Hope springs eternal on the first day of the season - Opening Day.

It's a shame the day gets cheapened or trumped a tad with trips to Japan and Sunday Night ESPN games, but let's face it - none of those days were "Opening Day."

Today is the one day every team takes the field and feels like they can compete. Even the Pittsburgh Pirates.

It's also the day you can officially erase the previous season. So even though a gigantic 2007 flag, signifying the NL East division title, is twirling in unison with the American flag over Citizens Bank Park right now, it's 2008.

Last year, and the Phils title, is in the past.

What the future holds begins in about three hours... should be fun.

Here's your Opening Day Phillies lineup:

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Shane Victorino, CF
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Pat Burrell, LF
6. Pedro Feliz, 3B
7. Jayson Werth, RF
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
9. Brett Myers, P


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I forgot to post the all-important Archive Files earlier...

The reigning National League MVP has maintained a low profile this spring, but that didn't stop us from catching up with Jimmy Rollins, AKA the Phillies "Joe Cool."

Also, here's a flurry of "five questions" than ran in today's print edition regarding the start of the season:

Five Reason the Phillies will repeat as National League East champions:

1. The bottom of the rotation finds someone who can fill the Kyle Kendrick role of 2007 – good enough to keep them in games and prevent your offense from having to play catch-up all the time.

2. Ryan Howard heats up down the stretch and a dozen of last year’s strikeouts turn into home runs to the opposite field, as he did in 2006.

3. Cole Hamels stays healthy and reaches his goal of 35 starts while Brett Myers matures into the dominating starter he was in spring training.

4. When/If Kendrick or Adam Eaton’s struggles make them impossible to keep in the rotation, management makes a push to acquire a veteran starter (Joe Blanton? Kyle Lohse?).

5. Either the Braves or Mets have a key injury or two, or a lack of production from a key cog. Example: Johan Santana pitches more like the guy who allowed 33 home runs last year (three more than Adam Eaton) and less like a two-time Cy Young award winner.






Five reasons to Phillies will fail to repeat as National League East champions:

1. If they start slow in April, with no sense of urgency and use the logic, “We caught up last year, we can do it again this year.”

2. Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino under-perform. Everyone in the lineup plays their part, but if the top two guys aren’t getting on base, the team won’t lead the league in runs again.

3. They can’t beat their division rivals like they did last year. In 2007, the Phillies went 24-30 against NL East foes including 23-15 against the Mets and Braves.

4. If the back of the rotation struggles and the team opts to make a move from within, hoping to get lucky again with a minor league pitcher (Andrew Carpenter) who turns out not to be ready.

5. Brett Myers missed two months with an injury last year. They won’t win if he misses that much in 2008. Same goes for three other indispensables – Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge.


Five fearless Phillies predictions:

1. Brett Myers makes his first all-star team and hears his name in Cy Young Award talk.

2. Jimmy Rollins’ home run production goes down (20) but he steals a career-high 50 bases.

3. Pat Burrell and Geoff Jenkins will struggle at the same time and So Taguchi fills in as a starter for a stretch.

4. The catching combo of Carlos Ruiz and Chris Coste combine for 20 home runs and 80 RBI.

5. The team will wish it spent the $5 million they owe Jenkins in 2007 on Lohse, who is being paid less, $4.25 million, by the Cardinals.


Five ways the Phillies avoid another slow start:

1. Both Myers and Hamels eat up innings and pitch the team to wins in the majority of their starts.

2. Kyle Kendrick and/or Adam Eaton rebounds from a poor spring training and gives the team quality starts.

3. Jimmy Rollins, who hit .297 with 15 extra base hits – including nine home runs – in March and April of last season and Ryan Howard, who hit .221 with three home runs in same span, both start hot.

4. Tom Gordon rebounds from a tough spring and doesn’t blow more than one save while the team waits for Lidge to return from the DL.

5. They win today and take at least two of three from the Nationals in the series. If the opposite happens, it could start that familiar, downward spiral.

... from the first pitch of 2008.

Sorry for the 2-day delay in posting. I've been recharging my brain after working however many days (49 out of 51?) during the seven weeks in Clearwater. I was off today, but spent yesterday working on preview/predictions on the Phillies and all of MLB.

In today's Daily Times, the MLB preview came out:

Here's a look how the MLB teams rank in our Preseason Top 30 rankings.

Also, my picks for postseason hardware - MVPs, Cy Youngs and ROYs.


This time tomorrow, we should finally know if the Phillies are ready to roll or or off to their familiar, slow start. Then again, it is just one game.

So I'm sitting in the airport at Tampa - maybe the best airport in America due to how incredibly efficient it is (ZERO line in security!) - and I'm eager to get back the dreary, ol' Philadelphia.

Home, sweet home.

So how would I grade the Phillies spring training?

I'm going to go with a good, solid C+.

Why? Brett Myers impressed; Cole Hamels showed flashes of the all-star pitcher he'll likely be; Jamie Moyer continued to be Jamie Moyer - not flashy, but productive.

But other than those three and a trio of reliever - Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero and Clay Condrey - I leave unimpressed with the pitching.

Sure three, solid starters will win you a lot of games. But is Kyle Kendrick due for a sophomore slump? He sure pitched that way in Florida.

And is there a Phillies fan out there confident that Adam Eaton can have an ERA closer to 4.00 than 6.00?

If Myers and Hamels are all-star worthy and Brad Lidge returns soon and regains his own, all-star form, the pitching might hold up. But the depth just isn't there right now.

The C+ grade also factors in the hitters this spring. Jimmy Rollins (no home runs in spring training) and Chase Utley, two key cogs in the lineup, were awfully quiet.

But there's reason to believe streaky hitters can get out of slumps quicker than pitchers, probably not time to fret. Ryan Howard has looked like a guy ready to get back into the MVP race after his infield counterparts received more praise last summer.

I'll be working on all my 2008 Preview stuff (MLB stuff in Sunday's paper, Phillies stuff in Monday's), but I'm really at a loss for how the NL East will be won. There are three, legit contenders - and all three have question marks.

But if the Phillies lead the trio in question marks, that's not a good thing.

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The Archive Files

Eaton alive by Tigers: Phils' fifth starter hopeful says he pitched well, but results weren't great in Adam's Grapefruit finale.

J.C. Romero will get a World Series ring, but he'd like another, too.

Travis Blackley, selected by the Phillies in the Rule 5 draft this winter and then sent out on waiver earlier this week, cleared and is back with Philadelphia.

