No news is good news on Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge.

Hamels wasn't around during the four hours the media has down on the field and in the clubhouse before today's game. According to Phils pitching coach Rich Dubee, the plan remains to have Hamels try to throw a bullpen session on Friday.

Hamels suffered a mild ankle sprain in the fifth inning of Tuesday's win over the Nationals.

Lidge, who is battling right knee inflammation, will also throw a pen on Friday. Lidge said it will be a big test to see if he's ready to return to action or in possible need of a trip to the DL.

Cole Hamels' elbow appears to be intact. His last two starts, at least from a pitching standpoint, have showed him back in ace-like form.

His left shoulder looked fine, too. A week after getting hit by a Prince Fielder line drive, Hamels used his left shoulder to hold the Nationals to four hits in 4 1/3 shutout innings.

But now it's the ankle.

Hamels sprained his left ankle - the one he pushes off the mound with - while fielding a bunt in the fifth inning of the Phils' 7-1 win over Washington Tuesday night.

The X-rays on the ankle came back negative and Hamels is confident his can make his next start Monday at St. Louis.

"(It's) almost comedy," Hamels said. "The last time I thought I was throwing well and got hit; this time I felt like I was getting in a groove again and it happens. I don’t know what else to do but laugh about it, because it’s not serious. I know I’ll be able to come back out...

"It’s not severe. I’m not planning on missing a start. Obviously I’ll see how it feels in the next couple days, but I think it helps that we have an off-day (on Thursday)."

In case you were wondering, the latest ailment of oft-injured pitcher Cole Hamels is a sprained left ankle.

Hamels was in the middle of a shutout in the fifth inning of Tuesday night's game when he fell awkwardly to the ground while attempting to field a bunt by Washington pitcher John Lannan. Hamels sprained his left ankle - the one he pushes off while pitching - on the play.

After throwing one warm-up pitch to see if he could stay in the game, Hamels angrily flipped the ball in the direction of manager Charlie Manuel and walked off the field.

Hamels, of course, was hit by a line drive in the left shoulder in his last start, Thursday afternoon against the Brewers.

Phils closer Brad Lidge likely won't see any action on the mound for the third straight day. He is suffering from right knee inflammation.

"It's kind of day to day," Phils GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said before Tuesday night's game.

Amaro said they haven't seriously thought about putting Lidge on the disabled list yet to give the bullpen an extra arm (the pen has been working a lot lately), but added "if (Lidge) is out of form, that's something we'll have to consider."

I just got through speaking with Lidge, who hasn't let himself think too much about a possible DL stint, but he also said he sympathized with his overworked comrades in the bullpen.

Read more on what Lidge had to say in Wednesday's Daily Times - or at delcotimes.com/sports

I'm not all the park tonight, but I thought something was up when Ryan Madson closed out tonight's game.

Here's what: Brad Lidge was right knee inflammation. He had an MRI, according to manager Charlie Manuel, and there was no structural damage.

Manuel said Lidge first felt the pain this weekend in Florida. For the time being, Madson, who has pitched pretty well this season, will nail down the ninth for the Phils.



Also of note: Carlos Ruiz (right oblique strain) was scratched in his rehab start tonight in Lehigh Valley. This will likely push back his return to Philadelphia from the disabled list.

J.C. Romero knows he won't get his 50 games back.

The Phillies reliever was suspended in early January for negligence, related to violating Major League Baseball's drug policy after unknowingly taking a supplement that included a banned substance.

Although he won't get his time on the field he dearly misses, he's trying to recoup the estimated $1.3 million in salary he loses with the suspension.

Romero filed a lawsuit today in Camden County, N.J. seeking punitive and compensatory damages against the nutritional supplement manufacturer, alleging an unlisted ingredient in one of its products caused him to test positive for a substance banned by Major League Baseball.


"I purchased an over-the-counter supplement that I was told and believed would not cause me to test positive," Romero said in a statement released by his legal team Monday. "These events have hurt me deeply and placed a cloud over my career, accomplishments and family. It is my hope that I can finally start to put this event behind me and protect the interests of others who rely on manufacturers and retailers to be honest about their products."

Romero was with the Phillies this weekend in Florida, working out with the team during batting practice. His suspension won't be lifted until the Phillies play their 50th game, likely sometime in the first week of June.

Romero is spending the first two months of the season working out at the Phillies spring training and minor league facilities in Clearwater, Fla.

Jimmy Rollins out of the lineup

For the second straight Sunday, Charlie Manuel is resting the struggling shortstop. Rollins has been below the Mendoza line for most of the season.

Eric Bruntlett is starting at short and hitting second. Shane Victorino is leading off.

I understand it's hot and sticky back home. I'm happy to report it's beautiful here in Miami - it's the first time I've been down here that it hasn't been humid.

But I spent the whole day in a hotel room writing a Sunday Notes column, so it kind of defeats the purpose of trying to rub in the near-perfect weather.

But I digress.... it's admittedly tough to focus on baseball with one TV tuned into Flyers-Penguins up here in the press box and another showing the NFL Draft (which apparently begins at 10 p.m., although television coverage began at 5 a.m.).

Is there anything more annoying than 146 hours of pre-draft coverage? Yes, there actually is --- the soon-to-be No.1 overall pick, Matthew Stafford, has agreed to a contract with the Detroit Lions that guarantees him $41.7 million.

