Philadelphia Phillies @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

Phils' late rally not enough vs. Padres

2006-07-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

07/19/2006
SAN DIEGO -- The handful of stragglers through the visitors' clubhouse were understandably quiet after Tuesday's 10-6 loss to San Diego at PETCO Park, barely lifting their heads, let alone making eye contact with each other.
For a few moments, the only audible sound was the season's clock ticking.
"When you see Atlanta winning, and the Mets are well ahead of us," said manager Charlie Manuel, "we can't be losing ground. We can't lose too many more."
The Phillies really can't lose any more if they're to keep their flickering postseason hopes alive. The latest defeat dropped them 13 1/2 behind the Mets. They're six games behind in the more forgiving Wild Card race, though they trail a daunting eight other teams.
"We have to block [the standings] out," Chase Utley said. "Every day is a new day. Every day, we have to find a way to win. When that game is over, win or lose, tomorrow is a new day."
The loss eliminates Philadelphia's chance to win a third straight series and drops its second-half mark to 2-3. At 42-50, the Phillies are in danger of falling to a season-low 10 games below .500.
Ryan Madson's trend of alternating between a good start and a bad start ended in a bad way when the righty had a second straight bad outing. Having followed up a bad start with a good start since rejoining the rotation on June 2, Madson (8-7) was due for a good outing.
He shattered that trend in a big way, allowing seven runs in 5 1/3 innings.
Mike Cameron started the charge for the Padres with a two-run homer in the first, and Mike Piazza added a solo shot in the fourth. Just when it seemed like he settled in, the Padres erupted for four runs in the sixth, chasing Madson.
"Usually, I have an answer for you, but I really don't know," Madson said, clearly frustrated. "In the later innings, I fell out of rhythm."
Adrian Gonzalez still has plenty of rhythm, punching an RBI double in that sixth inning, one of his three hits.
"It was very important," said Gonzalez, of the sixth-inning rally. "It was a one-run game at the time, and I went out there thinking, 'Try to get on base any way possible.' He's a great pitcher, and I just tried to keep fouling pitches off until I got something more comfortable."
Clay Hensley (6-6) went the first six innings and left with a 7-2 lead, then the Padres bullpen nearly evened the score, mimicking the Phillies relievers from the night before -- when they coughed up a three-run lead.
Doug Brocail allowed the first three Phillies to reach. The third hit extended Chase Utley's hitting streak to 20 games and plated two runs.
Alan Embree relieved and surrendered an RBI double to Bobby Abreu, but Cla Meredith rescued the 'pen. The Phillies cut the deficit to one off Scott Linebrink in the eighth and had to be motivated for Trevor Hoffman in the ninth.
"Hell's Bells" never played, though, because the Padres pulled away with a three-run eighth inning off Arthur Rhodes.
"We were right back in that game," Utley said. "We're all frustrated. We're working hard, getting some big hits and making some good pitches. For some reason, we can't get it going. It's a tough loss."
A tough loss in what has become a tough season.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/

