P and C report

Sure today is Valentine’s Day. A time when flower delivery people and restaurants will be busy.

But it is also a special day for another reason. A day when you’ll hear the four best words in all of sports.

No, it’s not “gentlemen start your engines.” Rather, “pitchers and catchers report.”

The National League Eastern Division champs from Philaelphia report to Clearwater to begin defense of their division title.

So, the burning question is, are the Phillies any better than they were last year at the end of the season?

I think the jury is still out. Here’s why.

They may have picked up the best pitcher in the free agent market when they moved Brett Myers from the bullpen to the rotation. With Cole Hamels and Myers, they have two of the best arms in the game.

Will Kyle Kendrick be for real? Is Jamie Moyer too old? And who will be the fifth starter? Those questions need to be answered.

As for the bullpen, if “Flash” Gordon and Ryan Madson are healthy, it will be strong.

If not, it will again be like putting gas on a fire.

Behind the plate, as long as they call a good game, Carlos Ruiz and Chris Coste are okay.

The infield, with the recent signing of Pedro Feliz might be the best in baseball.

The outfield might be a bit of a question.

Pat Burrell in left needs to continue to produce like he did in the last half of the season. Shane Victorino needs to stay healthy in center and the platoon of Jason Werth and Geoff Jenkins in right is new.

There isn’t much depth in the outfield and they lost some leadership with Aaron Rowand.

There are also a couple of intangibles to watch as well. Health is always a key and so too is the potential for a slow start.

There’s also the Charlie factor. Hopefully, he won’t cost the team too many games this year.

It should be a fun year at the Bank and the first trip will be in just over a month.