Just to put that in perspective: that's $20.2 million more than World Series MVP Cole Hamels got in his recent contract with the Phillies. It's closer to the $54 million former NL Rookie of the Year and MVP Ryan Howard got this winter.

But those guys have accomplished something at the pro level and we awarded by their teams. Stafford won't put a Lions jersey on until today.

He's getting $41.7 million for going 27-7 at the University of Georgia.

Hey, you can mock the insanely-large contracts doled out to Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia and Barry Zito in recent years. But at least those guys had accomplished something in their pro careers.

Who's to say Matthew Stafford isn't another Tim Couch or Matt Leinart?


But baseball might not be immune to super-sized contracts for amateur players... San Diego State's Stephen Strasburg (who throws over 100 mph, by the way) and his agent Scott Boras could be looking for a Stafford-sized deal.

Hamels' next start not in jeopardy

A day after taking a line drive off his left shoulder, Hamels was checked out this morning and he felt okay and his arm looked okay, according to the Phils media relations staff.

Cole Hamels entered Thursday's game with an 11.17 ERA.

After experiencing elbow tightness in the middle of March, Hamels took it slow in spring training and was behind schedule when the season began. It showed in his lack of command in his first two starts.

Hamels, however, looked to be back in ace form against the Brewers. He struck out five of first six batters he faced and retired eight in a row at one point.

But after yielding a two-run home run to Ryan Braun in the fourth, Prince Fielder rocketed a line drive off Hamels' left arm. On the replay, it looked to catch Hamels on the lower left shoulder.

After a brief meeting on the mound, the Phils took Hamels out of the game. J.A. Happ is warming up now to take over.

Obviously, read for more on Hamels' status later.

UPDATE: We just got word on the official injury. Hamels left the game with a left shoulder contusion.

For my money, there's no better promotional giveaway than the bobblehead doll. Whether you're 6 or 66, let's face it - they're funny.

I remember waiting in a line outside Veterans Stadium 8 or 9 years ago on the day the Phils gave away the "Harry and Whitey" bobblehead. Brett Myers actually has the same one sitting in his locker in the Phils' clubhouse.

If you're looking to score a bobblehead this year, there are some good ones, including the first one depicting Brad Lidge in a Phillies uni.

But it doesn't get any better than the one all fans will receive with admission to Tuesday night's game against the Nationals.

The Charlie Manuel bobbleheaed. Genius.

Thursday's lineup

Not much different than Wednesday's, or any day this year, actually.

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Shane Victorino, CF
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Jayson Werth, RF
6. Raul Ibanez, LF
7. Pedro Feliz, 3B
8. Chris Coste, C
9. Cole Hamels, P

They'll face Milwaukee pitcher and Conestoga High grad Dave Bush, who beat them in Game 3 of the NLDS last October.

The Phils have had two games rained out - now they have two games to make up later in the season.

Here are your rescheduled Phillies games:

Padres at Phillies - Thursday, July 23 at 7:05 p.m.

Phillies at Nationals - Saturday, May 16 at 1:05 p.m.

The latter is likely the first of two of a day-night doubleheaders, as the two teams are already on tap for a game at 7:05 that night.

Two of the Phils top pitching prospects took steps into proving they're ready for a promotion sometime in the near future.

Kyle Drabek, the Phils' first-round pick in 2006, was hooked up in a old-fashioned pitcher's duel with Dontrelle Willis Tuesday night on the west coast of Florida and came out on top in Class-A Clearwater's 4-0 win over the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

After Mike Zagurski pitched a scoreless inning to start the game (Zagurski is on the major league DL, on a rehab assignment), Drabek was nearly perfect. He threw 6 2/3 shutout innings.

Drabek, who missed most of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, held Lakeland to four hits while striking out 10 and walking two. Willis (on a rehab assignment while battling an anxiety disorder) allowed four runs on eight hits in seven innings.

Drabek might not be far from making the trip north to join Double-A Reading. In three starts at Clearwater, he's dominated: 3-0, 0.96 ERA, 18 2/3 innings, two runs, 26 strikeouts, five walks and a .159 opponents' batting average.


Meanwhile, at Syracuse, Carlos Carrasco matched Drabek's output in K's in Lehigh Valley's 3-1 loss.

Carrasco struck out 10 while walking one in seven innings. He opened the game with six shutout innings before allowing three in the seventh - two coming on a two-run home run by Syracuse shortstop Seth Bynum.

Carrasco, who lost out on the fifth starter's job in spring training, could be posed to join the Phils sometime this summer. After three starts for the IronPigs, Carrasco is 0-1 with a 2.37 ERA; in 19 innings, he's struck out 20 while walking only one.

Carrasco threw 60 of his 88 pitches for strikes Tuesday night.

The Brewers have been a popular opponent at Citizens Bank Park.

They were here for four games in September (a four-game sweep that help turn around the Phils season); they came back for the first two games of the divisional series in the playoffs (the Phils swept those games, too).

But the Brew Crew has a different look to them.

For one, there's no CC Sabathia. He followed the money train to the Bronx. Ben Sheets is also gone.

They've also had three different managers in each of their last trips to Philadelphia: Ned Yost in September, Dale Sveum in October and Ken Macha in April. That has to be some kind of record.

Yost, of course, was fired after the four-game sweep in September. Sveum, the interim manager, was replaced by former Oakland manager Macha after the season.