Notes: Utley's hitting streak up to 21

2006-07-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

07/19/2006
SAN DIEGO -- The conversation has become repetitive.
The question goes: So, Chase Utley, how's that hitting streak?
"I can't hear you," the Phillies' All-Star second baseman says, with a sly smile. He added a new wrinkle on Wednesday, placing his finger in front of his lips.
Utley's bat has done most of the talking. Starting with a June 23 homer off Boston's Josh Beckett, Utley has bashed his way on base in a career-best 21 games. Through Wednesday, he's batting .411 (37-for-90) during the streak, with 10 doubles, one triple and four homers.
He extended his hitting streak to 21 with a third-inning double off Padres starter Mike Thompson. He is the 17th different Phillie to amass a streak of at least 20 games. His current run is the longest active streak in the Majors and is the third longest overall this season. Atlanta's Edgar Renteria had a 23-game streak earlier this season.
While Utley didn't want to jinx his amazing recent consistency, teammate Jimmy Rollins didn't mind, and the good news is that Rollins knows something about hitting streaks.
"He has a great swing, but that doesn't necessarily translate to long hitting streaks," Rollins said. "He's been doing it so far."
Rollins disputed the notion that Utley has a better chance of reaching that 56-game stratosphere because he's quick and can beat out infield hits. Speed is nice, Rollins said, but it's not everything.
"You're not going to get to 56 games by beating out infield hits all the time," Rollins said. "If you do, I need to talk to you and find out how you did that. They always want to play speed to a factor of a hitting streak, but it's your swing that gets you, not your speed. For the most part, when an infielder gets the ball, you're going to be out at first, regardless of how fast you are."
Rollins said he didn't really think about his streak until it reached 32, because that set a new franchise mark, then again just before the 2006 season. He figures Utley will have a similar experience, but still has to nearly double his current mark.
"If he gets to 37 with a chance to tie or break, then it will really mean something for us," Rollins said. "After that, it's 44. It's hard to pay attention until they start approaching the number of the last guy."
Who would that be?
"In media circles, it will be he's chasing Jimmy Rollins," Rollins said, smiling, then began of thinking of headlines. "Then it will be CHASEing DiMaggio."
Coste-ing: Catcher Chris Coste likely doesn't remember each of the steps during his first career jog around the bases, but he'll always remember the feeling.
"When I crossed home plate, I said to [Padres catcher] Josh Bard, 'I didn't think this was ever going to happen.'"
Coste, 33, might as well have been talking about his Major League run, which is approaching its third month and may be reaching its apex. The right-handed hitter started his career 0-for-12, but is now batting .333 (17-for-51).
Coste has driven in nine runs starting at catcher, adding offense to one of the more dormant offensive positions.
"I'm starting to like Coste more," Manuel said. "I say he's going to play some more. Keep hitting, you might play forever. I've been pleased with how he's caught. I think we'll ride the wave and see where it takes us."
While Coste hopes his offense and defense keeps him in the big leagues longer, he knows the reality of his situation. The Phils might have a decision to make as early as Friday, when Sal Fasano is eligible to come off the disabled list.
"A guy in my shoes, there's not a lot of breathing room for me to stick around," Coste said. "I can't afford to have two bad games in a row. I feel like I have to get two hits a game, and that may not be true, but that's what it feels like."
Does he feel more secure after Wednesday?
"Certainly, but at the same time, I don't know what move they can possibly make, other than me, so ... if I were to get sent down, it wouldn't be as heartbreaking, because I proved at the highest level that I can play and did everything in my power to stay," Coste said. "It would be disappointing, certainly, but it wouldn't be shocking."
Coste was thrilled that Bard was there to see his homer. The two became good friends as Minor Leaguers in 2001 and 2002 in the Indians organization, and the two had a friendly competition going.
"We have a little contest, offense, defense, team win kind of thing," Coste said. "Last time we kind of pushed. We each hit a home run and a double, but we won, so I won."
Coste retrieved the home run ball and said he plans to spread the wealth. He gave the ball from his first hit to his mother, and has this one earmarked for his grandfather.
First time finally: The first time reliever Geoff Geary came to San Diego as a big leaguer, he watched the game from the stands.
To explain, the right-hander had been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre the day before that 2004 trip, so he spent the first game in the seats he left for his family and friends. They watched with him.
When he made the trip to San Diego last season, he survived being optioned, but he didn't pitch in the series. The righty made up for lost time this week, when he appeared in all three games.
"I waited so long to pitch here," Geary said. "My parents said it brought them to tears to finally get a chance to be with their family and friends and watch their hometown son pitch. Then it brought me back to Jack Murphy Stadium [now Qualcomm Stadium] saying, 'One day, I'm going to be out there playing against those guys.' It all came true that [first game of the series]."
Geary, who estimated that he had about 80-100 people during the series, described in great detail his thought process during his first outing, when he gave up two long fly outs. He thought both were home runs, but was delighted to see them land in outfielder Shane Victorino's glove. Geary's emotions were much higher than he thought they'd be, just because of the location.
"It didn't really hit me until I got out on the mound," he said. "Normally, my adrenaline is pretty high, but it was through the roof. I'm 30 years old, been doing this a while, but I still felt a rush.
"There were so many people in the stands that I know, high school coaches. It wasn't like I was nervous or scared to be out there. It was like I'm going to show all you people that I belong here."
Coming up: After eight straight outings without a victory, Cory Lidle, who faces Atlanta's John Smoltz in Friday's 7:05 p.m. ET series opener at Citizens Bank Park, has won each of his previous two starts. In Lidle's last outing in San Francisco, he figured out a way to win despite not having his best stuff.
The Phillies right-hander gave up five runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings, but the Phils battled back to get him the victory. Lidle is 2-0 in two starts against the Braves this season, allowing a combined five earned runs in 12 innings while striking out 12.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/

