So, Adam Eaton picked up right where he left off.Remember how much Eaton struggled in the first inning of most of his starts in 2007? (Batters hit .342 against him, and he posted a 6.90 ERA in first innings.) Well, he got rocked again today against the Yankees. After getting Derek Jeter to ground into a double play, he allowed back-to-back singles by Bobby Abreu and Alex Rodriguez before serving up a three-run homer to Shelley Duncan. As Eaton trudged off the mound, the 3-0 first-inning deficit had to look awfully familiar to the Phillies. But Eaton probably remained the favorite to hold the No. 5 starter spot for two reasons.
1. He will make $7.635 million this season.
2. Chad Durbin struggled, too.
Durbin, the $900,000 free-agent acquisition, gave up a two-run double to Duncan in the third inning before pitching a scoreless fourth. With a strong spring, Durbin could push Eaton. More likely, though, he'll end up in the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever.
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Shane Victorino agreed to a split contract for 2008, although, chances are, he won't have to worry about making the lesser salary if he's sent to the minors. Don't see that happening. Also, right-hander John Ennis, who was designated for assignment last week, signed a minor-league contract and got the final out of the ninth after Tom Gordon served up a two-run homer by Wilson Betemit to cap the Yankees' 9-3 win.
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Good signs: Center-field prospect Greg Golson homered. ... Two more hits for Ryan Howard, who is now batting .400. ... Two hits for Carlos Ruiz, now batting .667.
Bad sign: Five men left on base by Pat Burrell.
2 comments:
little early to be killing burrell, huh?
:-D
Never too early for Lauber to declare the season over. Anyone ever ask a Phillie what they think of the NJ reporters????
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