What else is interesting about Milwaukee's baseball team?

They've got some cold bats that might be ready to heat up. They've got a threesome of regulars hitting in the .100s.

Shortstop J.J. Hardy, who was on a tear this time last year, is hitting .114 with two home runs. Prince Fielder is hitting .175 with one home run and Jason Kendall is hitting .129.

Ryan Braun, who finished in the top five in NL MVP voting, isn't doing much better. He's hitting .222 with one home run and five RBIs.

Twenty minutes away from the start of this three-game series, here are my thoughts: the Brewers bats are due to break out... and the Phillies starting pitching (7.67 ERA, the worst in baseball) may be just what the doctor ordered for Milwaukee.

For the second time in less than a week, the Phillies have been postponed by rain.

You have to love April in the northeast, huh?

No makeup date has been scheduled as of yet, but Monday, May 11 may make sense - the Padres are off that day, in the middle of the six-game road trip between Houston and Chicago.

They could, theoretically, come to Philly in between Houston and Chicago. The Phillies are off that day, and in the middle of a seven-day, six-game homestand.

OR...

The two teams could play July 23, when the Padres have another off-day before hitting the road for games in Washington and Cincinnati.

Jamie Moyer, Monday night's scheduled starter, will pitch Tuesday.... meaning all of the Phils starters will be moved back a day.

It's obviously been a sad weekend at Citizens Bank Park... and I'm not talking about the losses. We're talkin' Harry, of course.

But Kalas would want everyone to honor him by turning their attention to his favorite pastime - following Phillies baseball.

So as I take in the pregame festivities of the Phillie Phanatic's birthday (weird how it's always on a Sunday), here's some news from CBP: Jimmy Rollins isn't in the starting lineup.

Relax. He was at the ballpark on time.

But he's also hitting .167 after 10 games. Charlie Manuel is giving Rollins a day off; Eric Bruntlett is in the lineup.

Jayson Werth is also on the bench (he's 1-for-12 in the last three games); Matt Stairs is starting in right field.

Here's the lineup:

1. Shane Victorino, CF
2. Eric Bruntlett, SS
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Raul Ibanez, LF
6. Matt Stairs, RF
7. Pedro Feliz, 3B
8. Chris Coste, C
9. Chan Ho Park, P


I also spoke with Ryan Madson briefly before the game.

Madson threw four perfect innings to start the season (no hits, no runs, no walks). In his last two outings, however, he's allowed plenty of hits, walks and runs.

Madson thinks getting back on track will be pretty easy - he checked out video and diagnosed the problem Saturday night. For more, check out tomorrow's Daily Times.


Pictures are still no loading to the blogger system. My apologies - I try to add photos as much as possible to "spice" up the blog.... nothing I can do at the moment to correct that.

I've been at the park for a little more than 90 minutes (it's almost noon) and the procession hasn't stopped.

I heard one person say 4,500 people have already passed through the turnstiles this morning to honor the late, great Harry Kalas. Men, women and children alike are stepping up to Kalas' casket, located just beyond home plate, and touching the ivy-colored final resting place for the beloved broadcaster.

I tried posting photos I've taken with my iPhone in the last 24 hours, but the blog system we use is being temperamental and not letting me post pictures.

The clubhouse is about to open, so not a lot of time to blog today.... (quick turnaround from driving back from DC in the wee hours of the night).

It's quiet here... and while that is probably because there are about a dozen people I can see in the building.

But I'll be curious to see how much louder it will get, even with 45,000+ people here. It's going to be a somber weekend.

There are "Harry Kalas HOF 2002" signatures next to each of the coaching boxes along the base lines. There's also an "HK, 1936 - 2009" sign adorned on the outfield wall in left-center.

The only oddity is the flags - including the American flag - is not a half staff.

The Phillies will try to get another winning streak together against the Padres, but this weekend is about Harry Kalas, one of the most beloved people in franchise history.

The Phillies have sent out the following press released regarding Saturday's tribute to Harry Kalas:

Beginning at 8:00 a.m., on a first come, first served basis, fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects on the field as they pass by Harry’s casket which will be located behind home plate. To accommodate as many fans as possible, the starting time of the memorial tribute program has been moved back to 1:30 p.m.

Fans will pass by the casket until approximately 12:45 p.m. at which time all persons in attendance will be directed to seats. Beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m., current and former players -- some of whom are travelling great distances to be here to pay their final respects -- broadcasters, front office employees, and friends and family members will pay their final respects before the on-field tribute begins at 1:30 p.m.

Fans will be directed to enter Citizens Bank Park through the Third Base Gate at Pattison Avenue and Citizens Bank Way and will be asked to leave the ballpark through the First Base Gate. Although fans are not being asked to bring flowers or other mementos, if they choose to do so such items should be left in the area of the Mike Schmidt statue prior to entry at the Third Base Gate.

Parking will be free. Fans are encouraged to park in the lots on the west side of the ballpark, located on the site of the former Veterans Stadium. Limited concession stands will be open.

Rained out

Wednesday's game has been postponed by rain. It will likely be made up the next time the Phils come to DC.

If you grew up in Philly, or are aware of the history of the city's baseball team, you know there was no duo quite like Harry and Whitey.


The Phils will begin honoring late, Hall of Fame announcer Harry Kalas when they return home Friday. There will be a memorial service Saturday (see post below).