Amid trade rumors, Abreu lifts Phillies

2006-07-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

07/19/2006
SAN DIEGO -- While the front of Bobby Abreu's uniform still displays the word "Phillies," as opposed to an interlocking NY or one of up to nine other possibilities, this month's most sought after player will keep swinging.
His latest smooth, compact stroke lifted the Phillies to a come-from-behind 5-4 win over the Padres on Wednesday, delivering the Phils from the brink of a three-game sweep at PETCO Park to a .500 West Coast road trip. Adding to the short-term inspiration was that the win came off veteran closer Trevor Hoffman, who had blown only two other games this season.
"He's a tremendous player, and I can see why 10 teams would want him," said manager Charlie Manuel, referring to the rumors surrounding Abreu's trade status. "He's been one of the most consistent players in baseball. Probably all 30 would like to have him."
Or at least those of the 29 other teams who are A) in contention, B) need a right fielder and C) can afford his contract -- though that discussion is for Phillies general manager Pat Gillick to sort out over the next two weeks.
For the moment, the Phillies found a way to win a game that looked grim after Brian Giles' two-out liner in the seventh glanced off the chalk along the left-field line and bounced into foul territory. As pinch-hitter Rob Bowen, who singled to start the inning, raced around to score, the words sweep could be seen forming in the chalk that remained.
Starter Jon Lieber had settled in after allowing a three-run homer to Josh Bard in the first, but fell victim to the double on his season-high 123rd pitch of the 79-degree afternoon.
When Jimmy Rollins' soft liner landed in Khalil Greene's glove, ending an eighth-inning, bases-loaded threat against Pads reliever Scott Linebrink, the formality of Hoffman's save seemed all that remained.
But Hoffman, who had blown a save on Friday night against Atlanta, hit Shane Victorino with the first pitch, and walked Chase Utley on five pitches. The only reason Utley had one strike was because he showed bunt on the first offering.
Abreu fell behind 0-2 before slicing an 84-mph fastball to right-center, scoring both runners -- making him the hero of the game and affording the team a flight home that will seem much shorter.
"A lot shorter," reliever Rheal Cormier said.
"It's good to leave San Diego with a win in the last game," Abreu said. "We're 3-3 on the trip, and battled each game. Our team looks pretty good right now, offensively and defensively. Our pitchers are starting to respond. It's good to go back home, have a day off and rest up for Atlanta."
Abreu's good fortune provided good feelings on what might have been a frustrating afternoon. Lieber left the game trailing, and put his team in a hole after surrendering the three-run homer to Bard. Philadelphia clawed back, thanks to Chris Coste's first career homer in the fourth and his game-tying RBI double in the sixth.
The 33-year-old rookie catcher is hitting .333 (17-for-51), and forcing his way into the lineup.
"If he keeps hitting, he might play forever," Manuel said.
Phils closer Tom Gordon maintained that advantage and recorded his 22nd save with a 1-2-3 ninth, salvaging the game and the series.
"You don't salvage games, you just win them," Rollins said. "It was a good to get a game in and finish a road trip .500. It's just wins and losses. You salvage cars, but not baseball games."
Semantics aside, Gordon said a win in Game 93 was a big lift for a team unsure about which players will be here on Aug. 1.
"We know how important every game is," Gordon said. "You don't want to be one the road for six games and put yourself in the hole. Today was big for us."
Speaking to the larger picture, Gordon stressed Abreu's importance.
"For us, we know we need Bobby in this clubhouse to be a winning ballclub," Gordon said. "But those things are out of our control. We have to continue to play up until that deadline. Trade rumors are trade rumors. They're only rumors until something happens."
Abreu didn't add any grist to the rumor mill, either, smiling and shrugging off all inquiries regarding him or any of the team's veterans.
"I don't want to think about it," said Abreu, who batted .240 on the road trip and made several fine defensive plays. "If you listen, it's going to get into your head. I really don't pay attention."
The broad smile that makes Abreu one of the happiest guys on the team never left his face. He knows he's wanted, and realizes he might wind up somewhere else. He seems willing to listen and agreeable to waiving his no-trade clause, but for now, he will keep his focus on the field.
"You know what? I'm just playing hard, trying to get better every day," Abreu said. "I'm doing everything I can do to help the team win. My offense and my defense. That's me every day. I think people are starting to see that more often because people are talking about me. That's how I play the game.
"I don't known if it's going to happen. Whatever happens, I'm just going to keep playing the game and try to help the team win."
Just like he did on Wednesday.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/

