Jimmy Rollins is eligible to come off the disabled list on Monday.

But don't expect him back in the lineup that night when the Phillies take on the Diamondbacks in Phoenix.

Rollins says his injured left ankle is still bothersome when he runs.

The Phillies would like to send him on a minor league rehab assignment for three or four games before he returns to the team; the fact that one has not been scheduled yet would make it near-impossible for him to be ready on Monday.

"I don’t know if it’s going to be this week or not," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.

Rollins took infield practice before Wednesday's game. But the ankle still bothers him when he runs.

"When I plant coming around second base…I could do drills all day and it doesn’t bother me," Rollins said. "When you’re running full stride and all your weight is coming down and you’re changing directions, that’s another story; once I’m able to do that, I’ll be able to play."

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Shane Victorino was not in the starting lineup again tonight. Manuel said he would "probably" start Thursday when the Phillies face left-hander Randy Wolf.

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The Archive Files

Cole Hamels and the Phillies stop a future Hall of Famer's quest at a milestone.

Victorino is not happy, insists he's still a starter.

Today's lineup?

Werth
Bruntlett
Utley
Howard
Burrell
Jenkins
Feliz
Ruiz
Hamels

Back to the beautiful city of brotherly love... and the lineups haven't been posted just yet for tonight's Phils/Padres game.

Today marks the return of Shane Victorino, who has spent the last two weeks recovering from a strained calf on the disabled list. But Jayson Werth has been a man on fire since Vic hit the DL - he's hitting .283 with five home runs and 9 RBIs in that span.

So can you take him out the lineup? He might be tonight, only because the Phillies are matched up against one of the game's all-time top right-handers, Greg Maddux, and both Victorino and Geoff Jenkins are left-handed while Werth is a righty.

We should find out soon enough who's starting and who's sitting.

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When the Phillies have off-days, I generally do, too. Well, at least in terms of having to be at a ballpark (I do still write for the paper).

But I never got around to updating the blog. My bad.

Here is your updated Archive Files from the last two days:

Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer marvels as former teammate Greg Maddux nears a major milestone.

Former Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal will be back in red pinstripes.

What should Brett Myers do in between starts? Phils pitching coach Rich Dubee has a suggestion.

Phils manager Charlie Manuel admits sitting Jayson Werth might not be the best of ideas.

Alright, so that's not exactly accurate... but the Phillies sure didn't help the Pirates get that most out of the $10 million they owed veteran starter Matt Morris.

Less than 24 hours after the Phillies chased the right-hander with 6 runs in the first 1 2/3 innings of Saturday night's game, Pittsburgh released Morris. He was due to make $10,037,283 - one fifth of the team's payroll - and will be owed a $1 million buyout for 2009.

Ryan Howard buoyed the Phillies offense off Morris with a two-run home run - the first of career against the Pirates - in Saturday night's win.

Morris was 0-4 with a 9.67 ERA this season. The 33-year-old seemed resigned to the fact that this was the right decision for all parties - and sounded like a man who's ready to retire.

"It's been difficult," Morris said. "I could feel it all coming to an end in a hurry. It's not what I planned, but it's best for the organization, best for the team. I've been a burden on the bullpen. It's been hard to deal with mentally."

"I've accepted it," he said. "It was a great segment of my life. I really can't wait to move on and be with my family. It's a sad day, but it's also a joyful day. ... I'm proud of my career. I didn't mean or want for it to end this way. I've always said the other team will let you know when you're done."

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Quick update on Kris Benson, who suffered a groin strain in an extended spring training start Saturday: according to Phillies team trainer Scott Sheridan, Benson was feeling a lot better on Sunday.

His status is currently day-to-day.

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The Archive Files

Has the sleeping giant woken up? Ryan Howard's first inning home run broke him out of a funk and helped the Phillies take their first series in Pittsburgh since 2001.

In the notebook, it's injury news and updates galore.

In the Sunday notes column, Delco native Taylor Buchholz is off to a strong start, a Nationals outfielder cleans cages at the zoo, and more...

In his first start in Clearwater in a month, rehabbing right-handed pitcher Kris Benson left in the third inning with what it believed to be a right groin strain.

The game marked Benson's first since March 13. He was shut down in mid-March with bicep tendinitis.

Benson missed all of the 2007 season while recovering from surgery on his right rotator cuff and elbow.

Phillies athletic trainer Scott Sheridan, who is with the team in Pittsburgh, and thus, not in Clearwater, had not seen the latest medical report (concerning the new injury) before game time Saturday.

Benson signed a minor-league, incentive laden deal with the Phillies in February. The contract had an out-clause, which was re-negotiated in late March and reportedly is now set for mid-May.

Of course this latest setback could change that now, too. But all along both sides have said the pitcher wants to stay in Philadelphia.

But he has to get healthy before they can punch his ticket to Citizens Bank Park.


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More injury news from Clearwater...

Jimmy Rollins, who was placed on the DL Sunday with a left ankle sprain, said he's "much improved" and "getting closer to 100 percent."

Rollins has taken batting practice and fielding work at shortstop in each of the last two days.

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The Archive Files

Without Rollins and Shane Victorino, the Phillies continued to persevere. They won their fifth game in six days Friday night. Chris Coste had three hits to raise his average to .406.

In the notebook, Charlie Manuel's most recent lineup change gives a rookie his first major league start.

Following the success of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, there has been an obvious explosion in new ballparks around baseball.

The Phillies are playing at the most picturesque of those parks this weekend.

Pittsburgh's PNC Park is a peach. The home of the Pirates is right in the heart of the middle of the city, showing just how much a center city-based location can do for the setting of a stadium.