Here are the items just sent from the Phillies:

* The television booth in which Harry broadcast since Citizens Bank Park opened in 2004 will be named the Harry Kalas Broadcast Booth, “That ball’s outta here!” A plaque will be hung to officially name the booth. The neighboring radio booth is named the Richie (“Whitey”) Ashburn Broadcast Booth, “This game’s easy, Harry.”

* The ceremonial first ball will be thrown by Harry’s three sons, Todd, Brad and Kane.

* Prior to the National Anthem, to be sung by Harry’s son Kane, there will be a moment of silence.

* All fans will receive an 8”x10” color photograph of Harry.

* Harry’s signature will be displayed on the field during the seven-game homestand beginning on Friday.

* Also for the seven games, a black drape will appear in front of the Phillies radio and TV booths and the Phillies flag in Ashburn Alley will be hung at half-mast.

* A video of Harry’s career will be aired on PhanaVision.

* During the seventh-inning stretch, a video of Harry singing “High Hopes” will be shown on PhanaVision. Fans will be encouraged to join in.

ALSO:

* During the first half-inning of the game televised by Comcast Network Philadelphia (formerly CN8), there will be no announcer commentary.

* Throughout the remainder of the season, a billboard honoring Harry will be displayed on the outfield wall.

* As previously announced, an HK patch will be worn on Phillies uniforms this season.

* Throughout the 2009 season, following every Phillies home run, Harry’s legendary “Outta Here!” home run call will be played over the PA system as the Liberty Bell lights up.

The Phillies will honor late, great broadcasting icon Harry Kalas this weekend at Citizens Bank Park.

Kalas, who died Monday at the age of 73, will be remembered in a memorial tribute Saturday. According to a Phillies press release, fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects on a first come, first serve basis to as many fans possible from 8:00 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

Fans will then be directed to seats for an on-the-field tribute in memory of Kalas at 1 p.m.

The Phillies will also pay tribute to Kalas on Friday, when return home from their road trip to host the San Diego Padres. Beginning tomorrow, the team will honor Kalas with a black, circular “HK” patch that will be worn “in the area of the heart” on their jerseys.

The funeral and burial services for the Hall of Fame announcer will be private and take place next week.

Former Phillies shortstop and manager Larry Bowa spoke to reporters following the Dodgers-Giants game Monday night, regarding the passing of Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas.

Among the questions Bowa was asked was his role in Kalas' famed home-run call. The two were standing behind a batting cage in 1971, the first year Kalas was with the Phillies.

“We happened to be standing at the cage and (Greg) Luzinski hit a ball and Harry was standing (by me) and I was like, ‘That ball, it’s outta here,’” Bowa said. “And (Harry) goes, ‘Yeah, that sounds pretty good.’ And until the day he died, he kept saying he thanked me for that and I said, ‘Harry, I just threw it out there.’"

Bowa hasn't been with the Phillies since September of 2004, when he was fired. But he has never forgotten Philly or the people in the organization, like Kalas.

“Harry is in a class by himself," Bowa said. "He loved baseball so much and gave every ounce of his energy every night... I don’t think anyone can replace Harry. He’s a legend there. I’m still shocked. I can’t believe it."

As I said, I'm not in DC.

I'm tuned into Comcast, who is reporting Harry Kalas died this afternoon after collapsing before today's game in D.C.

I'm speechless, since long before I started covering the Phillies, I was a fan and enjoyed listening to Harry so much.

Phillies Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas collapsed before today's game in Washington and was rushed to a DC-area hospital.

I just flew into Philly from Denver. My colleague, Bob Grotz, is in D.C.

When I find any more information out, I'll let you know.

Eventually, he'll blow a save.

But despite allowing two batters to reach with two outs in the ninth, Lidge got Troy Tulowitzki to ground out to end a 7-5 win.

Lidge has converted 46 straight save opportunities since September of 2007.

A new blog feature we'll try to put up every week - the power rankings.

In case you missed it, here was our preseason rundown.

Here is the updated version, heading into Sunday's games.

30. Cleveland Indians (0-5). The winless Tribe's troubles are highlighted by reigning Cy Young winner Cliff Lee's two lackluster starts.

29. Washington Nationals (0-5). The Phils are heading to D.C. tomorrow, which is a bit of bad timing. The Nats are due for a couple wins, right?

28. Kansas City Royals (2-3). I'm trying to figure out how they're almost at .500 - the Royals have scored eight runs. Eight!

27. Houston Astros (1-4). The 'stros have scored just 16 runs while allowing 33 in five games.

26. Cincinnati Reds (1-3). Joey Votto (.428, 2 HR, 7 RBIs) is a lone bright spot.

25. San Francisco Giants (2-3). Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum pitched just three innings in his first start.

24. Arizona Diamondbacks (2-3). Only the Nationals (37 runs) have given up more runs than the D-backs (35).

23. Tampa Bay Rays (2-3). Pat Burrell is hitting .125 (2-for-16

22. Oakland A's (2-3). Newcomer Matt Holliday is hitting .214 with no home runs and two RBIs.

21. Philadelphia Phillies (2-3). As Charlie Manuel said before Saturday's game, they've been out-played... and the starting pitching's ERA was at 10.61 after one rotation turn.