The San Francisco Giants, his former team, declined the opportunity to take the left-hander back.

He was out-righted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley by the Phillies today. Blackley will report to the IronPigs and should provide the team with more pitching inventory this summer.

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I'm so excited to be able to deliver the latest news on the story of the spring -- the status of rehabbing pitcher Kris Benson, who signed a minor-league deal with an out clause last month.

The original date of the out clause (Tuesday) came and went. Now there's word from Phillies officials that Benson has been re-assigned to minor league camp.

Rejoice, Phillies fans!

(I really hope we're all picking up on the sarcasm in the three paragraphs above).

Here's the deal: Benson's agent, Gregg Clifton, and Phillies management, namely ultra-secretive assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., have been hammering out additions to the original, incentive-laden deal in the last 48 hours.

The new deadline, reportedly, is May 15. If Benson is physically ready for the big leagues and isn't on the 40-man roster by then, he can, once again, have the choice to opt out.

But, ladies and gentleman, this isn't likely to happen. The whole Benson-might-opt-out thing is pretty much a non-news story.

He wants to be here; the team wants him here.

Benson just said the other day that when he signed, the team said they we're okay if he could just help them in July, August, September and October.

So there's no rush. When he's healthy, he wants to pitch for the Phillies - a team he feels can help him get his first career playoff opportunity with; when he's healthy, the team wants Benson on their staff.

Now it's just a matter of waiting for Benson to get healthy. He said Wednesday that his right arm - which was diagnosed with biceps tendinitis - felt better.

He's scheduled to work out with weights until this weekend, rather than throwing, to build the strength in his arm back up. The guess here is he'll be back having a catch by early next week, in a bullpen in another 10 days to two weeks and possibly throwing in a live-batting practice and/or minor league game in mid- to late-April at the earliest.

When is the earliest he can get to Philadelphia? Apparently by the new deadline date, mid-May. We'll continue to follow his progress... for the time being, the Phillies are hoping Kyle Kendrick and Adam Eaton can keep the back of the rotation afloat until Benson is deemed ready.

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The Archive Files

The Phillies Opening Day starter makes a bold statement - we're the rotation to beat!

Meanwhile, promising prospect Andrew Carpenter helped his stock rise within the organization with four brilliant innings of work against the Bronx Bombers.

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And now for a completely random observation from Joker Merchant Stadium in Lakeland, where the Phillies are wrapping up their Florida stay against the Tigers:

The public address announcer here sounds EXACTLY like Joel, the P.A. guy on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Hopefully there is one other person out there that reads this blog and has heard this guy at Joker.

"CAAARLOSSSS GEEEEEEEEEEYEN."

It's spot on.

By the way, Joker Merchant is a beaut. This is the nicest visiting park I've seen in my 29 spring training games.

If you make a Phils spring training trip in the future, be sure to get down to "The Joker."

Today is the final day at Bright House Field.

Which is a very good thing for the players, coaches and management of the Phillies. And for us media-types, too.

It's been a long, strange trip since arriving on February 10. More long than strange for sure.

The Phillies are hosting the Yankees today; Brett Myers is making his last start before Opening Day.

Clay Condrey - a lock for the bullpen right now is also scheduled to pitch. So, too is a somewhat unfamiliar name -- Andrew Carpenter, a minor league roster addition for today's game.

Fervent Phillies followers will probably know the name, though. Carpenter, the 2007 Baseball American Phillies Minor League Player of the Year, went 17-6 with a 3.20 ERA in his first, full minor league season with the Clearwater Threshers.

Suffice it to say, Carpenter has had some success on this mound. It should be interesting to see how the 6-foot-3, 230-pound right-hander fares against the likes of Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and company today.

Scratch that - Jeter didn't make the trip. But Carpenter could see Robinson Cano, Bobby Abreu, A-Rod, Jason Giambi and Jorge Posada, who are all in the New York starting lineup.

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Kris Benson is here. So I'm guessing he didn't exercise the out-clause.

Honestly, this is the biggest, non-news story in camp. All along he's said he wants to be here, and all along the team has said they're willing to be patient with his rehabilitation.

So relax if you're panicking back home; Benson is not leaving.

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The Archive Files

While Myers, Cole Hamels and co. have the the top of the rotation looking legit, there's still some disarray in the overall pitcher picture.

As you read here yesterday, likable lefty Mike Zagurski will most likely go under the knife next month, which would cost him all of the 2008 season.

Two days after throwing a pair of sliders "that didn't feel right" or felt downright "awful," Phillies left-handed reliever Mike Zagurski was contemplating the next step, which could be season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Zagurski, already on the 15-day disabled list as he recovers torn right hamstring surgery he had in September, had his left elbow examined from team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti Monday.

The 25-year-old left-hander received the bad news Monday night.

"I was stunned - I thought it was the flexor tendon, which controls your two fingers," Zagurski said. "(With that), you’d take three weeks off and then another three weeks and you can start throwing again; that’s kind of what we thought it was and what I was hoping for.

"So when he told me, I kind of had to take a step back."

The tests revealed ulnar nerve damage in the elbow. Zagurski can choose to rehab the arm for three months or have corrective Tommy John ligament replacement surgery.

"If I rehab and it works, great; if I rehab and it doesn’t work, than I’m three months behind where I could have been and I’d miss the majority of 2009, too," said Zagurski, who said he's leaning toward surgery.

Zagurski was a surprise call-up last season. The 2005, 12th-round draft pick started the season in Clearwater before being promoted to the major league club in May. He posted a 5.91 ERA in 21 1/3 innings over 25 games.

Having had a chance to play in the big leagues, the young lefty has the motivation to get through surgery and rehab.

"I think if I was sitting in A-ball I’d be thinking to myself, 'Do I really want to do this, I’m still 5 steps away.'" Zagurski said. "But being there, and knowing that I was here once and there’s no reason I can’t get back, that should hopefully give me the push to get where I want to go."

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The Archive Files

In today's Daily Times, Brad Lidge will start the season on the DL, Tom Gordon will take over closer duties and other news items.

Also, Greg Dobbs is one of the few Phillies with an option to be sent down to Triple-A; he likely won't see Lehigh Valley in April, but he has thought about it.

Tom Gordon will be the Opening Day closer for the Phillies.

Just before we left Clearwater to get to tonight's Phils-Yankees game in Tampa, the team announced that new closer Brad Lidge is headed to the DL.

The 31-year-old relief pitcher was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday afternoon. The move is retroactive to March 21, meaning Lidge can return to action Saturday, April 5 in Cincinnati.