The entire city skyline is on full view from a seat behind homeplate (or, really from anywhere in the park). But from my view here in the pressbox, you can see the entire field, the whole skyline and the giant, canary-yellow (or Pirates yellow?) bridge in between the two, which shuts down before and after games for walking traffic to and from the park and city center.

I've been to quite a few of the newer parks (I haven't been to Detroit or Texas), and this one is tops. Although San Francisco's is pretty nice, too.

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OK, enough gushing over a stadium. How bout them Phillies? Winners of four of their last five, Charlie Manuel's crew has avoided a slow start and may even have a winning April before it's all over.

Although it may be a challenge with the odd lineup tonight:

1. So Taguchi, RF
2. Jayson Werth, CF
3. Chase Utley, 1B
4. Pat Burrell, LF
5. Chris Coste, C
6. Pedro Feliz, 3B
7. Eric Bruntlett, SS
8. Brad Harman, 2B
9. Adam Eaton, P

Then again, as long as Burrell and Utley are in there, they'll probably win. Utley leads all of baseball with 10 home runs and ranks second with a .385 batting average.

And what about Burrell? Well the Phillies left fielder, with 25 RBI, is the only player in baseball with more RBIs than Utley’s 21.

You have to wonder when these two are going to slow down… Then again, with Ryan Howard’s troubles, the timing couldn’t be better.

Howard may rest again tomorrow, although Charlie Manuel said two hours ago he’d wait until tomorrow, and he likes Howard against Pirates right Matt Morris.

Still, the slumping slugger, who struck out twice more yesterday, looks like he needs a mental break for a game or two.

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The Archive Files

Sorry I haven't gotten into the drill of posting from an airport -- I'm still getting accustomed to the travel. Drive down from Milwaukee to Chicago, America's best city, and stayed there before flying to Pittsburgh this morning.

From Denver to Milwaukee to Chicago to Pittsburgh, I'm just trying to remember which time zone I'm in...

Anyway, on to the latest additions to the Archive Files:

In the notebook, Phillies slumping slugger gets a day off - but still Ks twice; Utley beats the shift and two other Phillies erase bad memories.

In the gamer, Tom Gordon and Pat Burrell continued their 2008 revival to lead the Phils to victory in Milwaukee.

A couple of brief, notable items before the Phillies wrap their 36-hour stay in Milwaukee:

-Ryan Howard is out of the lineup today. The slumping slugger is hitting .181. He'll sit out tomorrow, too, when the Phillies face Pirates' lefty Zach Duke.

In his last 10 games, Howard is 5-for-39 (.154) with one home run, three RBIs and 15 strikeouts.

-Jimmy Rollins continues to progress while rehabbing his sprained left ankle. He's scheduled to take batting practice today in Clearwater.

(If he had a fracture, as some internet "news" sources - always trustworthy - have falsely reported, the team wouldn't have their MVP-winning shortstop taking BP).

The easiest activity for baseball media and fans alike is to second guess a manager.

So what would you have done with Cole Hamels Wednesday night?

The All-Star lefty scuffled through the first inning, yielding three runs on four hits.

But in the next six innings, from the second to the seventh, he retired 18 of 21 batters, 10 via strikeouts.

He had 110 pitches entering the eighth inning.

So there was probably no reason to take him out. But what about after he gave up a double to Ryan Braun to begin the eighth?

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel wants Hamels to be able to complete games this year. Hamels also wants to add some CGs to his resume.

Although I would have been awful tempted to lift Hamels in that spot - especially since he gave up a home run to Fielder earlier in the game and the team had J.C. Romero warming in the 'pen - I can't fault Manuel for sticking with his all-star lefty.

If you want to beat the best, you should go with your best - and it's tough to find anyone who doesn't think Hamels is the best pitcher on the Phillies staff.

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The Archive Files

Cole Hamels will eventually complete games this season. But on Wednesday night in Milwaukee, Brewers slugger Prince Fielder prevented that from happening.

In the notebook, the Phillies closer is in mid-season form, a rookie adjusts to his first week in The Show and a homecoming goes well for a former Brewer.

Six months after the Rockies ended the Phillies 2007 season with a three-game sweep in the NLDS, Charlie Manuel's crew earned a bit of redemption with a two-game sweep at Coors Field.

The Phillies won in edge-of-your-couch fashion Tuesday night.

Down to their last at bat, the Phillies pushed across three runs in the ninth off Colorado closer Manny Corpas en route to a 8-6 win at Coors Field.

The hero? Pat Burrell. Yes, the same Pat Burrell who was the bane of Phillies fans' existence 10 months ago.

But since last year's all-star break, Burrell has been all-star worthy. In 95 games since last year's all-star break, he's hitting .309 with 26 home runs and 82 RBIs.

Three of those RBIs came on one, game-winning swing Tuesday night. With the bases loaded and one out, Burrell unloaded on a fastball with a bases-clearing double.

Burrell leads the National League with 22 RBI. One more RBI this month and Burrell will tie Von Hayes' April record with 22, set in 1985.

The quickest addition to the Archive Files: Burrell and the Phils bats come alive late to sweep their way out of Denver.

And in the notebook from Tuesday's day at Coors Field, Jenkins adjusts to the bench, a local kid finds a comfort zone in the Rockies pen and Utley's best man talks about the slugging second baseman's hot streak.

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The Archive Files

On Monday, Carlos Ruiz and the Phillies beat the Rockies - something they couldn't do last October.

In the notebook, Eric Bruntlett gets ready for two more weeks at shortstop.

