Results tagged ‘ Spring Training ’
Welcome Back, Chad Durbin!
Please excuse the following outburst of unbridled enthusiasm for a move that many may view as not very exciting: The Phillies have signed our old friend Chad Durbin!!!! Whoo hoo!!!! Durbin was a big part of the 2008 World Championship team; he spent the last 2 years with the Indians and the Braves.
Durbin adds much needed depth and maturity to the Phillies bullpen. In his first stint with the Phillies, he was known as the intellectual of the bullpen group. He has a great personality and is extremely fan-friendly, as well. Durbin was one of my personal favorites for those reasons and I am glad he is back!
Durbin, 35, did very well with the Braves last year, pitching in 76 games with a 3.10 ERA. His new contract with the Phillies is for 1 year with an option for a second year.
The Phillies also signed a utility infielder this week to a minor league deal. Yuniesky Betancourt, who turns 31 in a few days, will join the team for Spring Training. He hit .223 with the Royals last year, but was designated for assignment in August when the team manager, Ned Yost, became unhappy with his attitude. “Yuni did a great job for us. But he was a guy that wanted more playing time, and he would get upset when he didn’t,” Yost said.
So add Betancourt to the Phillies list of problem children headed to camp next month. If nothing else, Spring Training looks a lot more entertaining now!
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Photo by Jenn Zambri Photography
Phillies Add More Pitching & Hamels Gets an Unpleasant Surprise
The Phillies have added three right handed pitchers; Juan Cruz, Aaron Cook and Rodrigo Lopez. They have each been asked to attend Spring Training as non-roster invitees on minor league contracts.
You may remember Lopez (photo to the right); he started 5 games for the Phillies in 2009. He spent the last 2 years with the Cubs and in the minors. Lopez, 37, has a career 4.82 ERA in the majors and compiled a 5.28 ERA in the minors last year over 18 games.
Cook and Cruz are both 34 years old. Cook posted a 5.65 ERA in 18 starts with the Red Sox last year and will get $1.625 million if he makes the roster. Cruz was with the Pirates in 2012 and went 1-1 with a 2.78 ERA in 43 games.
The combined age of all three pitchers is 105. Clearly, these signings were not meant to help the team get any younger. These are just more spare parts in case Cole Hamels breaks a finger nail or Roy Halladay’s arm falls off.
Hamels is already having a rough off-season. In October, the star pitcher apparently had a sore shoulder, which the Phillies have since downplayed as being nothing serious.
And more recently, Hamels found out that the Philadelphia school system flat out lied to him in regards to donations he and his wife made to 3 Philly schools that are now slated for closure. They were assured these schools would remain open. The Hamels Foundation is now trying to save those schools so that the playgrounds and library they helped build do not get torn down and turned into apartment complexes or the like.
At least Spring Training is almost here…26 days to go!
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Photo by Jenn Zambri Photography
Too Soon to See Some Offense? Maybe Not…
Yesterday, Phillies beat writer David Murphy declared that is was “CMGPOATOD…Charlie Manuel Gets Pissed Off At The Offense Day.” Apparently, the 4-4 game against the Tigers is what set off the usually good-natured Chuck.
Over the years, it has become painfully obvious that this team is not performing up to par on offense. But it is still Spring Training, so why all the fuss? I guess when you see non-roster invitees out slugging your regulars, even in spring training, this is not a good thing.
Stats matter very little in the spring. However, the large gap in production between certain players can say a lot. Also remember that the hitters are facing sub-par pitching for the most part, as the experienced pitchers are working out the kinks.
When you think of it that way, the lack of offense is a little worrisome. The chart below shows hitting stats for Phillies players with at least 10 at-bats so far this spring. Notice that the top hitters include mostly non-roster invitees…and Hunter Pence.
If Pence, the Phillies starting right fielder, can make the effort, then why can’t the other starters and regulars follow suit? This deviation is probably sending Manuel the message that there is a lack of effort here.
Neither the games nor the stats count, which promotes a more relaxed approach. But isn’t this relaxed period the best time to work on your hitting, rather than in the high pressure situation of a regular season game? And that is exactly why Charlie wants to see more from his team this spring.
Go get em’, Charlie!
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Spring Has Sprung: Phillies 2012 Edition
The start of spring training is always an exciting time. It means a new year, new players and another shot at the World Championship. For me, the day pitcher’s and catcher’s report does not exactly conjure the urge to cheer out loud; it is more a feeling of relief. It is time to exhale…
Because all winter long, I have been holding my breath waiting for spring to arrive and it is finally here! Winter is the worst season for baseball addicts. You can try to distract yourself with the holidays, football, hockey and hoops, but it is just not the same. And there are so many down days and so much time to fill.