"It’s not what I wanted," Lidge admitted. "I was trying to get ready as fast as possible and unfortunately in the end my arm strength is behind.

"I was trying basically to cram four weeks of spring training into a little over a week."

Lidge, who was acquired in a trade with the Houston Astros in November, it still rehabilitating from arthroscopic knee surgery he underwent Feb. 25. The hard-throwing right-hander hasn’t pitched in Grapefruit League games this spring.

Lidge did make his first minor-league, intra-squad appearance Thursday. He made another Sunday, allowing a walk and two hits before getting out of trouble with a double play.

"(Sunday) was just one of those outings where it just wasn't me yet," Lidge said. "It was the first time I felt like I might need a little bit more than I thought."

"Flash" Gordon will handle closer duties until Lidge is ready to return.

"He’s just not there yet – he needed the (extra) time," Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee said of Lidge. "He sitting on just two or three (spring innings) right now; it's not enough time to get him ready and it’s not fair to him to place him in that situation."

When the team breaks camp Thursday to fly back to Philadelphia, Lidge will stay back in Florida. He's expected to pitch three times this week and next week before possibly reuniting with the club in Cincinnati or the team’s fifth game of the season.

"Hopefully those few outings will get me 100 percent ready," Lidge said. "It makes more sense to make sure I'm 100 percent ready when I start instead of being 90 percent and trying to (go)."

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The Archive Files

The Phillies rookie strength and conditioning coach is a big reason every, every-day starter appears ready to go for Opening Day.

In game action, an unlikely hero slugs a pair of home runs in a rout over the Toronto Blue Jays.

No, Ryan Howard did not hit a home run (at least in the normal context of the word "home run") on Saturday.

It's not his birthday. He did not get married Saturday, either.

He did, however, get a lot richer.

And all he did was watch another, young player cash in.

Miguel Cabrera, who was just in Clearwater earlier today before the rain came down and ended the Phils-Tigers game in the top of the fourth inning, agreed to a an 8-year, $153.3 deal according to ESPN.com.

That's an average of $19 million per year. If you recall, Ryan Howard won his arbitration case against the Phillies last month - he'll earn $10 million this year.

A year ago, Cabrera, then with the Marlins, went to the arbitration table and also won - earning $7.4 million. Obviously Howard did slightly better than that last month.

According to the report, Cabrera will be paid $11.3 million in 2008 and then earn an average of $19 million per season through 2016.

So what's Howard worth in the future? What kind of long-term, contract extension could he be looking at?

Given their similar years of experience, I think Cabrera is a better parallel to Howard than Alex Rodriguez. So don't doubt that this Cabrera deal doesn't come up in 10 months when the Phillies and Howard are once again talking dollars.

Here's a quick look at the 162-game averages of the young, right-handed slugging Cabrera - arguably the best, young right-handed hitter in the game - and Howard - arguably the most powerful young lefty in the game:

Miguel Cabrera .313, 31 HR, 118 RBIs, 101 runs, 189 hits
Ryan Howard .291, 51 HR, 139 RBIs, 101 runs, 168 hits

We'll see if their wallet sizes are that close this time next year...

Sorry for the delay in posting...

I had the day off yesterday, which was pretty nice after working 39 of 40 days in the last 6 weeks.

It's pretty darn quiet this Saturday morning at Bright House Field. The Detroit Tigers, who some are picking to win the World Series this year, are making their one and only trip to Clearwater today.

With that, and the fact that it's Easter weekend, I'm expecting a full house today.

Chad Durbin will face a pretty tough lineup today, even though Gary Sheffield isn't penciled in as a starter. The Tiger-turned-Phillies pitcher will still have his work cut out in Granderson-Polanco-Guillen-Ordonez-Cabrera-Jones-Pudge.

If Sheff and Ordonez are healthy, that's the best lineup in baseball.

Just for fun, let's match up the Tigers and Phillies, position by position, and see who's better:

1B - Ryan Howard vs. Carlos Guillen -- the edge here goes to the Phillies on the plus-plus power factor.

2B - Chase Utley vs. Placido Polanco -- again, edge Phillies. Polanco is a quality, underrated player but Utley is the best 2B in baseball.

SS - Jimmy Rollins vs. Edgar Renteria -- J-Roll was the NL MVP last year; wow, the Phils are up 3-0 here.

3B - Pedro Feliz vs. Miguel Cabrera -- I think Cabrera's the AL MVP this year; one of these years he's going to hit 40 HR. Feliz, however, holds pretty big edge defensively.

C - Carlos Ruiz vs. Pudge Rodriguez -- they may be moving in different directions of their career, but Pudge is going to Cooperstown. 3-2 Phils

LF - Pat Burrell vs. Magglio Ordonez -- this may be closer than you think, only because Magglio has had issues staying healthy throughout his career. But Maggs was an AL MVP candidate most of last season and Burrell has never made an all-star team.

CF - Shane Victorino vs. Curtis Granderson -- Granderson is one of the more underrated players in baseball; like Rollins, the Tigers lead-off hitter was Mr. Do-Everything last summer. Edge Tigers, who are now up 4-3.

RF - Geoff Jenkins/Jayson Werth vs. Gary Sheffield -- While the Phillies might balance this platoon and get pretty good production, Sheffield is a guy who has put up triple crown-like numbers in the past.

It was a nice start by the Phils, but the tale of the tape for the everyday, starting 8 goes to the Tigers. Detroit has the best lineup in baseball.

Where do the Phillies rank, though? Ahead of the Yankees and Boston? You make the call...

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The Archive Files

DCT sports editor Rob Parent handled the coverage in Fort Myers Friday: Adam Eaton all but locks up the fifth spot in the Phillies starting rotation.

Although odds are probably against him breaking camp with the team, the oft-injured Chris Snelling hopes to stay on the Phillies radar this season.

The Phillies closer made his debut in a game as a starter.

Pitching in an intra-squad, minor-league game at the Carpenter Complex, Brad Lidge threw 1+ innings, facing five batters. He walked one, struck out three and got a foul out.

The ball never left the infield.

The only baserunner Lidge allowed was Jayson Werth, who walked on five pitches. But Lidge responded with the runner on base by striking out the next two batters, displaying a crisp fastball and a sharp curve.

"I felt great, everything from warming up to throwing in the game - I mean there's nothing better than facing hitters," said Lidge, who threw 12 of his 19 pitches for strikes. "That was a lot of fun; I was really glad to get out there and feel good."