20. Texas Rangers (3-2). This team simply can't keep out-slugging people. They're pitching leaves a lot to be desired.

19. Milwaukee Brewers (2-3). Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun are hitting in the .230s.

18. Boston Red Sox (3-2). They've scored 18 runs. Their division-rival Blue Jays have racked up 42.

17. Los Angeles Angels (2-3). If any team deserves a pass for a sub-.500 start, it's the Angels who are dealing with issues bigger than baseball.

16. Chicago White Sox (2-3). Solid starting pitching - including, surprisingly, Bartolo Colo, but these guys need to hit.

15. Pittsburgh Pirates (3-2). Maybe they're on their way to their first winning season in 17 years.

14. Detroit Tigers (3-3). Miguel Cabrera (.500-3-10) is crushing the ball, I'm just not sold on their pitching.

13. New York Mets (3-2). Inconsistent Oliver Perez (5 walks, 8 earned runs in his first start) is up to his normal stuff.

12. Los Angeles Dodgers (3-3). These guys are hitting and Manny (.263) hasn't even heated up yet.

11. Colorado Rockies (3-2). Garrett Atkins didn't have a hit before Friday; he's homered in each of the last two games.

10. Minnesota Twins (3-3). They've allowed more runs than they're scored, but will receive a boost with Scott Baker returning to the rotation this week.

9. New York Yankees (3-2). After a rocky debut, CC Sabathia looked like himself Saturday and A.J. Burnett is off to a good start.

8. Baltimore Orioles (4-1). Maybe the surprise of the season's first week. But don't get too excited - Adam Eaton is pitching for them today.

7. Chicago Cubs (3-2). It's April. The Cubs don't collapse until October.

6. Toronto Blue Jays (5-1). Sure they're scoring runs. But their closer, B.J. Ryan, looks lost.

5. San Diego Padres (4-2). I thought this team could lose 100 games. But if Chris Young is healthy, maybe they're not terrible.

4. Seattle Mariners (4-2). I can't see them sticking in the top five for long. Ken Griffey's return hasn't been great - he's hitting .182.

3. Atlanta Braves (4-1). The new-look starting rotation looks pretty good; now they need to keep Chipper healthy.

2. St. Louis Cardinals (4-2). The Cards are quietly plugging along - they may have staying power in the NL with Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter healthy.

1. Florida Marlins (4-1). The Fightin' Fish are playing with confidence and Josh Johnson may be most underrated arm in baseball.

As expected, the Phillies placed catcher Carlos Ruiz on the 15-day disabled list with a right oblique strain.

The team has recalled catching prospect Lou Marson. Marson, who began the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, was already en route to Denver as of yesterday as a precautionary measure.

Chris Coste will likely get his first start of the season tonight.

An important note that was somehow absent from the story in today's paper on Carlos Ruiz's right oblique injury: the Phillies are flying top catching prospect Lou Marson into Denver today as a precautionary measure.

Charlie Manuel didn't sound confident Ruiz would be ready to play in a day or two. If Ruiz has to be placed on the DL (Jayson Werth had the same injury and missed two weeks last May), it could be Marson's opportunity to show whether or not he is major-league ready.


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My cell phone was lighting up this morning regarding Cole Hamels.

Apparently there are conflicting reports on the speed of his fastball yesterday. (One report said "84-86" miles per hour).

Well, being the studious reporter that I am, I wrote down the radar gun reading on several of the key hits that Hamels gave up in the third and fourth innings Friday:

Garrett Atkins' home run: 88 miles per hour
Brad Hawpe's ground rule double (on the very next pitch after Atkins' bomb): 86
Troy Tulowitzki's triple: 78 (changeup)
Ryan Spilborgh's fourth inning double: 87
Todd Helton's RBI single: 85

What's the point? Hamels was anywhere from 85 to 88 for most of the day.

Is this a concern for a guy who hovered between 86-92 in Game 5 of the World Series? Not really.

Hamels hasn't had a lot of work this spring, which is evident in not just his velocity, but his command, too. Harnessing both comes through repetition.

There's also this: Hamels was between 84 and 89 miles per hour April 2, 2008, his first start of last season. (You can look all this great stuff up on mlb.com)

So, quite honestly, he's right where he should be, if you go by the radar gun. He's not where he should be command-wise, which was evident in the pitches left up in the zone launched around Coors Field yesterday.

One last Hamels' point: I can't imagine he's hurt. If there's one thing everyone should know about Cole Hamels by now, it's the fact that he's overly cautious with his left arm; when there's any kind of pain, he errs on the side of caution and doesn't pitch through it.

Carlos Ruiz was replaced with pinch hitter Chris Coste in the top of the 7th inning at Coors Field.

Ruiz has a right oblique strain.

More in tomorrow's Daily Times...

You can choose to disregard the update below if you wish.

Hamels just thew his 30th pitch of the third inning --- he threw 30 pitches total in the first two innings.

Needless to say, the third didn't go so well for the World Series MVP.

Although it took him a little longer than his rotation mates, Hamels was hammered by the opposition, putting the Phillies in an early hole. The Rockies banged out five runs on six hits in the third - and hit for the cycle in the process.

The big blow was Garrett Atkins two-run homer with two outs.

The Phils trail 5-1... and, with 60 pitches and a lack of command, I can't see Hamels going beyond five innings today. But, we shall see...


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If you're still at work and can't follow along in the early innings, here's an update on Cole Hamels' first regular season start.

Through two innings, he's thrown 30 pitches but has struggled with command. Hamels has 16 strikes, 14 balls.

