... if a tiger got into a fight with a wildcat, who would win?

Yes, we're in Clearwater watching the Phillies warm their arms up on a bright, pleasant , Florida morning.... but it's Bracket Monday.

And, as luck would have it, my alma mater is taking on Delco's local hoops team in the opening round. Sorry, 'Nova - you haven't got a prayer.

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As for baseball, we're got a somewhat busy day at the ball yard. Closer Brad Lidge will throw his second, live batting practice session in four days.

But he's also on tap for what may be the more important PFP - pitcher's fielding practice - which could be more crucial in his hope to play in a game this week. Lidge, who had arthroscopic knee surgery three weeks ago today, has showcased a healthy arm... but he can't pitch in a game until he proves the knee is capable of letting him field his position, too.

Otherwise, it'll be Bunt City for the opposing team. (Which makes me wonder - why didn't people ALWAYS bunt against Jon Lieber. He didn't have a bum knee - he just moved off the mound like he had his 300-ton pickup truck on his back).

Also on tap today - Chad Durbin. This is the free agent signee's first spring start.

I didn't think he looked too bad in his last Grapefruit game 11 days ago - all he allowed was a home run to Tampa slugger Carlos Pena. Durbin is making the team; it's just a question of whether he'll be the long man in the pen or the guy who bumps Eaton out of the fifth spot in the rotation.

It should be interesting to see how he throws in his next two spring outings, starting today.

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The Archive Files

Brett Myers cracks wise at manager's complacency concerns, and pitches like an ace against the Reds.

In the daily notebook, Jason Jaramillo gets his first start behind the plate in 11 days.