Lidge's next step could be pitching in his first major league, Grapefruit League game this weekend. The hard-throwing right-hander said he wasn't sure where he'd pitch next, but Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee will likely tell us after the team's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates today.




(Eventually, a photographer from one of the wire services will show up and shoot a photo of Lidge pitching. I vowed not to use a pitcher of Lidge in a Houston uniform for the 33rd time this spring)


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The Archive Files

I spoke to Wes Helms yesterday, thinking he must be wondering when the heck he'll be traded. But as it turns out, Helms isn't sweating his future although the Phillies still explore options to trade him on a regular basis.

We're back at Al Lang Field at Progress Energy Park, home of the outdoor press box (and a scenic vie of the waterfront) in downtown St. Petersburg.

Feeling under the weather today, so I'm going to keep this post pretty brief.

Jamie Moyer is pitching for the Phillies today. The veteran lefty has been his consistent self this spring - he carries a 2-0 record with a 4.50 ERA into today's start.

With the way Cole Hamels pitched yesterday and the way Brett Myers has thrown all spring, the top three spots in the Phillies rotation appear to be pretty strong. If they can find at least one other guy to pitch effectively (the way Kyle Kendrick did a year ago), that would be four solid starters, which should translate into lots of Ws.

Of course, it's only March 19.

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The Archive Files

In today's Daily Times, rehabbing right-hander Scott Mathieson makes first first bullpen appearance of the spring as he continues his journey back from arm surgery.

Also, Hamels throws well and Kris Benson welcomes monkeys to the clubhouse in today's notebook.

Phillies mending closer Brad Lidge will take PFP today - that's Pitcher's Fielding Practice.

Sounds like no big deal, right?

Actually, it kind of is important... three weeks and two days after arthroscopic right knee surgery, this will be Lidge's first test with lateral movements and flexibility (other than in the actual pitching process, of course).

So that's the news. After Lidge fields some bunts and grounders, I'll update the blog.

Update: Lidge did not have to be taken to the hospital, so I'm guessing the PFP went fine. I didn't want to disturb Lidge as he ate lunch, but the fact that he was smiling and still in the clubhouse with his teammates must mean he's feeling fine.

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Dale Badway sang the National Anthem today in a ... well, unique way. As one scribe said, we felt like he was about to break out into "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast as he actively - and we do mean actively - sang the anthem prior to today's Phils-Rays game.

Badway, a big wig in 'Badway on Broadway productions,' stirred up the crowd as he flailed his arms in excitement with each note of the song.

The fellas in the press box were in tears laughing the whole time - first, in abject horror; then, in sheer delight. This was different.

The boys outside the dugout agreed. Charlie Manuel appeared to be chirping his trademark "Whatthehell" while Carlos Ruiz looked as if he was biting his tongue to avoid laughing.

When Badway was done, he was still juiced. He pumped his fist as he skipped toward the dugout, sharing fist-bumps with coaches and players, and then a big high-five with Jayson Werth.

If this guys gets to sing the anthem in Philly, watch out.

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The Archive Files

In today's Daily Times, Kris Benson has a setback on his road to recovery.

And, for the first time in a long time, the Phillies top hitters and a fifth starter candidate show up on the same day.

Some bad news from camp - although the team is saying it might be good in the long run.

Phillies pitcher Kris Benson, who has been rehabbing from right shoulder surgery after missing all of last season, is out indefinitely. Benson felt soreness in his right shoulder this weekend while throwing a bullpen session.

But both Benson and pitching coach Rich Dubee said this isn't unexpected fora player working his arm back from surgery.

"To expect me to go from the first day of camp to the last day of the season without taking a break is not going to happen," Benson said. "If I can take a break now and use this to build myself up to the 60-pitch area, then bump up to the next area... in the long run, I'm sure it will be a good thing."

Benson, who was originally scheduled to pitch in a minor league game Tuesday, still hopes to make his next start. But the Phillies will likely take their time in hopes of having him healthy for the duration of the season.

... 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.

Following Saturday's loss, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he hadn't met with his team yet about his concerns of complacency, and wouldn't likely air his thoughts on the road, either. (The team plays in Sarasota today)

He said he'll probably do it in a game, so everyone will see. So pay close attention to Monday's game.

When Charlie sounds off, I'll let you know here on the blog. Although I'm not sure a transcript of his exact words would be appropriate.

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Sarasota is a sleepy city. This is the second time we've been here in four days - it just seems pretty dead and desolate.

It's very foggy here and there aren't a whole lot of people around. I kind of feel like we're in the middle of nowhere, watching baseball.

This is the last year the Reds will play in Florida; they're headed to Arizona for spring training next year. (The move isn't official, but we just had lunch and one Reds guy said it's 92 percent they're heading west).

Although Sarasota isn't quite as nice as Clearwater, I'll miss this place for at least one reason: Ken Griffey Jr. batting practice.

Griffey just puts on a show. I honestly believe if he entered the Home Run Derby every year, he'd win. His swing is that sweet and productive in batting practice.

So word to the wise - when the Reds come to Philly, grab a spot in the right field bleachers or in right-center at Ashburn Alley if you'd like a souvenir from "The Kid."

It's hard to believe Griffey is 38 - it feels like yesterday he was 21 and a rising star in the league. Here's hoping he can stay healthy and play another 5-6 years and have a chance to hit 800 home runs.

Sure it's a reach (Griffey enters this season with 593 career home runs), but it would be nice to see a guy like Griffey take the all-time HR crown and make that other guy go away.

Quick story about Griffey being a good guy: when we were here Thursday, he spent at least 90 minutes outside the dugout on the field with a group of five-six people, which included one youngster. I'm not sure if this was a Make-a-Wish thing or if it was friends of the Griffey family or what... but I do know he spent an awfully long time before a game with fans.

That's impressive.

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Here are two more selections for the Archive Files...


Eaton better, team, not so much...

In the notebook, a former Villanova pitcher gets used to new surroundings and Kyle Kendrick returns to form.

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In updating our weekly Sunday entrant of the YouTube Clip of the Week, let's pay tribute to Ken Griffey. Here's an old Nike commercial that shows the Kid's sweet swing.

Welcome to the press box at Bright House Field, where several scribes have showed up early for no good reason.

Apparently there's an alumni meeting up in the clubhouse. To be followed by a Charlie Manuel-hey-guys-let's-get-our-game-faces-on meeting?

Maybe.

Chuck ain't too happy with the local nine.

Read more about it in today's Archive Files

Manuel wonders aloud if his team is "complacent" after latest loss.

