Kendrick Making His Case

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Kyle Kendrick is on a mission. He's been picking Roy Halladay's brain. Some days, he beats Halladay to the ballpark -- which is usually as early as 5:00 a.m! By his current work ethic, it's easy to tell that Kendrick wants to be the Phillies' fifth starter.

The New York Yankees defeated the Phillies 7-5 on Monday, but the Phillies received an impressive outing from Kendrick, who continues to make his case for the final spot in the rotation. Kendrick tossed three scoreless innings. In the process, he struck out one. He allowed just one hit and did not walk a batter.

On the other hand, Jose Contreras pitch terribly. In 1.2 innings, he surrendered six runs on six hits and three walks. There was a very slight chance that Contreras would be the fifth starter, but it's more realistic for him to fill Chan Ho Park's spot in the bullpen, with Kendrick and Jamie Moyer dishing it out for the fifth slot.

Also in the game, Jimmy Rollins (2-for-4) smashed his second home run of the spring. For the first time this spring, Domonic Brown did not get a hit (0-for-2).

Halladay will start tomorrow against the Braves. Andrew Carpenter, Danys Baez, and Ryan Madson are slated to pitch. Billy Wagner is scheduled to pitch for the Braves.

Sunday's Recap and Injury Updates

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies lost in extra innings to the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-3, however there were some positive notes from Sunday.

First, Brad Lidge said that he will be able to throw to live hitters during batting practice on Wednesday. He could appear in a minor league game on March 15.

Shane Victorino, who is nursing a sore shoulder, will not make the trip to tomorrow’s game at Tampa. However, Charlie Manuel said that there is a chance that Victorino could play on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves.

Now back to the game. Domonic Brown continues to make spring highlights. He went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in. He grounded into a key double play, but since he has seven hits in the last three games, we’ll let it slide — for now. The other run came off the bat of Jimmy Rollins: a solo home run.

J.A Happ pitched 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks. Phillippe Aumont managed to make it through 2.2 innings without surrendering a run, bouncing back from his poor outing against Florida State University. On the other hand, Joe Savery and Yohan Flande each struggled.

Blanton Changes Grip, but Struggles

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies did not win on Saturday. Nor did they lose. After ten innings, the Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates called it a tie, with the game knotted at three.

Joe Blanton made his spring debut, and allowed three first inning runs. In his two innings of work, he surrendered five hits, three for extra bases. Blanton explained that he is working on a new grip for his sinker since he was uncomfortable with the previous grip.

Danys Baez made an impressive Phillies spring debut. He allowed one hit and struck out two in two scoreless innings.

Also, Domonic Brown continues to impress this spring. He went 2-for-3 against the Pirates. On the other hand, Ryan Howard remains hitless. Howard is trying to work on hitting breaking balls, but he has struck out four times in five at-bats.

Hamels & Moyer Have Solid Outings

As seen on Phillies Nation.

In Friday's 14-9 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays, Cole Hamels made his 2010 spring training debut.

Tossing 32 pitches in two innings, Hamels allowed one run (a solo home run), two hits, and walked one. Hamels' fastball topped at 89 mph, but he also showed a cutter and curveball. Hamels was confident in his cutter. In addition, Charlie Manuel acknowledged that Hamels' curveball was good, especially to left-handed hitters.

In a "B" game, Jamie Moyer also made his spring debut. In three shutout innings, he allowed three hits and struck out three. 23 of his 31 pitches were for strikes.

Also on Friday, Tyson Gillies homered and Domonic Brown went 2-for-4. However, pitchers J.C Ramirez, Ryan Vogelsong, and Bill White struggled.

Today's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates is currently being aired on 1210 WPHT.

Aumont Struggles in 13-6 Win

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The Phillies cruised to a 13-6 victory in their exhibition game against Florida State University.

In the process, Phillippe Aumont, the team’s number one pitching prospect, struggled. Aumont, who was acquired in the Cliff Lee trade, surrendered five runs in 2/3 of inning. But let’s not call it a career for him just yet. Aumont admitted feeling pressure from the trade, and said he wanted to make a good first impression. He’s only 21 and it was his very first outing. Heck, Tim Lincecum allowed three runs during an inning of work today.