It seems like yesterday, but it was actually six months ago that Kyle Kendrick was lifted after just 3 2/3 innings in what turned into a 10-5 defeat in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Rockies.

In the Phillies second playoff game since 1993, Kyle Lohse took over for Kendrick and yielded a grand slam to the first batter her faced, Kaz Matsui. That was the beginning of the end to the Phillies 2007 playoff run.

Kendrick, who starts tonight in Denver in the first of a seven-game road trip, is coming off his best start of the season. Against the Houston Astros in Wednesday, he walked one and allowed just two runs on four hits.

After a sluggish, 1-5 start, the Rockies (9-9) have won four of their last five. They've scored double digit runs four times in their last 10 games.

So will the Rockies keep rocking, or will Kendrick show Rockies fans he's better than that abbreviated Game 2 start? We'll find out in a few hours...

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The Archive Files

I enjoyed a day off yesterday and, thus, never got around to posting links. For whatever reason, Saturday's game story never appeared on-line.

Here's Saturday's notebook, which is led with Davey Lopes' return to the dugout.

Also, Philadelphia lost one of its best baseball people when John Marzano died far too young. Flyers guy Anthony San Filippo wrote more about Marzano in today's Daily Times.

Eagles beat writer Bob Grotz handled Sunday's action at the park, which included Jimmy Rollins first-ever trip to the DL and some well-timed home runs from a pair of infielders in the Phils win over the Mets.

Last but not least, Sunday's notes column features Jimmy Rollins' interest in today's Democratic Primary and a look at some future and former Phillies having success.

Twelve days after he sprained his left ankle in New York, Jimmy Rollins was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

The defending National League MVP won't be eligible to return until Monday, May 5 in Arizona.

This is the first time in Rollins 8-year career that he has been placed on the DL. Rollins played in all 162 games last season in leading the Phillies to their first division title in 14 years after proclaiming his team "the team to beat" before the season.

Former major league catcher and Philadelphia native John Marzano died this morning. He was 45 years old.

The cause of his death was not immediately clear.

Marzano has worked as a baseball analyst for MLB.com, while also filling in as a contributor to Comcast SportsNet's Phillies Postgame Live.

Marzano is survived by his wife, Terri, two daughters, Danielle and Dominique, and two grandchildren.

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Jimmy Rollins (sprained left ankle) took infield practice prior to Saturday's game but still said he wasn't ready to return to the starting lineup.

"I felt a whole lot better," Rollins said. "There's still no time frame. I'm sure it's going to be a couple more days."

With two runners on and two outs, Rollins pinch hit for Jamie Moyer in the sixth inning. He grounded out to first base.

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The Archive Files

In the notebook, Billy the Mouth clears up some cluttered words.

In the gamer, Johan Santana's arm and David Wright's bat were the difference.

In sports editor Rob Parent's column, the Mets served notice to the N.L. East - they have a legit ace in their hands.

The two best lefties in baseball? Hard to argue "no."

The two best changeups in baseball? According to accomplished national baseball writer Jayson Stark in his chat today at ESPN.com, "yes."

So who would you take, for one game? How about for the entire season? Or if you were starting a team and could only pick Cole Hamels or Johan Santana?

Santana probably wins in the head to head matchup, given his durability and the two Cy Young Award trophies that are resting on his mantle.

But anyone is is anyone who has seen Hamels pitch knows he has the stuff to match Santana one day. Remember when he struck out 13 in eight shutout innings on the last Friday of the regular season last year to move the Phillies into first place for the first time in 2007?

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. There's a reason Santana has a guaranteed contract that will pay him $137.5 million for the next six years.

But as this season progresses, it's worth watching how they match up. It starts tonight, as the first Hamels-Santana game gets underway.

The dueling aces has been creating buzz all week.

Also in the Archive Files, author/catcher Chris Coste leads a power-packed win over the Astros.

Prior to today's Phillies-Astros series finale, Jimmy Rollins underwent an MRI on his injured left ankle.

The team said the measure was "to make sure it's healing" the way it should be. They continue to say the shortstop has been progressing fine; but in the last two nights, Rollins has hobbled down to first base in pinch hit attempts.

The defending National League MVP has been out of the starting lineup since injuring the ankle April 8. If the MRI results don't turn out as the Phillies expected and he needs to go on the disabled list, Rollins wouldn't be eligible to come back until Thursday, May 1 against San Diego.

UPDATE: Phillies assistant GM Ruben Amaro said Rollins' MRI checked out fine. The team expects Rollins to make an attempt to get back on the field Saturday or Sunday.

The only consistent thing the Phillies have going 15 games into the season? They've stayed away from streaks - both good and bad.

Charlie Manuel's crew hasn't endured more than two losses in a row; but they also haven't won more than two in a row.

What's the main reason for both? Surprisingly, pitching has kept them from a skid. Nine quality starts in 15 games and a team ERA of 3.55 (8th best in baseball) has been a bright spot.

Meanwhile, and similarly surprising, the offense hasn't been great. The Phillies team batting average of .249 is 21st best in baseball. And although they led the National League in runs last year, they rank 10th so far this year.

The defense is another culprit - only the Pirates have made more than the Phillies 16 errors this year.

So you can say the Phillies (7-8) have been wasting good pitching. And if last year is any indication, the pitching might not hold up... so the offense and defense better come around if they want to start a win streak, and stay away from a losing streak, any time soon.

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The Archive Files

I apologize for getting behind yesterday and failing to post links. So here goes:

On Wednesday night, a former Phillies prospect haunts his former teammates.