Following the Phillies 9-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Friday, Charlie Manuel basically said "no more Mr. Nice Guy."

He doesn't want guys to be too comfortable with themselves, with spring training or with the way the team has been playing. The Phillies have lost dropped nine of 11 after starting 3-2-1.

“It's good to be relaxed and it's good to be loose, but it's about time for us to talk,” Manuel said. “We got some guys that are too cool and there's a fine line between having a real good time and being relaxed, and taking it for granted and being complacent.

“We have something happening, but it's nothing that we can't take care of.”
More from Charlie and a couple players - Chase Utley and Shane Victorino - in tomorrow's Daily Times.

We're almost officially in a rain delay.

The Phillies are scheduled to take on Tim Hudson and the Braves... but a constant rain might prevent that from happening.

It would also likely put a halt to Kyle Kendrick's start in the minor league complex in Bright House Field's backyard.

But before the game is called, I'm sure the good folks in the organization will make sure the Tiki Bar does good business. Suffice it to say, that's where most fans have huddled up in seeking shelter from the rain drops.

UPDATE: They just pulled off the tarp at 12:56 p.m.

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Brad Lidge's rehab has taken another step in the direction of being ready for Opening Day.

The new Phillies closer, who had arthroscopic knee surgery less than three weeks ago, threw off the mound for the third time this week -- and for the first time, to batters in a live-batting practice session.

Once again, Lidge said he was pain-free following the 35-pitch drill.

"You get reads on how guys are seeing the ball coming out of your hand (and) it gets you back in the groove of game situations," Lidge said. "Throwing a bullpen, you can say that looked like a really good pitch, but you don't really know until you see hitters react to it. That's what you need when you're facing hitters.

"I got more from their reaction at the plate. My fastball control wasn't as sharp as I wanted, and when I was throwing them over the plate, they were hitting them. When I was throwing them to the corners, they weren't. Fine tuning my location is my priority and that will come through games."

Lidge will throw another, live-batting practice session on Monday. If all goes well - and he feels confident in his ability to field the position, too - Lidge could make his Phillies debut in Grapefruit League play next week.

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What's the best thing to do during a rain delay? (Other than brainstorming story ideas, that is)

Looking for entertainment. I know Sunday is the YouTube Video of the Week day, but here's your first Rain Delay YouTube Clip:

"SWEEP THE LEG"

Yesterday at the Carpenter Complex, Cole Hamels threw on one field, Kris Benson on the other. A lot of us reporter-types had swivel-heads, trying to keep an eye on both pitchers.

And then there was a popular, Phillies' wife in attendance to make it even tougher to keep all eyes on the field. Anna Benson ain't ugly.

As a fellow Clemson guy, I'll just say, "Nice work, Kris."

On the field both Hamels and Benson pitched well. See more in the notebook link below.


Jamie Moyer pitched five strong innings as the Phillies finally won a game last night - there first win in over a week.

Today, the Braves are coming to town. Ten days ago Atlanta laid a 10-1 whuppin' on Kyle Kendrick and the Phils.

Kendrick will pitch today - but in a minor league game. Francisco Rosario, who has looked very good this spring, starts against the Braves.

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The Archive Files

In today's Daily Times, the Phillies apparently have the best, defensive third baseman in all of baseball.

And, Kris Benson wants to pitch in a Grapefruit League game within the next two weeks.

...yes, we're getting spoiled in Clearwater this week.

Following the one and only off-day, two straight night games. It's a beautiful thing.

As I'm sure you've seen by now, the Phillies lost once again last night. They'll take on the Reds again tonight, in Sarasota.

The team hasn't won since last Wednesday and the manager showed he may me getting fed up with all the losing last night. For the first time all spring, Charlie Manuel left Jimmy Rolllins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Pat Burrell and Co. in for the duration.

Not one bench move. It's like he was saying, "Boys, it's time to hit; it's time to play like this is 2 weeks before the season opener and not play like it's 'only spring training.'"

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Kris Benson throws today in a minor league game - in Dunedin against Double and Triple-A Blue Jays players.

My guess is, barring any setbacks, this is your fifth starter in 4-5 weeks.

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The Archive Files

In today's Daily Times, the Phillies top hitting prospect isn't Chase Utley. But Adrian Cardenas may be on a similar path with his approach to the game.

Also, Ryan Madson threw the Phillies first effective start yesterday and hinted of his affinity for starting, even if he is happy and content with his current role, too. Madson and more - including the rundown on this year's broadcast team's schedule - in today's notebook.

"Hamels?"

"Hamels?"

"Hamels?"

"Um, he's sick. My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Cole pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious."

No.... Cole did not pass out. Just a little 80s movie humor for you.

If you can guess that movie, you win a prize.

OK, I don't have any prizes to offer.

Anyway, Cole Hamels has been scratched from his start in a minor league game today. This, according to minor league director Steve Noworyta - Hamels has the flu.

I'm sure Hamels will be fine.

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The Phillies have made another cut - right-handed pitcher Lincoln Holdzkom.

Holdzkom, selected by the Phillies in this winter's Rule 5 draft, has cleared waivers and is a free agent. This likely opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for Kris Benson.

Benson has a clause in his incentive-laden, minor-league contract that he cna opt out if he's not on the major league roster by March 25. Benson will pitch tomorrow (Thursday) in his second, intra-squad, minor-league game.

Since I plan on sleeping in as there are no games, practices, etc... I'm posting the Archive Files before morning comes.

here is the shortest blog entry ever:

The Archive Files

Brett Myers back in the rotation - where he belongs

Lidge could be ready for Opening Day

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!)

Another night at Frenchy's has left me groggy this morning... 6 a.m. comes up earlier and earlier these days. So not a whole lot of insight/news to deliver to the blog right now.

But, alas, tomorrow is the off-day in the 50-day spring training tour. It's a day of rest and re-energizing.

Brad Lidge, Adam Eaton and Kris Benson are all scheduled to throw bullpens in Clearwater today. If I can get word on how those go for the three, injured/recovering amigos, I'll post it here on the blog.

I believe I'll be going to Bradenton, however. The Phillies, who have lost five straight, are playing the Pirates. J.D. Durbin gets the start.

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The Archive Files

In today's Daily Times, Eaton and Phils athletic trainer Scott Sheridan talk about the pitcher's back ailment.

And, are Kyle Kendrick's struggles on the mound cause for concern?