Now, like a child on Christmas morning, we all feel the anticipation of the new season upon us. Just as excited must be Roy Halladay, who arrived to spring training in style. This appears to be a 1932 Ford Roadster; the photo was tweeted by Matt Gelb:
As spring training rolls forward, here are a few things to keep your eyes out for:
Who’s on First? – After Achilles surgery, Ryan Howard will be out of the line-up until at least May, probably longer. Will John Mayberry take over? Or, will he start in left and leave 1st base to new Phillies Laynce Nix and Ty Wigginton? My preference is the latter.
What’s on Second? – The “who” here is Chase Utley. The “what” is what shape will he be in after nursing a bum knee throughout the 2011 season.
Juggling of the Bullpen – There are some significant changes to the pen this year starting with new closer Jonathan Papelbon. But that role is set, so what about the rest of the pen? What role will Kyle Kendrick fill? Will Dontrelle Willis be a real contributor? And can Antonio Bastardo and Michael Stutes move past the awful ending to an otherwise solid 2011 season? Add Chad Qualls and a possible return from Jose Contreras and this has the makings of a huge soap opera.
The Infirmary – One of the biggest question marks on an aging team is can they stay healthy? Many players had off-season surgery including Cole Hamels, Placido Polanco, Hunter Pence and, of course, Ryan Howard. Jimmy Rollins has only played around 1/2 of the last two seasons due to injuries. And this year, he has a brand new contract, making his continued health a real priority.
The Contract Situation – Cole Hamels is on board for the year. But unless the Phillies ink a long-term deal with him this spring, they are likely to lose him in free agency next year. The question is, how much of a distraction will this be? Personally, I think the Phillies need to cut a deal now and be done with it.
Luckily, this year fans will have more opportunities to see these dramas play out thanks to expanded TV coverage of spring training. Comcast has published a list of all 14 games that will be aired plus many news and social media events. This is the first time EVER that you can see every Phillies spring training game without travelling to Clearwater.
Of course, I would rather be in Florida. However, this is a great alternative. With the early March games being aired, you can see a lot of young guys and prospects play that without the TV coverage, you normally would not. In prior years, those players were already sent back to the minors by the time games began to air.
Changing the subject to a more personal note, many of you who follow my blog regularly know that I generally post new content frequently. However, this off-season has been a tough one for me. It seems like life keeps tossing me curve balls. I have been quite ill all off-season. Then a short time ago, my cat of 15 years passed away in my arms. I had to have surgery just 6 days after that happened and am still recovering with another surgery on the horizon.
I will live, but it has been a rough go for a while here. So I thank you all for continuing to follow my silly little blog :O) I hope to be back on track with regular postings and some fun photos real soon. And what could be a better cure for that which ails me than baseball?
Thank goodness, Spring Training has sprung!
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Grieving the Phillies 2011 Season – Stage 4: Depression
Has anyone been watching the World Series? I have not been able to. Not because my TV blew up or squirrels chewed through my cable lines, but because it is just too depressing. The 2011 World Series without the Phillies? *SIGH* :O(
The only thing I think about right now is that there are approximately 124 days, 2,996 hours, 179,761 minutes and 10,785,690 seconds left until players report to Spring Training. That means I have ahead of me approximately 124 days, 2,996 hours, 179,761 minutes and 10,785,690 seconds of sheer boredom and misery.
I know, I should really get a grip. Perhaps join a 12-step program? But I simply cannot fathom what those 12-steps might be that would be able to lift me out of this funk.
To make matters worse, there are many impending decisions on the horizon that will greatly impact the future of this Phillies team. There are seven free agents the Phils have to make decisions on: Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Madson, Roy Oswalt, Brad Lidge, Raul Ibanez, Brian Schneider and Ross Gload.
My thoughts are that the options on Lidge and Oswalt’s contracts will not be picked up nor will either player be resigned. Neither lived up to expectations this year and injuries were a huge problem.
Madson’s agent is Scott Boras. That being said, the Phillies will not be able to afford to resign him. Plus, rumor has it that Madson’s wife hates Philadelphia. He is gone.
As for the other four, Gload and Ibanez likely will not be back. This team needs to get younger and healthier. The Phils will probably resign Schneider at a discount as his offensive numbers are exactly that – offensive. And Rollins will hopefully return after some intense negotiations.
And all of that is also depressing. This team we have all come to know and love will be broken apart with holes likely to be filled with some new faces. Change is necessary here, especially after the final results of this season with the team ousted way earlier than expected. But that does not make it less sad :O(
I am currently in the process of peeling myself out of this dark, hopeless abyss where I am blubbering uncontrollably while cowering in a corner. This disappointing season has been difficult to cope with, but we must all make a commitment to try.