He's walked one batter and allowed one hit - to the first batter he faced, Dexter Fowler.

But there are no runs on the scoreboard (it's 1-0 Phils on a Pedro Feliz sac fly), so it's obviously the best start by any Phillies starting pitcher so far in '09.

I think Hamels is fine health-wise.... I'm only curious to see how far he can go. At his current pace, going beyond the 6th might be tough.

He'll have to be more economical with his pitches. If the stamina is beginning to build - he threw five innings in his last game - Hamels should be able to get to the 7th or 8th inning in his next start, I would imagine.

I apologize for not getting around the blogging yesterday, on the off-day in the Phils schedule.

Two fellow Phils beat writers and myself had an interesting start in Denver. We arrived last night and our cabbie had a flat tire in the first five miles of the trip.


As we sat on the side of the road - a very, very small shoulder - and cars whipped by, I couldn't help thinking of the 90s' movie titled, "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead."

I think the first thing I would do is see is Gabrielle Anwar lives in Denver...

Then I might go 'round on a bar-to-bar tour, asking why most of their sports teams keep stealing high-profile, Philly athletes (Allen Iverson, Brian Dawkins, Peter Forsberg).

So when Chase Utley ends up with the Rox, don't say I didn't warn you...

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Today is obviously a big day for the Phillies since their most indispensable player, Cole Hamels, sees his first action in 2009 after a brief setback last month with elbow tightness.

Plenty of Hamels' reading material in today's paper, from Jack McCaffery and from yours truly.


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I was flipping through the TV channels Wednesday night when I came home from the ballpark, and while on the Angels-A's game, I found myself asking, "Who's the skinny starting pitcher for the Angels?"

It turned out that kid was Nick Adenhart, I name I remembered as being a highly-thought of prospect in the Angels system. Adenhart pitcher a gem Wednesday night, shutting out the A's for six innings.

And then tragedy struck. Adenhart was struck and killed by a drunk driver while driving home from the ballpark.

This is such a terribly sad story. Not to get all preachy, but I hope we can take a couple lessons from this: live every day as if it's your last (as Adenhart did, enjoying his best game as a professional with his dad, who flew in from Maryland, in the stands); don't ever get behind the wheel of a car after you drink - it's Russian Roulette, and the gun isn't just aimed at you, but also at innocent people.

2:36 p.m. - Harry Kalas has thrown the first pitch.

2:39 p.m. - A police escort - four motorcycles - are escorting a Citizens Bank van that has the rings inside onto the field as I type. The van has windows with pulled-down shades.

Very secretive....

This is riveting.

2:43 p.m. - The back door of the van is open. The World Series trophy (!!) is being carried out. And now, four boxes that closely resemble Krisy Kreme donut boxes are following the trophy.

Even though they needed a police motorcade to get into the stadium, the rings are currently in the hands of the ball girls. They have good, trustworthy hands, apparently.

2:45 p.m. - Adam Eaton is seen in the dugout talking with Scott Eyre. No truth to the rumor that the fans within earshot are telling Scott not to talk to the banished starting pitcher.

2:48 p.m. - A video is playing on the big screen, narrated by Harry Kalas, with players talking about the ring. Chase Utley has appeared on the big screen; teenage girls are shrieking in delight. Grown men are falling asleep.

2:50 p.m. - David Montgomery has handed the first World Series ring out. The recipient? Pat Gillick. Charlie Manuel follows the former G.M.

2:51 p.m. - They are showing the ring on the big screen. It's silver, and it's one sharp piece of bling.

2:53 p.m. - Joe Blanton, today's starting pitcher, is the first player to receive a ring. He gave it back, as he has to go warm up for a game. Yes, they have to play a game today, people.

2:55 p.m. - The ring has the Phillies symbol, with the Liberty Bell on one side and the World Series trophy on the other.... with a big, scripted "P" on the top.

2:56 p.m. - Adam Eaton has been introduced.

2:56:02 p.m. - Eaton has been roundly booed.

2:56:30 p.m. - In a good timing move, Matt Stairs is announced after Eaton.

2:58 p.m. - Lidge announced; gets the biggest applause yet.

3:00 p.m. - They're capping the intros by announcing the lineup for Game 5 of the World Series in reverse order.

3:01 p.m. - Pat Burrell gets a bigger ovation than Hamels and Lidge. Weird.

3:03 p.m. - Jimmy Rollins gets the last ring. Everyone is good to go.

Ring wrap up: Jimmy has tried his on. He appears to like it. Eaton recieved the biggest Bronx cheer, Burrell the biggest applause and Gillick was the most emotional.

I just got word that three former Phillies will collect their 2008 World Series rings today at Citizens Bank Park: Pat Burrell, Geoff Jenkins and.... Adam Eaton.

It should be interesting to see what kind of reaction Eaton gets from the Philly crowd. Eaton brok camp with the Orioles and is in Baltimore's rotation.

I feel like I know a little bit about baseball... it's the sport I've played, followed or written about the most for the last 25+ years.

But I guess I learned something new today. Maybe someone else can back this up, because I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.

Here's what I'm talking about -- Jamie Moyer said the following about the home run he gave up to Atlanta's Kelly Johnson on the first pitch of Tuesday night's game:

JM: "The first pitch of the game, he charged it, he squared it up and hit a home run."

Reporter: "What was the pitch?"