Phillies beleaguered starter Adam Eaton won't pitch on his normal, spring training rotation this week - but he said he isn't expected to miss much time, either, following his MRI an bone scan tests.

Eaton said he has a "slight herniated disc" and "some arthritis" on the right side of his back.

Phillies athletic trainer Scott Sheridan and pitching coach Rich Dubee said Eaton will throw in a bullpen session Monday. If all goes well, he could return to Grapefruit League action later this week.

Recovering right-handers Brad Lidge and Kris Benson will also throw in bullpen sessions Monday.

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Ryan Howard launched his second home run of the spring today in a 9-4 loss to the Blue Jays. Howard is hitting a team-high (among regulars) .444.

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The Phillies came into camp with 63 players. Sunday, they trimmed that number down to 50.

On the first days of cuts, the Phillies cleaned out 13 lockers.

Right-handed pitcher Joe Bisenius, lefthander J.A. Happ and infielder Brad Harman, were optioned to minor league camp.

Ten others were re-assigned to minor league camp: righthanders Ron Chiavacci and Zack Segovia and lefthanders Brian Mazone and Joe Savery; catchers Tuffy Gosewisch and Lou Marson; infielders Jason Donald, Mike Cervenak and Andy Tracy; and outfielder Valentino Pascucci.

You know it's a slow news day when Phillies publicity director (I thought he was the director of "fun and games" ?) John Brazer walks over to the conglomerate of media in the clubhouse this morning to tell us something we'll likely never here again:

"Pee Wee Herman and (golfer) John Daly are coming to the game today."

Apparently Phillies mending pitcher Scott Mathieson met Paul "Pee Wee" Herman on a recent plane trip.

Mathieson, who grew up watching "Pee Wee's Playhouse," did a double take when Reubens took of his glasses. "Yep, Pee Wee Herman," Reubens said.

Anyway, Scott and Pee Wee became fast friends. Pee Wee said he'd like to come to a game, Mathieson obliged, passing along his phone number and email.

Alas, Pee Wee will not be able to make the game today - the Phils host Toronto here at Bright House Field. Pee Wee's mom, who lives in Sarasota, apparently is ill.

Mathieson has also coincidentally met another 80s star, Bob Saget, on another plane ride. Odds are the 24-year-old right-hander runs into Bobcat Goldthwait and/or Gilbert Gottfried on his next flight back to Philly.

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So what's new baseball-wise? (sorry, the above note just had to be told... we're all allowed to have a little fun down here, right?)

No word on the results of Adam Eaton's MRI and bone scan just yet. When I find out, you'll find out.

Word is the team is also scheduled to make its first round of cuts after the game today.

Please don't read into that fact that the above two sentences followed one another.

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The Archive Files

The race for the Phillies fifth starter's job played out in two Florida cities in two different parks Saturday.

In Clearwater at Bright House Field, Kris Benson threw in a live-game situation for the first time in almost 18 months.

Meanwhile, in the Phillies game against the Indians at Winter Haven, Travis Blackley struggled in his attempt to make the team.


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And now are Sunday YouTube Video of the Week -- Chase Utley does drama.

Rehabbing Phillies right-hander Kris Benson impressed in three innings of work today.

The veteran, former Pittsburgh ace, who missed all of last season while recovering from right shoulder surgery, threw in a minor-league intra-squad game at Bright House Field. It was the first time Benson pitched in a live-game environment since September of 2006.

"I felt real well, real good I made some good adjustments with the breaking pitches, the curve ball felt good, the slider got better as the game (progressed), so everything felt good physically, everything felt fine," said Benson, who allowed three hits while walking one and striking out one in 3+ innings of a simulated game.

While the majority of the Phillies coaches and players traveled to Winter Haven for a Grapefruit League game against the Indians, general manager Pat Gillick and assistant G.M. Mike Arbuckle were among those who stayed back to watch Benson.

"There was crispness to all his pitches; he was around the strike zone very well for his first time back facing hitters i(in a year and a half)," Arbuckle said. "So overall, a very positive outing and a good step."

Should Benson keep moving along, he could compete for what is now a wide-open race for the fifth spot in the team's starting rotation. Benson said he would like to get himself in position to be ready should the team need him when the season starts.

But he's also being smart with his rehabilitation.

"I’m not going to rush it; I’ve been patient throughout this whole thing for 11 1/2 months, so I’m not going to rush this at the end to jeopardize things," Benson said. "My arm will definitely tell me and I’ll be in good communication with everybody."

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The Archive Files

In today's Daily Times, Cole Hamels isn't sweating spring stats.

And... a look at a Delco native who's also "getting his work in" in Spring Training.

It's a windy one here at Progress Energy Park in St. Petersburg.... the press box is outside. So if I lose my score sheet while keeping score, I'm hoping the good folks at Phillies.com will have me covered.

Quiet morning. Charlie Manuel was in a good mood. Adam Eaton was nowhere to be found.

The Phillies are playing the (don't call us Devil) Rays today. Cole Hamels and Carlos Carrasco are among those scheduled to pitch.

With Eaton's current health status unknown, tomorrow should be an interesting day for the long term No.5 job in the Phillies rotation.

Darkhorse candidate Travis Blackley, a left-hander claimed by the team in the Rule 5 draft, will start against the Indians in Winter Haven.
Blackley has been perfect thus far this spring and should have a very good chance to at least make the roster to add another lefty to the bullpen, alongside vet J.C. Romero.

While Blackley tries to quiet the Tribe Saturday, Kris Benson will see his first competitive environment off the mound in Clearwater. The former Pirates' ace, who missed all of last season while recovering from right shoulder surgery, is pitching in a minor-league split-squad game at the Carpenter Complex.

Here in St. Pete, Cole Hamels and Carlos Carrasco are scheduled to pitch, among others. They could be the 1-2 punch in the Phillies rotation in '09.

We also have our first, official spring training road lineup today -- Greg Dobbs is batting third. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley didn't have to make the bus trip - Manuel is probably saving them so he can beat his old Indians team tomorrow.

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THE ARCHIVE FILES

In today's Daily Times, Adam Eaton's back is suddenly affecting his pitching.

Also, in light of young stars griping about salaries, MLBPA union chief Donald Fehr and Cole Hamels talk compensation.

Phillies starter Adam Eaton allowed three runs in the first inning for the second straight start.

But this time, he said his ailing back is an issue.

"I’ve been feeling good up until warm-up today," said Eaton, who had x-rays that revealed no sign of stress fracture earlier this week.

"Right now I can’t get any extension," Eaton said of its effect. "My mechanics are out in front and I’m leaving the ball in lefty or away to a righty."