The Phillies did receive stellar performances from J.A Happ (2 IP, 0 R), Drew Naylor (2 IP, 4 SO), and Joe Savery (1 IP, 2 SO). Domonic Brown also drove in a run.

Spring Rotation: Week One

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Spring training games start Wednesday. Today, the rotation for the first week of pre-season play was released. The starters will throw about 45 pitches, but it is a sign that the regular season is right around the corner.

Wednesday, March 3 vs. Florida State University: J.A Happ, and a younger pitcher to be named later.
Thursday, March 4 vs. New York Yankees: Roy Halladay, Kyle Kendrick and Andrew Carpenter. Game will be televised (tape delay) on Comcast Sportsnet and MLB Network.
Friday, March 5 at Toronto Blue Jays: Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer.
Saturday, March 6 at Pittsburgh Pirates: Joe Blanton

Happ will also pitch on Sunday, Kendrick will pitch on Monday, and Halladay will pitch on Tuesday.

Each pitcher is only going to pitch about two innings, but let the Grapefruit League begin!

Happy Pitcher's and Catcher's Day!

Photo Courtesy: Todd Zolecki

Hear that? It's the popping of a baseball glove! That time of the year is finally here, folks! Pitchers and catchers officially reported today! They also had their first work out today.

The off-season is officially over. From all of us at Phillies Nation, Happy Pitcher's and Catcher's Day!

That's Our Adam

Adam Eaton made his last spring appearance on Thursday in vintage Adam Eaton form. Even if he didn't help his chances, Orioles manager Dave Trembly said it wouldn't be considered a tryout.

Adam Eaton faced the New York Mets, one of the few teams he had success against in the past, and allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks. He pitched five innings and threw 94 pitches. His teammates helped him out when the right fielder made an outstanding catch, leaping the wall and robbing Brian Schnieder of a two-run home run.

In 21 innings, he allowed 17 earned runs on 33 hits and eight walks. His spring ERA is now 7.29.

The Orioles haven't set their rotation so the number five starter is still up in the air. No one else has enough Major League experience as the other contenders are Brian Bass and Danys Baez. Another option could be to send Matt Albers to Triple-A. Either way, the Orioles lack pitching depth. When asked about if Eaton had a definite spot, Trembley replied:

“Let me go in and get a diet soda and … think about it. I’m not going to tell
you that right now.”

Unlike Trembly, Eaton remains confident.

"They haven't told me for sure, but all signs obviously point for making
the rotation," Eaton said. "I wish I would have made the decision a little bit
easier for them, but I know that if the decision is made that I'm on the staff,
they're going to be pleased with [it]."

QUOTE SOURCE: Baltimore Sun

The Last Exhibition

It's hard to believe that 38,000 showed up for an exhibition game. Well, 38,000+ showed up for the Phillies exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Rays as the Phillies prepare for the home opener tomorrow.

A ball tossed by Jimmy Rollins, a hot dog, Coca Cola, wind burn, and an appearance on Phanavision later, the lost Phillies 9-7 to the Rays.

Pat Burrell recieved another standing ovation, and homered off his former teammate Cole Hamels to lead off the game.

“I actually smiled at him as he was running the bases and thought, ‘Oh, that’s
Pat. I’ll let him have one in spring training,’” Hamels said.

Hamels struggles didn't stop there. He allowed a 3 run homerun to Carlos Pena in the same inning. Hamels allowed 6 runs on 6 hits in 5 innings. He struck out seven and walked one.

“I think I was just trying to do too much too soon,” Hamels said. “I really need
to establish my fastball and pitch off that. Going out there with their big guys
in the lineup I was trying to do way too much and make way too many pitches and
I just don’t have the reps yet. I haven’t made enough starts yet. But after
today I’m ready.”

Don't worry about Hamels. Typically a slow starter in spring, Hamels will take his April 10 start to the next level as he typically increases his velocity once the seasons starts. But don't count oh him throwing over 100 pitches. Charlie Manuel will have a close eye on him.

The wind may have helped the Rays off Hamels, but it aslo helped the Phillies at the plate. Raul Ibanez, Greg Dobbs and Jason Donald each hit homeruns. The Phillies had many opportunities to score, but left 7 runners on base.

J.C Romero struggled in his one inning of work allowing 2 earned runs.