JM: "A fastball. It was probably up in the zone. A lot of times you get that professional courtesy, but it’s not assumed. They got a bat in their hands, they’re supposed to swing it."

So here's where I'm confused - a hitter isn't supposed to swing at the first pitch of the game? Really?

I can honestly say I've never heard of this "unwritten rule," or, as Moyer says, professional courtesy."

I understand the idea of a leadoff hitter wanting to see pitches, for his own benefit and the rest of the lineup; but you're not supposed to swing at the first pitch, ever?

If you have heard of this, please chime in.... I'm either a little embarrassed I've never heard of such a thing or I think Moyer is from another era that I haven't read up on.


(On another note, blogger - the system we use to produce this blog - isn't letting me post photos. I apologize... I think it's a lot more reader-friendly to have a blog with pics.)

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

In about 24 hours, fans will be scurrying to Citizens Bank Park for what should be a memorable pregame ceremony - the 2008 World Champs will receive their rings.

J.C. Romero, who wasn't introduced in the pregame festivities Sunday, is allowed to participate. Former Phil Pat Burrell will be on hand, Geoff Jenkins may attend and Kyle Kendrick has been invited over from Lehigh.

The ceremony won't feel quite right, however, if the team is 0-2 this time tomorrow though, will it?

Jamie Moyer will try to prevent that from happening. Moyer, the oldest player in baseball at 46 years young, was the pitcher of record when the Phils clinched the last two divisional crowns. If it was my call, I would have sent him to the mound on Opening Day this year to honor the pitcher who was arguably the most consistent starter for the Phils in '08.

For more on Moyer, read Bob Grotz's story in today's Daily Times. Interesting Moyer fact: He's been pitching in baseball almost longer than tonight's Braves starter, Jair Jurrjens has been alive (Moyer's debut: June 6, 1986; Jurrjens' birthday: Jan. 29, 1986).

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It should be interesting to see if Charlie Manuel keeps his lineup the same (with three lefties bunched in the middle) tonight, following Sunday's loss. Jack McCaffery columnized about the topic in today's paper.

Manuel said it was only "one game, man" so I'm guessing he sticks with the Utley-Howard-Ibanez setup, although I'm not sure why it doesn't make sense to plop Werth or Victorino ahead of Ibanez.

We shall see...

Following the Phils (that has a nice ring to it, huh?) season opening loss, Brett Myers did what he normally does after a bad outing: he was open and honest, he admitted to not executing on key pitches and he placed the blame for the loss on himself.

But he also said repeatedly - maybe four or five times - that he made "three mistakes" and the Braves capitalized.

We at Phollowing the Phillies hate to nitpick, but we counted more than "three" blistering hits by the Braves. "Three" home runs, sure. They were mistakes.

But how about the base hit to Chipper Jones before Brian McCann's two-run, two-out home run in the first inning? If Jones doesn't reach, McCann leads off the second and if he does homer, it's only a solo shot.

Or what about Yunel Escobar's bomb in the top of the third, which was as close to a home run as Pat Burrell's blast in Game 5 of the World Series?

Jones also rifled a double off Myers in the fifth.

Perhaps these weren't "mistakes" and Myers was crediting the hitters for these non-home run bullets. But the fact is Myers was hit - and hit hard - in his third season opening start.

By the way, he's 0-for-3 in those Opening Day starts. I think that means he's out.

Myers is maddening in his inconsistency, which isn't likely to change any time soon. He's 28 years old and he's been in the league since 2002.

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You may have noticed - the game ended with Braves closer Mike Gonzalez, a left-hander, striking out Ryan Howard, a lefty, and Raul Ibanez, another lefty, with two runners and the score at 4-1.

After the game, I asked Charlie Manuel if he'd consider breaking up the left-handers (like possibly moving righty Jayson Werth to fifth, bumping Ibanez to sixth).

Here was Manuel's response:

"We played one game, man... what would you suggest? Basically the guys you see on the field, that’s our lineup. There are some things we can do, we can shuffle some guys around, but more than likely it's going to land where it’s at. Unless we can find a right-handed hitter who goes in between them that gets hot."

All due respect to Charlie, but Jayson Werth did hit .333 with six home runs and six home runs and 15 RBIs in 25 exhibition games coming into Sunday night.

The long, 162-game, six-month journey begins in about nine hours.

Can the Phillies repeat? One game in the beginning if April isn't going to make or break this team, but Opening Day/Night is always an exciting time for baseball fans and teams either way.

With the beginning of the season comes preview stories and predictions. Today, you can get a look at the preseason power rankings (which I may make a weekly feature on the blog) and a story on the guy who isn't starting on the mound tonight, and how history has made him cautious... which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I also had these predictions, which appeared in the paper (I believe), but no on-line.


AL East: Red Sox
AL Central: White Sox
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Tampa Bay

NL East: Philadelphia
NL Central: Cubs
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: St. Louis


AL MVP: Mark Teixeira, NYY
NL MVP: Manny Ramirez, LAD

AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay, TOR
NL Cy Young: Cole Hamels, PHL

AL Rookie of the Year: David Price, RAYS
NL Rookie of the Year: Cameron Maybin, FLA




AL Divisional Series: Red Sox over White Sox; Tampa over Angels
NL Divisional Series: Philadelphia over St. Louis; Cubs over Dodgers

AL Championship Series: Red Sox over Tampa
NL Championship Series: Philadelphia over Cubs

World Series: Red Sox over Philadelphia

I'm not at the park, but just received a text message that infielder Miguel Cairo's contract has been purchased (he had signed a minor league contract in February).