"(The pain is) constant to the point of a tightness feel. Once I go in the motion I definitely feel it. It’s frustrating."

Although Eaton, who sported a 6.29 ERA last year, has struggled in both of his spring starts, both Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee said if he's healthy he is still the early favorite for the No.5 spot in the rotation.

But, at the moment, it doesn't appear Eaton is healthy.

The Phillies, by the way, were losing 6-4 to the Rays when the game was called after the fifth inning due to a rainstorm. Chase Utley and Chris Coste both homered to power the offense after Eaton yielded four runs on five hits in two innings.

Okay, so "Fehr the reaper" was possibly a tad too mean-spirited even though I only wrote it because I like the song.

Donald Fehr, the executive of Major League Baseball's Players Association, is in the clubhouse this morning. Each spring, he makes his rounds with all of the teams.

And I still can't get that Blue Oyster Cult out of my head. More cowbell.

I remember Fehr as one of the major players during the 1994 strike. But we just chatted with him, and despite his lawyer/politician way of answering questions, he seemed like an okay dude. Even a guy who you might share a beer and grouper sandwich with at Frenchy's.

But he did help kill the World Series in 1994 - so he'd be buying.

Bobby Bonilla, as special assistant to Fehr, was also hanging around inside Bright House Field. Bonilla must eat a lot of grouper sandwiches nowadays.

I'm not sure what any of this means but there's not much else going on right now in Phillies-land as we all begin the countdown to Tuesday, the one and only off-day in the team's spring training schedule.

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While it still is early in the spring training sked, the next three days could go a long way in determining who could emerge as the favorite for the No.5 spot in the rotation for the long haul.

Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee announced that Kris Benson will throw in a minor league game Saturday. It'll be the first time Benson, a former 1st overall pick who was signed by the Phillies to a minor-league contract last month, will throw in a live-game situation since September of 2006.

Meanwhile, in Grapefruit League action today, incumbent Adam Eaton and newcomer Chad Durbin will take the mound against the (don't call us "Devil") Rays. Neither pitched well the first time out, so you have to imagine they're going to focus a little more on results this time around.

My feeling: By the all-star break, Benson will be in the rotation one way or another.

Benson has looked pretty good throwing in bullpens - and you have to figure a guy who is in his early 30s and coming off an injury is going to be pitching with something to prove and he tries to revitalize his career.

Eaton, who doesn't seem too inclined to be a bullpen guy, has an albatross of a contract. If he continued to struggle this spring, I honestly don't have a clue what the team will do.

Durbin can pitch in long relief. And he's eager to do handle whatever role the team deems suitable.

Stay tuned. It is early, but it gets late early around these parts...

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The Archive Files...

After some malfunctions earlier, here is your one-click friendly resource for delctomes.com Phillies stories.

The bullpen race begins, as incumbent Clay Condrey begins his pitch for a spot.

And in our notes package, Ryan Howard is quietly enjoying a productive start at the plate and a recap of yesterday's action on the field.

...it's a little chilly here in the press box. Little known fact for folks back home who think covering Spring Training is a vacation: when you're working in Florida, you don't wear shorts.


Wherever you go indoors - press boxes, restaurants, etc. - they try to freeze you out.

But hey, the sun is shining brightly over Knology Park in Dunedin, so I can't complain (yeah I know, I already did).

Great pitching matchup today, even though it is just spring training. A pair of aces - Toronto's Roy Halladay and the Phillies' Brett Myers - will square off.

I don't know who's catching yet for the Jays, but odds are it may be a former Phillie. Both Rod Barajas and Sal Fasano are on the Toronto spring roster.

Check that - just found the lineup. Greg Zaun, not a former Phillies backstop, is catching Halladay.

There is, however, a familiar name among the Blue Jays starting nine. Batting second and wearing #33, third baseman Scott Rolen.

Today is the Phillies first split squad - half the team is here and half the team is playing the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland.

I'm guessing the Phillies team I'm going to see here would beat their split-squad counterparts -- Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Geoff Jenkins are in the lineup against Toronto.

Batting in between Rollins and Utley today, hitting second in the batting order, is newcomer Eric Bruntlett, who is profiled in today's Daily Times.

Also in today's paper, in keeping up with our Archive Files, a recap of yesterday's action against the Braves in Disney World.

I'm sure that in the wake of Cole Hamels' disappointment regarding his 2008 contract, the telephone lines at sports talk stations are burning up.

And Phils fans are probably a little fired up, too.

But is there really any reason to worry?

First off, the Phillies have showed in the last five years that they will spend money. They've consistently had one of the top 5-10 payrolls in baseball since 2003, when they went out and paid for Jim Thome.

So while there may me a perception that, in light of Hamels and Ryan Howard, the team is cheap, I don't think that's the case.

What about the contract extensions Chase Utley, Brett Myers, Jimmy Rollins and Pat Burrell - also homegrown products - have all signed? And while you can criticize them for how they spend, they did lay some cash down to get Adam Eaton, too. They have showed they can and will spend money.

So what's the point to my half-asleep, coffee-deprived rant this morning? Don't overreact to the Hamels' situation.

If Cole goes out and is an all-star again - and if he stays healthy for the duration of 2008 - I really don't see why either side wouldn't agree to a contract extension, maybe somewhere in the range of 4-years, $35-to-42 million.

But that's simply just a guess - those numbers, that is.

I just think Hamels wouldn't mind some security - a deal like that would give him that, and he'd still become a free agent in his late 20s (like Santana would have been if the Mets didn't re-up him this winter).

And I think the Phillies would like to lock up another of their young, homegrown stars.

The way I see it, the Hamels situation has a far greater chance of coming to a happy ending for Phillies fans than the status of the slugging first baseman. So don't fret or overreact just yet.

Ryan Howard? Well that's a story for another day...




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The Archive Files

In today's Daily Times, Davey Lopes has the support of Phillies players and coaches as he begins his battle with cancer.

And a profile on the Phillies most recent top pick, Joe Savery, who has impressed at his first big league camp this spring.

Just a week ago today, I had the opportunity to talk with Davey Lopes for the first time. I was writing a story on the new rule that requires base coaches to wear helmets, and Lopes couldn't have been more friendly, helpful and accomodating.

Here I was, a rookie beat writer interrupting a man sneaking in a tuna salad lunch in between tutoring Phillies players.

So it's with a heavy heart that I have to report to following news...

