Phils Drop Spring Opener; Other Notes

The Phillies dropped their spring opener to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 8-2. Raul Ibanez made a good impression to his new team driving in the first run of the game. Jamie Moyer finished where he left off pitching two scoreless innings.

Almost a year after he was benched for arriving late, Jimmy Rollins was late again. Veterans typically drive on their own to spring training games. However, Rollins received the wrong directions. He stopped to ask a cop, who directed him to the Pirates minor league field. Teammates gave him a hard time, but there was no benching for Rollins this time, as he notified Maunel.

The Phillies will give Scott Eyre part of his $2 million salary in advance. Eyre is having financial struggles due to a fraud scheme. Eyre, as well as other Major Leaguers Johnny Damon, Xavier Nady, and Carlos Pena, are unable tow withdraw money from their Standford account to pay bills.

Tomorrow, the Phillies play their spring home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. Former Phillie Fabio Castro is expected to pitch against the Phils tomorrow. Highly talented prospect, Carlos Carrasco, is also slated to pitch for the Phillies, as is J.A Happ.