QUOTE SOURCE: CSNPhilly.com

Park Wins Rotation Job

Chan Ho Park won the role for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, beating out J.A Happ. Where Happ will pitch in 2009 is yet to be determined. He'll fight for a bullpen spot, and if not, he'll pitch in Triple-A.

Park pitched in 54 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen last season. He went 4-4 with a 3.40 ERA. Park signed with the Phillies because he was given a chance to start. He didn't play on Korea's World Baseball Classic team because he wanted to prove he can be a starter with the Phillies.

During spring training, he was 2-0 with a 2.53 ERA. Happ, who pitched 1.1 innings less than Park, and gave up just one more run, was 0-0 with a 3.15 ERA. Park walked 2 and struck out 25 while Happ walked 6 and struck out 14.

Happ makes his final spring appearance on Thursday. Park makes his 2009 debut on April 12 against the Rockies.

Cutting Down the Roster

With the season starting on Sunday, the Phillies continue to cut down their roster.

The latest cuts:

• Brian Giles was released


• John Mayberry Jr. and Carlos Carrasco were optioned to minor league camp.


• Mike Koplove, Jason Ellison, and Pablo Ozuna remain on the roster, but have been told they did not make the 25-man roster. They will play in the "On Deck Series" exhibition games this weekend.
  
  

Miguel Cairo is the only right handed bat left on the bench. Bobby Mosebach and Gary Majweski continue to contend for a bullpen spot, however the addition of Jack Tashner will make it tougher for them.

With the addition of the lefty, this could opens gates for J.A Happ who had a 3.15 ERA this spring. I'm guessing Chan Ho Park, who had a 2.53 ERA this spring, will move to the bullpen since the Phillies now have at least two lefties in the bullpen.

I'm surprised the Phillies haven't traded Geoff Jenkins or Matt Stairs yet. However, I'm prediction one of these guys will be traded sometime within the next week.

Phils Leave Too Many On

The Phillies left 12 men on base, including 6 in scoring position, in their 3-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox.

Joe Blanton pitched 6.1 solid innings allowing just two earned runs on four hits and one walk. He struck out four. Chad Durbin gave up the only other run, a solo home run by Jacoby Ellsbury.

The Phillies scored their only run when Ryan Howard drew a two out walk with the bases loaded.

Cole Hamels was scheduled to pitch in a minor league game, but due to the rain, he will pitch in tomorrow’s minor league game instead.

Blanton to Take on BoSox

The Phillies will face the Boston Red Sox at Bright House Field. Game time is 1:05 p.m. and it will be televised on MyPHL 17.

Joe Blanton will get the start against Jon Lester. Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin and Scott Eyre are also scheduled to pitch.

The lineup: Rollins (SS)/ Victorino (CF)/ Utley (2B)/ Howard (1B)/ Werth (RF)/ Ibanez (LF)/ Feliz (3B)/ Mayberry (DH)/ Coste (C).

Cole Hamels is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game today.

Phils Pitching Struggles in 10-4 Loss

The Phillies pitching could not hold up in their 10-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In 5.2 innings, Jamie Moyer struck out seven batters, but allowed seven earned runs on eleven hits, including Andrew McCutchen’s solo home run. McCutchen went 5-5 with 2 RBI.

In the eighth inning, Brad Lidge gave up a three run homer to Garrett Jones.

Ian Snell and the rest of the Pirates pitching limited the Phillies offense to just four hits. Ryan Howard hit his eighth home run of the season, a monster solo shot over the batter’s eye in center field. Carlos Ruiz hit a three-run home run off Denny Bautista.

J.A Happ pitched in a minor league spring training game against the Blue Jays in Dunedin.

In 5.1 innings, Happ struck out 4, allowed 5 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks. In the first inning, he allowed three runs, but later retired 13 of 14 batters. The leftfielder coulnd't catch a fly ball to the outfield, and that allowed 2 runs to score.

Blog of Note: Macho Row had a round table discussion with four Phillies bloggers about the upcoming season. I had a chance to answer some questions along with Carson from We Should be GMs. Be sure to check it out!

Moyer To Face Pirates

The Phillies will head to Bradenton, Florida to face the Pittsburgh Pirates for the third time this spring. Game time is 1:05 and it will be aired on MLB Network and Comcast Sportsnet.