Lopes has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

A former, four-time major league all-star, Lopes will have surgery later this month and is expected to miss six weeks. Lopes is expected to have a full recovery following surgery later this month at the Morton Plant Hosptial in New Port Richey, Fla. by Dr. Scott Klavans.

“Hopefully it was caught in time,” said veteran Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer, who heads Camp Erin - a bereavement camp for children who have been affected by cancer. “While dealing with families and kids with cancer in Seattle and throughout the county, one thing I’ve learned is early detection is huge, and that sounds like that’s the case (with Lopes).”

The cancer was found after Lopes went through a routine examination with the rest of the coaching staff on Feb. 12.

“You tip your hat to our medical staff, to the organization for having the physicals and obviously it can turn into something far worse if they didn’t catch it and it’s 2-3 years or (even) six months down the road,” added Moyer, who heads Camp Erin – a bereavement camp for children whose lives are affected by cancer as a part of The Moyer Foundation. “By catching something early, hopefully it’ll be a positive story.”

Jerry Martin, a minor league outfield and baserunning coach in the Phillies organization, will take over Lopes duties as the Phils' first base coach and outfield/baserunning coordinator.

Lopes is entering his second season with the Phillies coaching staff. Last year Lopes coached the Phillies to the best stolen base percentage in major league baseball history (87 percent, 138 stolen bases in 157 attempts).

Sunday was the final day for the Phillies to come to terms on contracts.

They went right up to their self-imposed deadline with Cole Hamels, who would like to be paid what he feels he's worth.

This situation is appearing to be on the road to playing out eerily similar to Ryan Howard's contract status.

You may remember before last season when Howard accepted a $900,000 renewal, even though the team was offering at least $1 million, after the two sides could not come to terms on a contract.

Howard was arbitration eligible for the first time this winter, when he and the team were again at odds over his compensation and went to a hearing - which he won. Hamels is not arbitration eligible until next year.

"It's not my decision - I go with the flow," Hamels said Sunday. "I'm going to go out there and do the best I can either way.

"I know what's been going on and everything. It's just a part of the game when you are in my situation. You don't have any say, you just have to take it."

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Greg Golson is continuing a strong start this spring.

The center field prospect came off the bench against the Yankees yesterday, made a nifty catch in left-center and collected the game-tying single in his only at bat. Mired by strikeouts in the last two years in the minors, Golson is a perfect 4-for-5 thus far with the big club, including one B game, with two home runs and no strikeouts.

For more on Golson, read the story that appeared in the Daily Times Saturday.

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Another Phillies prospect is also off to a good start. Manager Charlie Manuel thinks Carlos Carrasco can help the team at some point this summer.

One thing I failed to mention from yesterday's action - Adam Eaton has a sore back.

I didn't think it was too pressing of an issue since Eaton himself said it doesn't bother when he pitches. When asked if it was a concern, the veteran right-hander, who is in competition for the fifth spot in the team's rotation, said "no."

"It's been bothering me, more the workouts, the running and conditioning," Eaton said.

Maybe it's something to keep an eye on. If Eaton's back ailments continue to bother him - on or off the mound - moving him to the DL could be the easy way out to finding a way to keep him out of the rotation should he pitch poorly this spring.

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From the Archive Files...

In today's Daily Times, there's a recap of sorts from yesterday's exhibition with the Yankees - mainly on how the Phils' first two pitchers of the day, Eaton and Chad Durbin, began making their case for the race for the No.5 spot in the rotation.

Also, an update on closer Brad Lidge's progress.

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As promised, we'll try to continue to post a Sunday YouTube Clip of the Week.

Today, an oldie but a goodie:

CLEARWATER, Fla. - First pitch came at 1:06 p.m.

At 1:11, Adam Eaton and the Phillies found themselves trailing the Yankees 3-0 Saturday at Bright House Field.

Eaton (more in the post below on his need to pitch well today) yielded a leadoff single to Brett Gardner. He looked to get out of trouble when Derek Jeter grounded into a 6-3 double play.

But our old friend Bobby Abreu singled, and some fella named Alex Rodriguez followed with a single of his own.

Then Shelley Duncan drilled the first pitch he saw over the fence in left field for a 3-run home run. The fans in the Tiki Bar didn't seem too impressed.

You really have to wonder if and how Adam Eaton can recover from last year...


Not much better news from another contender for the fifth spot in the Phillies rotation. Free-agent signee Chad Durbin relieved Eaton to start the third inning.

The right-hander, who pitched with Detroit last year, preceded to give up two doubles and a single to the first three batters he faced.

Somewhere in Clearwater, Kris Benson's arm began to feel a whole lot better...

Actually, they're already here. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Bobby Abreu and the rest of America's favorite team (to hate).

Should be an interesting day here at Bright House Field. A sell-out crowd has already filed in a couple hours before game time, with fans claiming their spots in the outfield berm with beach towels.

You've got a ton of media (I think there are 84 Yankees beat writers, compared to the five Phillies beat guys in attendance today).

And you've got a pair of potent lineups... and Adam Eaton pitching for the Phillies.


This could be a chance for Eaton to make good on his words. When he arrive to spring training last, the right-hander, who had a forgettable 2007 season and was left off the postseason roster, had this to say:

"Last year was my worst year as a baseball player, as an athlete. I’d like to forget it and move on... but obviously we need to learn from our failures and we need to correct some things and move forward."

Forgetting. Moving in. Moving forward.

Adam Eaton can begin to take that step, and make fans forget '07, with a decent outing today. I'll let you know how he fares...

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Speaking of players who really need to show what they have this spring and summer.... today's main story in the Daily Times focuses on former first-round pick Greg Golson. Selected two picks before the Yankees selected pitcher Philip Hughes in the 2004 amateur draft, Golson has struggled for the most part in the minor leagues.

Because of the laid-back atmosphere at spring training, it's hard to rip and kid and call him a bust. But Golson, promoted to Double-A last summer, batted .242 in 37 games at Reading.

And perhaps the most glaring stat - he struck out 49 times in 153 at bats.

That's one punchout in every 3.12 at bats - not quite where Ryan Howard was last year (the Phils slugger's rate was once every 2.65 at bats) but Howard also hit 47 home runs in Philly while Golson his 3 long balls in Reading.

Phillies officials still have faith in the 22-year-old Golson, though. While he obviously needs to cut his Ks down, he's a plus runner and, is already a major-league ready outfielder, according to Phils management.

Read more about Greg Golson's ups and downs in today's edition to our Archive Files.

Also, a recap of yesterday's action on the field in Bradenton.