In the notebook, Jimmy Rollins won't be back until this Saturday at the earliest, along with updates on Steve Kline and Kris Benson.


On Tuesday, late-inning dramatics produced arguable the most exciting win of the season, and you daily dose of notes from the park.

Jimmy Rollins was ruled out again for Tuesday night's game as his left ankle continues to heal - although he could pinch hit, if needed.

After the shortstop took brief infield practice, Charlie Manuel said the ankle was still bothering Rollins when he moved to his left. He's still listed as day-to-day and the Phillies are not thinking of placing him in the 15-day DL, according the Manuel.

Here's tonight's lineup:

1. Jayson Werth
2. Carlos Ruiz
3. Chase Utley
4. Ryan Howard
5. Pat Burrell
6. Geoff Jenkins
7. Pedro Feliz
8. Eric Bruntlett
9. Adam Eaton

It might sound surprising to see a catcher bat second, but Ruiz isn't slow and he does a lot of his hitting to the opposite side (he can move runners), so I think that was a pretty good choice given the options.



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It was handshakes and hugs all over the field four hours before the Phillies and Astros are scheduled to do battle at Citizens Bank Park Tuesday.

Kyle Kendrick shared a hug with Michael Bourn, the former Phillies outfield prospect traded to Houston in November.

Geoff Geary, who also went to Houston in the Bourn-Brad Lidge trade, jogged along familiar ground along the outfield's warning track.

And somewhere, although no one saw it, Tomas Perez was putting together a shaving cream pie.

Yep, Tomas is back.... new Houston general manager (and former Phils GM) Ed Wade found a spot for the versatile, outgoing Perez.

Bourn will probably be the only new Astro/former Phillie who will impact today's game. He leads all of baseball with six stolen bases in six attempts and will likely lead off tonight.

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The Archive Files

Who would have guessed this before the season started -- the Phillies have moved Adam Eaton up in the rotation for tonight's start against the Astros.

Brad Lidge, Kris Benson, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino.

What do they all have in common? It's not even April 15 and all have battled injury issues.

(To be fair, Benson did miss all of last season recovering from shoulder surgery, so his absence has been expected).

Still, injury woes have already crept up. And it's played a role in the Phillies 6-7 start (Lidge on Opening Day or Rollins in any of the last five days could mean the Phillies have an extra win or two).

But Charlie Manuel's crew isn't alone. In Atlanta, Tom Glavine joined the battered Braves list of untimely ailments on Sunday.

The Braves already put their oft-injured closer Rafael Soriano on the DL; Mike Hampton is also, shockingly, hurt again. John Smoltz was pushed back from Opening Day because of an injury.

In New York, All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes apparently has a bum hamstring (did it originate from his game-winning, controversial run Thursday night against the Phillies?)

Among the other walking wounded Mets: Pedro Martinez, reliever Matt Wise, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and, shockingly, veteran outfielder Moises Alou.

The point of detailing everyone's injury lists? The Phillies can't use their own battered bodies as an excuse - their division rivals are experiencing similar woes.

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The Archive Files

I'm not certain if the Phillies lead all of baseball in extra-inning games, but it sure feels that way. At the Bank yesterday, a bad call and some more bad fielding (not to mention bad bunting) prevented the Phillies from sweeping the Cubs.

In the notebook, updates on injuries to Shane Victorino and Jimmy Rollins, the matchups for the Houston Astros series and more...

I was just riding up the elevator to the press box... and although lineups haven't been posted yet, Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas told me Geoff Jenkins is batting leadoff.

I guess they're going for the left-right-left at the top with Jenkins-Werth-Utley.

That's my only explanation.

Then again, no Rollins (sprained ankle, due back Tuesday), no Victorino (put on DL last night).

So, it is what it is.

If you're curious, Jenkins has had four at bats from the leadoff spot in his career. He's 2-for-4 from the top spot in the order.

When asked about moving Chase Utley up to the second spot in the order yesterday (before Victorino was hurt), Phils manager Charlie Manuel didn't seem to thrilled with the idea, explaining that he'd rather have his second baseman in a run-producing spot in the lineup.

So my guess is Manuel feels more comfortable with Jenkins 1st (not 5th/6th) and with Utley 3rd (not 2nd).

I was thinking the order would be something like this:

Werth
Utley
Burrell
Howard
Feliz
Jenkins
Ruiz
Bruntlett
Moyer

instead, here's the lineup:

Jenkins
Werth
Utley
Howard
Burrell
Feliz
Coste
Bruntlett
Moyer

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The Archive Files

On Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park, Cole Hamels tosses a one-hitter in a win, but the victory comes at a price - Victorino is headed to the DL.

In the Sunday notes column, a look Ryan Madson vs. Phillies coaching staff and more...

Shane Victorino has been placed in the disabled list with a right calf injury - the same ailment that cost in 19 days last August.

Victorino suffered the injury while scampering home on a wild pitch in the fifth inning of the Phillies 7-1 win over the Cubs Saturday night.

With Rollins already on the bench to mend, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel will be left looking for another leadoff hitting candidate Sunday.

“I’ll just come to the ballpark and sit down and figure out what I want to do,” said Manuel, who will rest Rollins again today in hopes of giving him Monday’s off day to get ready to rejoin the team against Houston Tuesday night. “It’s hard when you sit there to find guys at the top of the order to put there because of the type of hitters we have.”

The Phillies recalled outfielder Chris Snelling from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Victorino's spot on the 25-man roster.

With some pitchers, it just takes a little bit more time to mature and figure things out.

