRING TRAINING RE-SET

An offday for the Phillies means a travel day for me. After a two-week break, I've returned to sunny Clearwater -- and Bright House Networks Field (left) -- for the final 15 days of spring training. While I'm here, I'll keep this blog fresh with updates from Grapefruit League games and other goings-on. I'll also try to post photos and audio interviews. And, as always, I encourage feedback from you, the reader, in the form of comments to this blog and e-mails to slauber@delawareonline.com. Let me know what you think about all things baseball.

But, while we wait for the Phillies to return to action tomorrow night against the Blue Jays at Bright House, here are some things to ponder:

* Since early December, the Phillies have been trying to trade a starter, namely RHP Jon Lieber. At one point, assistant GM Mike Arbuckle was so sure a deal could be struck that he joked the Phillies would need only five Christmas gifts to satisfy each pitcher in their rotation. But, here we are, 18 days from Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park, and Lieber is still with the Phillies. Will he be there on April 2 against the Braves? And, if so, which of the starters will be in the bullpen? Lieber? Adam Eaton? Brett Myers?

* INF/OF Greg Dobbs is 0-for-10 in the last three games. Has the Cinderella story of spring training already flamed out?

* Tom Gordon has returned from Philadelphia and told reporters yesterday that his appointment with Dr. Michael Ciccotti was strictly a precaution. With the off-day today, the Phillies figured it was worth having Gordon examined to double-check that everything in his right arm is exactly how it's supposed to be. But, considering Gordon's history, this story line is worth watching. Closely.

* Very quietly, Ryan Howard is batting .318 with two home runs and eight RBIs. If not getting a long-term contract is bothering him, it's hard to tell.

More tomorrow.