Jamie Moyer is the slated starter and J.A. Happ, Scott Eyre, and Brad Lidge are each scheduled to pitch for the Phillies. Ian Snell will be on the hill for the Pirates, who was roughed up in his last spring outing.

Blog of Note: More Hardball needs your help. Not my type, but you can vote for the hottest fans here.

Phillies Rally But Fall Short

The Phillies rallied in the ninth inning, but fell short in their 6-5 loss to the Houston Astros.

Brett Myers pitched 5.1 innings allowing four earned runs on eight hits and a walk, including Miguel Tejada’s solo home run. Myers struck out four.

Ryan Madson pitched 1.2 scoreless innings allowing just two hits. He struck out one. Robert Mosebach allowed two earned runs in one inning.

Jason Werth capped a three run second inning with a solo home run. Shane Victorino was 2-for-4 with a run batted in. Matt Stairs’ solo home run and Eric Bruntlett’s RBI double brought in two runs in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough for the victory.

Phils Lose to Yanks

The Phillies loss to the New York Yankees, 10-2 on Thursday.

Carlos Carrasco was given another opportunity to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation. In five innings, he allowed four earned runs on six hits. Hideki Matsui and Cody Ransom each hit home runs off Carrasco. Carrasco walked one batter and struck out four.

Scott Eyre allowed five earned runs on five hits in one inning of work. Nick Swisher and Melky Cabrera each hit home runs off Eyre.

Chase Utley, who went 2-for-4, and Ryan Howard each hit solo home runs off Joba Chamberlin in the first inning. The Phillies offense only managed six hits.

Don't Count on a Quick Start For Howard

As seen on Philliesnation.com

Edited by Tim Malcom

Ryan Howard arrived to spring training 20 pounds lighter, possibly resulting in a quick start this spring. In 45 at bats, Howard is batting .288 with six home runs, and 16 RBI. He has struck out 14 times and walked 9 times. He has a .387 on-base percentage and .654 slugging percentage.

Last year, Howard was off to a similar start during spring training, batting .319 with four home runs and nine RBI. But once the season started, he cooled.

In April, Howard hit just .168 with five home runs, striking out 37 times. His OBP was a low .298 and slugged only .347. In May, his numbers increased to 10 HR and he batted .238, but he struck out 40 times. He continued struggling through June batting .234 with 10 home runs and 36 strikeouts.

It took him a while, but he was finally able to get his average above the Mendoza line. His fielding also struggled as he committed 19 errors during the regular season. But this season Howard has been working with third base coach Steve Perlozzo, hoping to improve his defense.

When Howard is his best, he hits the ball the opposite way consistently; he didn’t in the first half of 2008. Howard has been hitting the ball the other way this year in spring training, which may be the difference.

If Howard can extend his spring success into the regular season, he’ll be a scarier hitter than he already is. However, since spring stats mean nothing, and we saw what happened last year, we can’t count on a quick start. But is this the year Howard gets the jump in April?

Hamels Updates Progress

Kendrick, Donald, Others Opted to Minor League Camp

It is safe to say Kyle Kendrick officially is out of the race for the 5th starters spot in the rotation. Kendrick was opted to Minor League camp. During spring training, Kendrick was 1-3 with an ERA over 9.

"At first I was upset, but I know what I need to do. I'm going to go down there
and work on my secondary pitches. I'll be back."

Kendrick remains confident that he will be in a big league uniform soon,

"I see myself as a big-league pitcher."

"I didn't show my offspeed stuff early enough. It was a little erratic
at times. It just needs to get better. I know I need to get better and the
things I need to do. I'll go down there with a clear mind and get better and
I'll be back."

Lou Marson and Jason Donald were also opted to minor league camp. With Rollins returning from the World Baseball Classic and the season approaching, Donald was to expect a decrease in playing time. Donald batted .296 during spring training. He made a name for a bench spot, but the Phillies would like him to stay fresh playing every day in Lehigh Valley.

Dave Borkowski, Jake Woods, and Brad Harman were also opted to minor league camp. Although he is expected to start in Triple-A, Carlos Carrasco, however, remains with the big club fighting for the last spot in the rotation.

Note: Curt Schilling also announced his retirement today.

QUOTE SOURCE: The Zo Zone