Gavin Floyd, a former Phillies first round pick, might be doing just that.

The 25-year-old Floyd lost a no-hit bid with one out in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers in the Chicago White Sox 7-0 win. The right-hander is now 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA this season.

Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee said he had "hundreds" of talks with Floyd, since he knew the young pitcher had the stuff to be a top of the rotation starter.

So what was the problem?

"Trust - he always had good enough stuff," Dubee said.

"One of Gavin’s problems is that he listens to anybody. When we got good information from different sources, confusion is bound to happen. I think that's what happened -- him being confused and not trusting his stuff."

So how does a kid who struggles out of the gate in the major leagues overcome that to realize his potential?

"One, he has to have success. I mean, what comes first, confidence or success? You gotta have success first, and that breeds confidence. He never got off to a good enough start. You’re a number one pick, you’re supposed to be a premier starter; that's a heavy load sometimes."

Perhaps Floyd has finally cut 'the load' loose.

"For two years I felt like I was pitching in somebody else's body," said Floyd, the No.4 overall pick by the Phillies in 2001. "And just kind of now, I feel comfortable."

My take: Floyd may still be a very good major league pitcher. Yes, there are just two starts, but I'm always reminded of a guy like Curt Schilling, who didn't really become All-Star Curt Schilling until he was on his fourth major league team.

The Phillies might live to regret trading their top pitching prospect at the time, Gio Gonzalez and Floyd for Freddy Garcia. Even if Garcia wasn't injured, he was a free-agent to be, and thus, a one-year rental.

This is beginning to sound like a broken record, but no Jimmy Rollins in tonight's lineup as he continues to battle back from a sprained left ankle.

Eric Bruntlett is back at short, Shane Victorino is hitting lead-off and Jayson Werth is playing right field and batting in Victorino's customary second slot.

The feeling here, and among many of us beat types, is that Rollins will use the rest of the weekend - and Monday's off day - to get himself as healthy as possible to return Tuesday night against the Astros.

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Sorry for the delay in posting on here -- we obviously had a long night in New York Thursday and then I had a day off to recharge the 'ol batteries Friday.

Could the Phillies reel off their first winning streak this weekend?

Here's the logic - despite allowing three, solo home runs, Brett Myers pitched like a top of the rotation starter for the first time this season Friday night. And, as a result, the Phillies won on a day he started for the first time.

Tonight it's Cole Hamels against the Cubs. The ace lefty has allowed just two earned runs in 15 innings pitched.

So I'm thinking given that start, he pitches well again and the offense scratches out all they would need (two, three runs) and the Phillies win again.

On Sunday, Jamie Moyer can do what he does best - pitches six innings, keeps the team in the game - and the offense wakes up and, bingo, you've got your first, winning streak of more than two games of the season.

Call is a hunch. Call it nonsense.

Hey, I needed to post something since it's been 48 hours; cut a guy a break.

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The Archive Files

On Friday night at the park, Bob Grotz watched the two-headed combo of Brett Myers and Pat Burrell helped the Phillies snap a two-game skid.

On Thursday, a close call at the plate goes New York's way as the Mets take the first series between the two rivals.

Plus, Ryan Madson voices his opinion on when and how he should be used out of the bullpen.

Jimmy Rollins, who sprained his left ankle Tuesday, will miss his second straight game. Eric Bruntlett will play shortstop.

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The Phillies added a left-handed arm Thursday.

Before the series finale with the Mets, the Phillies announced they signed veteran Steve Kline. Kline was released by the Giants in spring training. He'll work out on Clearwater and report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley next week.

While it's incomplete to judge a pitcher based on his performances against one team, here's what we do know about tonight's two pitchers: they own their rival team.

Adam Eaton is undefeated against the Mets; John Maine has never lost to the Phillies.

Something has got to give, right?

Eaton, who got a no decision after allowing three runs in 7 2/3 innings in his first start of the season against the Reds Saturday, is 5-0 with a 2.68 in his career vs. New York (and 4-0 with a 2.81 ERA at Shea Stadium).

Although he was 3-5 with a 7.01 ERA after June last summer, Eaton pitched his best game during that span against the Mets, when he allowed five hits and two runs in 5 2/3 innings of a 4-2 win on August 28.

Meanwhile, Maine is 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA in six starts vs. Philadelphia.

So the math says this game will be decided late, after both starters have left and somebody else can be tagged with the loss, right?

We'll find out in a few hours...

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No word on whether Jimmy Rollins is returning to the lineup tonight.

Shane Victorino, Pat Burrell and Geoff Jenkins were among those on the field for some extra batting practice in the last hour. No sign of Rollins.

When the lineups are posted, I'll try to update on here ASAP.

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The Phillies really missed Rollins last night...

In the Archive Files, Rollins' replacement at shortstop made two of the team's three errors in the Phillies first loss to the Mets since June 30 of last year.

In the notebook, Rollins' streak ends, Madson is ailing and more.

The Phillies were one of the better fielding teams in baseball last year -- only six teams made fewer errors.

So what happened between now and then?

Jimmy Rollins' absence Wednesday night didn't help. His replacement, Eric Bruntlett, made two errors.

But he wasn't alone. Chase Utley misplayed a ball in the first and Carlos Ruiz made an errant throw in a three-error, third inning against the Mets.

Is this becoming a trend?

"I hope not. We’ve talked about it, we can practice, we can do anything we want, but we still have to catch the ball in the game," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "You have to catch the ball in the game. You can catch them in practice all you want to."


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I didn't have internet access in my hotel room and when I arrived at Shea this afternoon, I forgot to update the Archive Files earlier...