So the Phils have their right-handed bat for the bench they've been trying to find.

After checking out some of the action in the last two days, I couldn't help notice Jason Donald's play - game-winning hit Friday, home run Saturday. You have to love the way this kid kept trying to earn a job up until the last exhibition game.

He might not have made the roster now (the team wants him to get regular at-bats, which will happen at Lehigh), but he's going to be in Philly at some point this summer.

Tampa kind of feels like a second home.

Seven weeks here last spring, a week here last October, eight weeks here this winter.... and we'll be back for interleague play this summer.

But it's not home. Thankfully, we're all headed to our real homes this weekend. Spring training has its advantages (who doesn't want to avoid Philly in February?) but ask anyone - the players, the coaches, the beat writers - it gets old after a few weeks.

The Phils return to Citizens Bank Park tonight. It's an off-day for me, but I actually wouldn't mind going to see the kind of reaction the team gets in its first appearance at the stadium since the parade.

I'll be away from the park until Opening Day(Night). Although we ran a preview section in Thursday's paper, there's plenty more to come for Sunday, including your preseason power rankings, my picks for individual award winners and a pair of feature stories one two of the most important people in the Phillies organization.

In case you missed it, here's a look at the questions still surrounding the team as they prep for the start of 2009 in about 60 hours.

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With a day away from the park again Saturday, I'm looking forward to catching up on the NCAA tournament. Someone told me there's a local team still alive.

T-minus 24 hours before I'm "outta here." (Sorry, Harry Kalas literally just walked by)

Spring training officially ends today. On Sunday, the regular season finally begins.

To satisfy your Phillies' appetite, we've got a nice preview section in today's paper. On the website, you can check out a column from Jack McCaffery, a profile on Charlie Manuel from Bob Grotz and a story on the team's task of repeating from yours truly.

While scouring the internet to check out what others think of the upcoming season, I can't say I was stunned to see Sports Illustrated picking the Mets to win the World Series, bodog.com has the Mets (8/1) better odds than the Phils (15/1) to win it all and Baseball America has the Mets in the World Series.


Everyone loves the Mets in March, hates them in September.

And then today, I read the following from former Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser at ESPN.com:

The Phillies' big problem this year is probably their starting pitching. It could be vulnerable, and it is worth keeping a close eye on. Everyone is worried about Cole Hamels' elbow, and Brett Myers definitely has been exceptional at times but certainly has not been consistent. The Phillies need him to emerge as a real workhorse. He can come through for them, but he also can disappoint at times. He just doesn't project the image of a guy you can really count on to go deep every start.

Call me crazy, but wouldn't one consider the Phillies' rotation more reliable than the Mets' as the season begins?

To be clear, everyone is not worried about Hamels' elbow. I watched him throw a bullpen yesterday, he looked completely fine. He's scheduled to start a week from tomorrow in Colorado.

And wasn't Johan Santana's elbow also an issue this spring?

I agree with Hershiser's take on Myers... but, can't you say the exact same things about Oliver Perez?

I understand the Mets have talent; but, personally, I couldn't pick them to win the division or the NL pennant or the World Series, because, in the last two years, they haven't shown the know-how or ability to come through in the pressurized games of September, let alone October.

But apparently, among media types, I'm in the minority.


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A few weeks back, I posted a photo of Rachel McAdams because, while searching for a photo of Phils third base coach Sam Perlozzo on google images, McAdams popped up among the results.

So, to continue that tradition.... while searching for a Charlie Manuel photo to post on the blog, Bond girl Eva Green was randomly among the results. Odd.



Now I'm quite certain while searching for a photo of Kyle Kendrick next week, I'll find a pic of Kate Beckinsale.

Bobby Mosebach, a hard-throwing right-hander in camp all spring competing for a bullpen spot, is no longer with the Phillies.

The Phils selected Mosebach in the Rule 5 Draft at Major League Baseball's winter meetings in December. Per Rule 5 restrictions, a player selected in that draft must stay on the major league roster of the team that drafted him for the duration of the season.

After determining he wouldn't make the cut for the 25-man roster, the Phils placed Mosebach on waivers. After he cleared, they had to offer him back to the Angels for $25,000.

The Angels took him back. The Phils, who liked Mosebach's arm and would have liked to develop him in the minor leagues, tried to make a trade with the Angels, but were unsuccessful.

Mosebach had a 9.39 ERA in seven games this spring.

For the last few years, the Phillies have awarded a late-Grapefruit League pitching assignment to a minor leaguer.

Last year, Andrew Carpenter, fresh of an 18-win season at Clearwater, dazzled in relief against the New York Yankees at Bright House Field.

This year's recipient of the chance to play with and against the big leaguers?

Kyle Drabek, the team's first round pick in the 2006 draft.

Drabek will start today at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa against the star-studded Yankees lineup.

"Kyle has done a tremendous job getting himself through his rehab, getting himself in much better shape, acting better as a professional," pitching coach Rich Dubee said. "It's a nice little reward for him."

I caught up with Drabek a few weeks back when minor-league camp opened. Here's his story, as he battled back form Tommy John surgery and tries to regain his status as one of the organization's top young arms.