Although, if trying includes watching the Rangers and Cardinals, I may pass for now. It is just too demoralizing right now :O(
Stay tuned for Stage 5…
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Player photos by Jenn Zambri Photography
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the MTR Media network*
The Final Decisions Before Opening Day
After a few additions and subtractions, the Phillies Opening Day roster is set.
|
# |
Pitchers |
# |
Infielders |
|
55 |
Danys Baez |
6 |
Ryan Howard |
|
58 |
Antonio Bastardo |
19 |
Michael Martinez |
|
56 |
Joe Blanton |
60 |
Pete Orr |
|
52 |
Jose Contreras |
27 |
Placido Polanco |
|
34 |
Roy Halladay |
11 |
Jimmy Rollins |
|
35 |
Cole Hamels |
21 |
Wilson Valdez |
|
57 |
David Herndon |
# |
Outfielders |
|
38 |
Kyle Kendrick |
10 |
Ben Francisco |
|
33 |
Cliff Lee |
7 |
Ross Gload |
|
46 |
Ryan Madson |
29 |
Raul Ibanez |
|
44 |
Roy Oswalt |
15 |
John Mayberry |
|
16 |
J.C. Romero |
8 |
Shane Victorino |
|
# |
Catchers |
# |
Catchers |
|
51 |
Carlos Ruiz |
23 |
Brian Schneider |
Most notable, Luis Castillo was released yesterday. After showing up two days late for a very short try-out, the odds of him making the team seemed slim. And although he did get on base quite a bit, the players already in camp were just as good and much better defensively.
So Wilson Valdez will start at second base in place of Chase Utley with Michael Martinez (photo), who also made the roster, helping out. Pete Orr, who smashed a triple and showed off his speed on the base path yesterday, also made the roster. Delwyn Young was sent to the minors.
As for the bullpen, the injury to Brad Lidge’s shoulder left a spot open which will be filled by David Herndon who beat out Michael Stutes for the last roster spot. Jose Contreras will close for Lidge, who may be out until May or June.
Yesterday’s final exhibition game was a tad sleepy, but having players wandering around the ballpark was neat. Here is hoping the Phillies make this a new, year-round tradition for the On-Deck series in the future.
Here is the PHOTO ALBUM from the 3/30/11 On-Deck game with the Pirates.
Chase Utley Speaks…Sort Of
A man of little words, Chase Utley has always preferred to do his talking with a bat. But this season, the bat will remain silent as Utley attempts to recover from a potentially long-term injury.
Utley’s chronic knee pain has been found to be the result of patellar tendinitis, bone inflammation and chondromalacia. And that does not just sound scary, it is scary.
Hesitant to speak about the issue, Utley has dodged reporters all through spring training. Luckily, he did not need to depend on the knee to do the dodging.
But when he did finally speak, very little was made any clearer. Utley referred to making “some progress” but still has no time table for a return. And when asked which doctors he had seen, Utley’s response was, “ If I tell you I have to kill you.”
While that dry sense of humor is charming, it brings him no closer to a solution. Surgery seems to risky and may actually do more harm than good. Odds are that Utley will return at some point and likely struggle through the season in some pain.
And so Utley remains a bit mysterious. Incidentally, the word “mysterious” is defined as “Difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify; Having an atmosphere of strangeness or secrecy.” Yup, that about sums it up.
As for the rest of the team, they are on their way back to Philly to play two exhibition games Tuesday and Wednesday before Opening Day on Friday. Questions still linger about the Phillies. Will Luis Castillo make the team? Who will be in the bullpen? And will Jenn absolutely freak out when the full reality of Utley’s absence hits her on Friday? Stay tuned…
Photoshopping by Jenn Zambri Photography
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the MTR Media network*
Lidge To Start Year On DL; Should Fans Be Worried?
With pain in his right shoulder, closer Brad Lidge will start the 2011 season on the disabled list. With Lidge’s long history of injuries, this new issue should be a huge red light to the Phillies that Lidge’s time is close to being over.
Lidge was especially concerned with this new injury saying, “I haven’t had shoulder problems in the past.” Although, Lidge has had surgery on both knees multiple times, elbow surgery, an oblique strain, a strained intercostal muscle and bicep tendinitis, just to name a few.
Still, Lidge entered spring training boasting that he was healthy and felt great. Exactly when that may have changed is hard to tell. Lidge is an eternal optimist so what he says should maybe be taken with a grain of salt.
Here is a little help for those who cannot always decipher what Lidge is talking about.
The Brad Lidge Translator
Lidge Says: I feel great.
Lidge Means: The pain is unbearable!
Lidge Says: I am not concerned.
Lidge Means: I am totally freaking out here!
Lidge Says: No need to panic.
Lidge Means: Red alert, red alert…PANIC!!!
Lidge Says: It is a setback.
Lidge Means: This is the END of my career!
Lidge Says: This is disappointing.
Lidge Means: I am going to crawl into a hole with a vat of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and eat and cry until I vomit.