Chase Utley plays the role of ball-magnet as the Phillies spoil the final home opener at Shea Stadium.

Rollins injures his ankle, and other game notes from Opening Day in New York.

Although originally penciled in the starting lineup, defending NL MVP Jimmy Rollins was ruled a no-go for Wednesday's game against the Mets.

Rollins, who sprained his left ankle on the base paths in the eighth inning Monday, hasn't missed a game since July of 2006.

Eric Bruntlett will play shortstop and bat second while Shane Victorino moves up a spot to fill Rollins absence in the leadoff spot.

Rollins, who walked without a limp, still believes the injury isn't anything serious and hopes to play in the series finale with the Mets Thursday night.

Unless Rollins comes off the bench to pinch hit tonight - he said it was a possibility - he'll snap a personal 222 game streak. Rollins played in all 162 games last year and hasn't sat out a game since July 30, 2006 when he had a hamstring injury.

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Reliever Ryan Madson, who hasn't pitched in a game since Friday, is unavailable tonight according to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.

Madson admitted there has been some discomfort in his right shoulder, but said before Wednesday night's game that he felt 100 percent. If Madson isn't back on the mound before the weekend, this could be more than a precautionary measure... but it's too early to speculate.

Phillies athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said Madson's ailment is not related to the injury that cost him the last two months of last season.

It's only 5-2 here at Shea (Phillies winning) in the 8th, and Jimmy Rollins has been replaced by Eric Bruntlett.

Rollins has been diagnosed with a left ankle sprain. No word on how long this will keep him out; once again, I'll update when I know.

He apparently hurt it on a pick-off play at second base in the top of the eighth. He stayed in the game and scored in the inning, but was removed when the team took the field in the bottom of the 8th.

After he scored, Rollins was taken back to the clubhouse by Phillies athletic trainer Scott Sheridan.

POSTGAME UPDATE: Jimmy say he's fine. He called himself "day to day" and didn't rule out playing on Wednesday night.

He also didn't appear to have too bad of a limp - he was walking around in street clothes afterward in the tunnel and actually looked fine.

Here's why the Philly media has to miss a guy like Billy Wagner. He'll say anything at anytime; sometimes he sheds honesty, sometimes lunacy.

Here's what he told reporters this weekend in Atlanta regarding the Mets collapse/Phils surge at the end of last summer:

"The collapse didn't come because the Phillies beat us, the collapse came because we played bad," Wagner said. "The Phillies didn't -- I don't know how to say this -- it wasn't like they beat us. A lot of times we beat ourselves, defense or just not doing things [we'd] done all year."

Yo, Billy: the Phillies won the last eight straight games against your team. I think maybe they had something to do with that.

And if you're curious just how the former Phillies closer performed down the stretch, here's the skinny: In the last 14 games, Wagner had a 6.91 ERA, yielding 19 hits, six walks, and 12 runs in 14 1/3 innings.

Opponents hit .317 off Billy Baseball during that stretch.

I can't believe I was complaining about the air conditioning (air conditioning!) a month ago at the Blue Jays press box in Dunedin, Florida.

I was one of the first media types at Shea Stadium this morning, and I should have slept in -- I have to take a break every 20 seconds to warm up my hands so they don't turn numb in mid-type. The press box is open-air (no windows to close).

It's as if we're at Lambeau Field to watch the Bears and Packers, not in New York for Phils-Mets.

But hey, I guess there are worse jobs so I'll quit complaining.

This has become a pretty good rivalry and the game should be fun to watch even if both teams are fighting to stay out of last place than for the top spot in first place right now.

(Both New York and Philly can thank the Washington Nationals, though - since winning their first 3 games of the season, the Nats have dropped five straight and reside in the basement.)

By the way, if you're headed up to Shea this summer, you'll be happy to know the scenic view of the parking lot/highway is no more. Instead, Citi Field (the home of the Mets starting in 2009) appears ready to engulf Shea at any minute.

It's large. But then again, it's New York.

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The Archive Files

With the first meeting between the Phils and Mets on deck, the Phillies were short on fighin' words Monday.

On the field, Pat Burrell launched a pair of home runs and the Phils survived a shaky ninth inning to earn a split with the Reds.

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In case you missed it, a "Phillies only" page made its debut at delcotimes.com yesterday.

So now you'll find it easier to find your daily Phillies news on-line. Just go to delcotimes.com --- where it says "sports" at the top, a drop-down menu comes up with "Phillies" and "high schools."

Obviously, choose "Phillies."

You can access this blog there, too.

After the Phillies wrap a four-game series at Cincy's Great American Ball Park today, it's off to the Big Apple where all us media types are preparing for a cluster of non-daily beat folks to crowd the clubhouses, field and press box for the first meeting between the Phils and Mets of 2008.

Please use the deodorant, people.

Just like Cole Hamels has a comfort zone in Cincy (he's 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA at Great American Ball Park), the Phillies as a team have owned Shea Stadium. Charlie Manuel's club has won six straight at the Mets' home and seven of the last eight.

While everyone surely remembers the thrilling, 11-10 Phils win in the last meeting of the two NL East rivals at Citizens Bank Park (Comcast SportsNet replayed the game a dozen times in the offseson, including on Christmas night), the last regular season game between the Phils and Mets had its own share of dramatics.


At Shea on Sunday, September 16, the Phillies completed a three-game sweep and won their eighth straight game against the Mets thanks in part to a Greg Dobbs' pinch-hit grand slam.

