So I bagged the trip to Bradenton, and a look at another (former) fifth starter candidate in J.D. Durbin, to stay in Clearwater to watch Brett Myers pitch in an intra-squad, minor-league game.

Myers, one of the few Phillies pitchers who has looked sharp this spring, continued his positive path back into the rotation. Although he allowed a two-run home run to Jake Blalock in the first inning, Myers allowed just three hits in 5 2/3 innings; he struck out six and walked just one.

"The first couple innings I just wanted to get my arm loose, throw a bunch of fastballs and see where I stood because I have to locate that, that’s my number one thing I’ve got to work on," said Myers, who ended the day by recording 12 straight outs.

And the home run (which came on an 2-0 pitch)?

"Right down the middle. The first two (pitches) I couldn’t get down, and then I was like...I’m just going to throw it down the middle. I just wanted to get it down, I didn’t care if it (was right there)," said Myers, who threw 74 pitches.

More on Myers in Tuesday's Daily Times...


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Brad Lidge, Kris Benson and Adam Eaton all got their work in early Monday -- and all felt fine and optimistic following bullpen sessions outside Bright House Field.

Lidge, who was making his first, post-surgery appearance off a mound, was perhaps the most impressive. The team's new closer was popping the catcher's mitt with mid-season-like speed.

"I was really happy. I didn’t feel it at all. I got 25 pitches in there and I tried to let it all go, and it felt great," Lidge said. "I’m really encouraged by that, which is a big step for me."

Lidge is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Wednesday. On Monday, he was pain-free.

Lidge said he didn't feel any discomfort in the right knee he had arthroscopic surgery on two weeks ago.

"I don’t right now. Not at all. Not that I’m trying to feel it, but I didn’t have to think about it at all when I was throwing, there was nothing there for me to be distracted by or anything," he said. "It just wasn’t there at all."

Can he be ready for Opening Day?

"That’s the goal still, and based on today, I would say we moved a good step closer to that," Lidge said. "I think barring any setbacks, that’s a very realistic goal."

As for the two starters....

Benson was encouraged with his bullpen session two days after his minor league start. The right-hander needed two days off between sessions last week, so with just a day this time around, he's moving along productively with his rehab.

Benson will throw in another minor-league intra-squad game Thursday.

As with Lidge and his knee, Eaton said he was not bothered by his back at all in Monday's bullpen work. He'll throw again later this week and, barring any setbacks, will return to Grapefruit League action Saturday.
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(I'm trying to troubleshoot, but for whatever reason, I'm still unable to post photos on the blog. So I apologize if it doesn't "look" quite as good -- but all the info is still here!)