With Lidge out of the picture, closing duties will fall either to Ryan Madson or Jose Contreras. While it is good to know the Phillies have options, this does create major issues in the bullpen. The Phillies failed to re-sign Chad Durbin, which may come back to haunt them as they now have to rely on less experienced arms in the middle innings.
The Lidge injury is magnified when you think about the loss of Chase Utley, Domonic Brown and questions still lingering about Placido Polanco’s elbow.
So, should Phillies fans be worried? The short answer is, not yet.
The team seems to have back-up for Utley. Luis Castillo finally got a hit today and also walked twice while showing solid defense in the field. Wilson Valdez continues to impress as well.
As for Brown, Ben Francisco is doing well in what may have been Brown’s spot in the outfield. John Mayberry Jr. is also capable and the two may wind up rotating in right field.
Another good sign is that Polanco did play today in the 3-1 victory over the Braves. Polly looked a bit tentative and was sore after the game, but he expects to play again on Sunday. Or perhaps, much like Lidge, I am being a tad too optimistic about all this? I hope not.
Photoshopping by Jenn Zambri Photography
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the MTR Media network*
Oswalt’s Near Miss & Castillo’s Total Miss
Hearts stopped all over Phillies nation today as pitcher Roy Oswalt fell to the ground after appearing to get hit in the head with a line drive. Always cool under pressure, Oswalt adjusted his cap as he lay on the ground awaiting assistance.
Oswalt walked off the field as if nothing happened but was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Both X-Rays and CAT-Scans were negative.
As it turns out, the ball just barely missed a potentially dangerous area and hit just below the right ear, leaving him with a neck contusion. Had Manny Ramirez hit the ball any harder though, it may have been a lot worse.
The good news is that Oswalt’s head is apparently made of bricks.
The really good news is that he should be fine and is expected to make his next scheduled start. Whew!
So while Oswalt had a near miss in the 4-1 loss to the Rays, Luis Castillo had a total miss. In his first appearance as a Phillie, Castillo went 0-4 at the plate while grounding out twice, lining out and hitting a soft pop-up. He also left four men on base.
One can only assume that the strikeout for Castillo will come in tomorrow’s game as he finishes up demonstrating all the different ways to make an out.
Just to recap, Castillo was given a second chance by the Phillies after being tossed out like the trash by the Mets. He then proceeds to show up two days late to camp with lame excuses. When finally put into a game, Castillo showed the Phillies nothing. Basically, he sucked.
There are only seven games to go for Castillo to show he is better than Wilson Valdez, who should get the job in place of Chase Utley as he has earned it. But alas, the charade will go on as games continue.
Then again, at the rate injuries have come this spring for the Phillies, maybe they should just sit all the roster players and let the minor leaguers play the final spring games.
The regulars should be instructed to cover themselves in bubble wrap and avoid all sharp objects or anything moving at rate faster than 0.5 MPH.
Pretty much, contact should be limited only to turtles who have had their claws clipped and jaws muzzled.
Although, that sounds a bit cruel to the turtles so, let’s make it goldfish. Yeah, goldfish are pretty harmless, right? Wait…both turtles and goldfish can carry Salmonella, which can infect humans! Damn it! No one is safe!
And that is your animal science lesson for the day. Now, back to the bubble wrap…
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the MTR Media network*
No Show Castillo
Barely hanging on to his career by the skin of his teeth, former Mets second baseman Luis Castillo failed to report to Clearwater either yesterday or today. The doctor who was to perform his physical this morning had to be sent home and Castillo was also scratched from the line-up of today’s game against the Blue Jays.
In fact, the Phillies have not put him in the line-up for tomorrow’s spring game either, as no one seems to be sure when Castillo may actually show up. With only nine games left to show the Phillies what he is made of, Castillo’s no show seems to indicate a serious lack of motivation.
Castillo has blamed the incident on a miscommunication with his agent and some hotel issue. But it is not like Castillo was in another country or even another state. He has been staying in Miami, Florida which is one hour away by plane and under five hours driving distance.
The real confusion seems to be whether or not Castillo feels like playing baseball any longer. If he is so interested in extending his career, would he not have sprinted to Clearwater as fast as he could? Charlie Manuel agrees and said earlier, “If it was me? I would have been here two days ago.”
The Mets let this guy go for a reason. Perhaps the Phillies are now more aware of exactly why that was.
Other than really not caring, the only other logical reason to think that Castillo was in no rush to get to camp is that maybe he thinks his veteran status will ensure him a spot on the team. But whether it was arrogance, disinterest or just plain stupidity, does it really matter? My thought is if the guy shows no initiative, he should not even be considered.
Manuel said if it were him, he would be two days early. If it were me in Manuel’s place, I would just tell Castillo to stay in Miami and not bother coming at all.
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