The Phillies jumped out to a 3-0 lead on that day against Oliver Perez, and were up 5-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning. That's when Carlos Beltran breathed some life into the Mets with a game-tying, three-run homer off Adam Eaton. That made it 5-5.

But in the bottom of the inning, five straight Phillies reached before an out was recorded. Dobbs capped the game-changing rally by clearing the bases with a slam off Jorge Sosa (who, oh by the way, served up a slam to the Braves' Kelly Johnson this weekend).

When the inning was over, it was 10-5 Phillies. They held on to win 10-6 and were 3 1/2 games back of the first-place Mets when the game ended.

And we all know how that race ended.

Do the Phillies still own the Mets? Will the Mets show any life?

If the Mets get behind early, will the psychological factor come back into play?

It'll be a battle of lefties - Jamie Moyer vs. Oliver Perez.

But let's get the heck out of Cincy first. Four days is long enough...

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The Archive Files

In the game story, Brett Myers was one of the major leagues top starter in spring training.... but he continued to look like a very different pitcher is his defeat to the Reds Sunday.

In the notes, Shane Victorino continues to struggle, Myers adds his name to Ken Griffey Jr.'s list, and more.

Brett Myers was less-than-effective for the second straight start in 2008.

I believe that means the "Myers should be a closer and we should still have Lohse" campaign started about an hour ago on local radio airwaves back home.

Speaking of closers, Brad Lidge just took the mound in an 8-2 game (Phils aren't winning) in the eighth.

Myers was out-pitched by 24-year-old Red rookie Edinson Volquez, who struck out eight while allowing one run on five hits in five innings. It looks like the Reds have two, top-tier rookie starting pitchers.

(You've surely read about Johnny Cueto. Volquez came over from Texas in the offseason trade that sent Josh Hamilton to the Rangers).

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Mascot Trivia

The Cincinnati mascot Mr. Red (pictured above) is:

a) How former Mets manager Bobby Valentine dressed when he went as Mr. Met for Halloween.

b) Burt Reynolds.

c) Mr. Mets' Italian cousin.

d) an impostor - the real Mr. Red lives in Sarasota and doesn't wear a mustache.

So it's been a somewhat busy 16 hours since we left Great American Ballpark last night.

Wes Helms has been traded. Apparently the Marlins needed a veteran third baseman/first baseman for their kiddie lineup.

Sometime on Saturday (the deal was announced by Phillies officials at 10 p.m. - AKA 'happy hour' for the scribes); The Phils sent Helms and cash for a player to be named later.

So that's that. The Wes Helms era is officially over. Godspeed, Wesley.

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Back in the Phillies clubhouse, the tattooed, mohawk-wearing ace is gearing up for his second start of the season. Brett Myers lasted just five innings on Opening Day.

Afterward, the 27-year-old was honest, saying he pitched "like crap."

Will Myers pitch like an ace today? Three weeks ago today he threw seven strong innings, allowing just two runs on five hits, against these same Reds in Sarasota.

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The Archive Files

The game: The Phils let a 'game of inches' slip by in Cincy.

The notes: The new Durbinator hasn't lacked for work.

The Sunday column: Isn't there at least the chance Lidge won't be that great?

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I'm not sure if I was necessarily a fan of Charton Heston's acting abilities, but he provided some of the best, all-time movie lines. And if nothing else, you have t give the man credit for the delivery - he said it like he meant it.

Heston died yesterday at the age of 84. With that, the return of Sunday's YouTube Clip of the Week.

"How bout them Phightins - .500!"

Those were the words of Charlie Manuel following his post-game chat with the media corps following Friday night's after midnight victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Kyle Kendrick was Kyle Kendrick - not dominant, but crafty enough to escape trouble more than a couple times - and the Phillies offense produced.

Believe it or not, this is the earliest in a season the Phillies have been at or above the .500 mark in five years.

In 2003, they won their first two games before dropping two straight. In each of the following four years, they were marred by slow starts.

This year? The Phillies are .500 now. They have three more in Cincy before heading to New York.

Can they return to Philly above .500?

If they keep hitting, they just might.

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The sun is out in Cincinnati for the first time in the 26 hours I've been here; I guess it's not too terrible.

Tim Lahey won't get to enjoy a sunny day at the park, however. As expected, the Phillies reliever was designated for assignment this morning to make room for Brad Lidge.

Lahey, who was claimed off waivers last week, never got into a game with the Phillies.
Meanwhile, in the latest edition to the Archive Files, Lidge said Friday he's ready to help the Phillies busy bullpen.

On the field, the Phillies' offense helped Kyle Kendrick earn a win, much like they did in 2007.

... it almost makes the Delaware look like something you'd see in Bermuda.

Of course the rain isn't helping Cincinnati look very easy on the eyes, either. We;re in a rain delay. I heard someone in the cafeteria say we could get started at 8 p.m.

I'm not so sure about that...

Anyway, here are tonight's starting lineups from Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati:

Phillies

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



Reds

1. Corey Patterson, CF
2. Jeff Keppinger, SS
3. Ken Griffey Jr., RF
4. Brandon Phillips, 2B
5. Adam Dunn, LF
6. Edwin Encarnacion, 3B
7. Joey Votto, 1B
8. Javier Valentin, C
9. Josh Fogg, P

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The Archive Files

Jimmy Rollins lets his legs do the talking as Phillies avoid a series sweep.

Also, Tom Gordon wasn't perfect, but he did earn some redemption.

Jamie Moyer was hit hard.

Everyone in the infield - except for Ryan Howard, who couldn't catch the ball - was charged with an error.

