This blog wasn't functioning yesterday, so since it was a quiet morning inside the clubhouse today, here's a quick rundown on the busy day that was Saturday in Clearwater:

Chase Utley is getting closer to game ready...

For the second time this week - and the first that wasn't done in stealth-like fashion - Utley took batting practice in the indoor cage at Bright House Field.

Utley, who underwent hip surgery in November, has visions of being ready by Opening Day. Although the original prognosis was the recovery would take 4-6 months, it looks like he could be ready well before Opening Day.

He showed no ill effects in the cage during a session he said lasted about "60 pitches."

Not the most vocal player, Utley was asked how it went afterward.

"It went well," the All-Star second baseman said.

Utley said the session lasted about 60 pitches. Head team athletic trainer Scott Sheridan watched the BP from behind the cage.

Charlie Manuel even peaked in and, afterward, wore the look of a man not the leats bit concerned in his surgically-repaired second baseman.

“He’s close,” Manuel said. “It won’t be long before we can turn him loose in a game.”

---------------------

After throwing his first live batting practice session, J.C. Romero said he'll play for Team Puerto Rico in next month's World Baseball Classic.

"I hope just playing for my country, being able to help the team, that will ... get me back on track, back to basics and forget about all this bull that goes around the game,” Romero said, hoping the WBC gets his mind off the 50-game suspension he'll serve at the start of the Phils' season. “Hopefully when I get back from Puerto Rico I can see things from a different perspective.”

--------------------

Cole Hamels wasn't in camp today (he's due back Monday), but don't be alarmed. According to Phils officials, he is tending to a family matter.

The Phillies, however, said they will take it slow with their ace this spring. Including the postseason, Hamels threw 262 2/3 innings last year - the most of any pitcher in baseball.

"We're going to give him a little extra time. He took extra time off (this winter), and rightfully so," pitching coach Rich Dubee said. "But he's basically on his same track as other spring trainings."