And that was only after the first four innings! (It's 6-1 Nats in the sixth as I publish this entry.)

If you're a Phillies fan, it may be time to wonder how much Moyer's got left in his 45-year-old left arm. Sure it's one start, but here's a stat that might downright scare you.

From July through September, the last three months of 2007, Moyer was 7-7 with a 5.92 ERA.

So, save for coming up a lot bigger in the final weekend of the regular season, Moyer was about as effective as Adam Eaton. Eaton was 10-10 with a 6.29 ERA last year.

By the way Eaton and Kyle Kendrick, who struggled this spring with a 9.68 ERA, allowing 31 hits allowed in 17 2/3 innings, will make the next two starts.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

If the Phillies fail to win today, it will mark the third straight season the team has been swept in the opening series of the year.

And then we can break out the "slow start" talk, much to the chagrin of the players who scoffed at such a notion on Opening Day.

Meanwhile, Washington is 3-0 and the Mets, who the Phillies will play next week in New York, are 2-1.

Okay, it's waaaay too early to examine the standings, but if the team only has a win or two heading into Shea Stadium Tuesday, that series becomes important if the Phillies want to avoid the "slow start" chatter.

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The lineup

Driving to the park today, I thought there was a possibility So Taguchi or Jayson Werth would spell Shane Victorino (0-for-7 on the young season). But the lineup is a carbon copy of yesterday's except for the catcher.

The oldest player in baseball, 45-year-old Jamie Moyer, takes the mound for his 22nd major league season.

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Shane Victorino, CF
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Pat Burrell, LF
6. Geoff Jenkins, RF
7. Pedro Feliz, 3B
8. Chris Coste, C
9. Jamie Moyer, P

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The Archive Files

Cole Hamels pitched like an all-star but the Phillies bats didn't show up against (gulp) Tim Redding. The home team's offense managed just one hit.

The addition of a new reliever officially marked the end of the Wes Helms era in Philadelphia.

As expected, the Phillies officially announced they have come to a one-year deal with veteran relief pitcher Rudy Seanez. To make room on the 25-man roster, third baseman Wes Helms has been designated for assignment.

The team now has 10 days to either trade or release Helms, who became a man without a position when the Phillies signed free agent Pedro Feliz two months ago.

Helms, who signed a two-year deal as a free agent before the 2007 season, is owed $2.15 million this season with a $750,000 buyout for 2009; if the Phillies release him, the team would eat $2.9 million.

Helms began the 2007 season as the Phillies starting third baseman, but a lack of productivity forced the team to utilize three-headed mix that included versatile Greg Dobbs and sure-handed Abraham Nunez.

Helms hit just .246 with five home runs and 39 RBIs in 112 games in his only season in Philadelphia.

The Wall Street Journal recently published a study grading the top managers in baseball.

Where did Charlie Manuel rank? How about the fourth best manager in all of baseball.

Nice going, Chuck.

(By the way, how about the evolution of the manager has had in this town? Manuel drew one of the bigger ovations on Opening Day.)

This WSJ study was based on the following criteria: "how their teams perform in close games when the manager's strategic decisions have the most impact, how many games their teams win compared to how many runs they score and allow (a formula known as Pythagorean wins) and whether they get more out of players than other managers, measured by additional games won per season."

If you're surprised where Manuel ranked, look how far down you have to scroll to find Jim Leyland.

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The Archive Files

(I apologize for not posting the links yesterday -- they're up now, just scroll down to the first post from April 1).

The Phillies made some news on their first off-day in the schedule Tuesday when word leaked that the team agreed to terms with veteran reliever Rudy Seanez.


But who's the odd man out as the Phillies clear a roster spot for Seanez? The answer: it's likely to be Wes Helms, who's spot was already in jeopardy since the team also has to create a spot for Brad Lidge this weekend.

Before the team's bullpen’s deficiencies were on full display on Opening Day, the Phillies had already come to terms with a veteran reliever.

A source close to the situation confirmed that the Phillies and veteran, journeyman reliever Rudy Seanez have agreed to terms on a contract. Seanez will be activated before Wednesday's game, the source said.

Seanez was cut loose by the Dodgers last week. The well-traveled right-hander has played for seven teams in the last seven years; the Phillies are his ninth team since making his major league debut in 1989.

The 39-year-old Seanez was 6-3 with a 3.79 ERA in 73 games with the Dodgers last year.

If nothing else, the Phillies continue to be entertaining.

Unless Cole Hamels is pitching a complete-game shutout, no lead is safe on either end - the team's offense will either catch up or it's bullpen will give it up.

Both happened on Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park Monday.

After Brett Myers had one of his shaky innings - yes, this was always Brett's issue as a starter: there was also one inning each start where he'd just 'lose it' - Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz and Jimmy Rollins got the runs back.

And then Tom Gordon gave the Nats a bigger cushion.

Yikes.

I'm glad I praised the bullpen in my MLB preview and mentioned 'Brett Myers' and "Cy Young Award talk' in the same sentence, too. Great call, rookie.

By the way, here is Tom Gordon's ERA in the last three outings: 59.40.

Heck, his ERA in the 2008 season is 135.00.

But Gordon, who is pitching with a torn labrum, by the way, has gone through hot and cold stretches before. And he said his health wasn't an issue after the game Monday.

When Brad Lidge returns this weekend - that's still the plan, he said Monday - Gordon will resume his set-up role. Maybe that's where he's better suited.

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The Archive Files

Here is a recap from the mess that was Opening Day for the Phillies pitching staff.

And in the notebook, the Jimmy Rollins shines on offense, struggles on defense in Game 1.