Gordon proving nice guys finish games

2006-07-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

07/20/2006
We've all heard it said often that a baseball team is like a family. Players, coaches and the manager spend as much or more time with each other as they do around their wives and children. That's why it's so important to develop solid relationships in the clubhouse. In his 20-year career, Tom Gordon has been around long enough to know all about both baseball and strong families.
The Phillies closer grew up in the small town of Avon Park, Fla., and his mother and father made sure he learned a value system that would stay with him as an adult.
"Everybody knew each other, really got along together, went to church together and prayed together," Gordon said. "Everybody looked out for each other. We were brought up to recognize all the things that are important to a family."
Because the Gordons didn't have enough money to buy a house, they rented a place with no air conditioning. Despite their limited income, his parents opened their home to two cousins.
Gordon, 38, puts what he learned as a youngster about families staying close into practice as a Major League player.
"It's very important because we are together for so many days," Gordon said. "If we don't become family, we don't play well together. We don't understand each other's lives and what's important to us. It's important for me to know whom I'm around every day, to gain their respect and learn to respect them. If you don't build those relationships and take the time to find out about the guy next to you in the clubhouse, it will definitely be a long season."
Gordon is a quiet presence in the Phillies clubhouse. He commands his teammates' respect with a resume that includes postseason experience with both the Red Sox and Yankees. The playoffs are still a plateau this group of Phillies is still trying to reach.
"He's great, he's kind of a quieter guy," left fielder Pat Burrell said. "He goes about his business but he's always there if you need anything. If you have questions, he's there to answer them. He's been around so long, he's a great leader to have on your team because of what he does on the field and what he brings to the clubhouse."
Phillies reliever Aaron Fultz looks at Gordon as a steady influence in the clubhouse and on the mound.
"You see the way he goes about his business," Fultz said. "He's serious. He doesn't take anything for granted and he works hard. I can talk to Flash and ask him some things, but I really learn more just by watching him go about his business. That's what is so important about Flash. He goes out there and when the bell rings, you know he's going to be there."
As a young man, Gordon had a favorite teacher he could count on. Grace Brown had Gordon as a student for three years as they both made the transition from middle school to high school.
"It seemed like every year I moved up, she went to the next grade along with me," recalled Gordon. "We had the best relationship as student and teacher. She was really a motivator and she helped every one of her kids to be successful."
His teacher remembers Tom as a good kid from a warm and cordial family. Ms. Brown, as Tom still calls her, must also have had a good eye for talent, because she saved some of his schoolwork, thinking that he might actually make good on his promise to one day be a Major League player.
It's no surprise that the teacher says of her former student, "He got along well with everyone."
Gordon says what set Brown apart from his other teachers was the way she motivated her students.
"She not only taught her kids, she looked after them as well."
That might have been the most important lesson Gordon learned from his teacher, because as an adult, he still goes out of his way to look after Brown. When her husband passed away in 1997, Gordon not only flew back home for the funeral, he also provided Brown with what she calls a sizeable check to cover all of her expenses and more.
"Family means everything to him," said Brown.
That goes for his extended family as well. He still buys equipment for the school's baseball team. And every once in a while, Brown says he surprises her and his old baseball coach by flying them to a road game so they can watch him pitch.
It's important for family members to count on each other, and the Phillies know they can count on Gordon in the ninth inning.
He has answered any questions about his age by remaining one of the game's premier closers. Phillies fans know they've put one in the win column when Gordon points his index finger skyward after recording the final out. For a man whose nickname is Flash, ironically there is very little flashy about his game. But for this one moment, a deeply religious man takes the liberty of making a very public display of his faith. It's his way of thanking God for all of his blessings, on the field and off.
"I'm just so grateful because of all I have been able to overcome," Gordon said. "First, I was told I would never be drafted. Later, I was told I would never make it back from Tommy John surgery. I heard so many negative things that I got to the point where I needed something more. I always knew God was there for me, but I didn't know why I was being tested. My belief in God has given me those answers."
Some of his questions about life are still answered only by his faith. Like why people are afflicted with fatal diseases like ALS. Doing his part, as always, Gordon has found a way to help, by lending his name to SAVES4ALS, a program that donates money for the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease by pledging money for every one of his saves.
"It makes you understand that they need us and we need them," Gordon said. "Charity is a sign of a wonderful heart, to find someone who is not worried about themselves, but instead concerned with finding a cause and a cure so no one has to go through a disease like ALS. Me being healthy, I'm humbled by my ability to play the game of baseball."
Gordon also has an appreciation for the extended family of baseball. He talks of those who have paved the way for him, like Jackie Robinson and Tug McGraw, the former Phillies closer whose No. 45 he proudly wears.
"Guys like Tug McGraw have inspired me," Gordon said. "I pay tribute to Tug's plaque in Ashburn Alley. I think it's great that the Phillies have put it there to represent a guy who strived to be one of the best closers in the game. Although I never got a chance to meet Tug, he is a guy who loved the game and helped develop the closer's role in baseball. So there are no greater role models for me than guys like that."
Gordon's setup man Arthur Rhodes says he and Flash keep a close eye on the clubhouse.
"We sit back and just watch," Rhodes said. "Because you can't come over to a new team and just try and be a leader. But Flash leads by example. He does his own thing. We're lucky to have a veteran bullpen. Me as a left-handed setup guy, and Flash as a right-handed closer."
When all is said and done, there is only one place that Gordon doesn't feel confident closing things out. An avid fisherman, Flash knows there is always the big one that gets away. A quiet lake is the one place he can concentrate on his bait -- instead of a game -- on the line.
"When I get a chance to go fishing, I can be free to just think about the things that are important," Gordon said. "If I catch one fish or 50 fish, I still have a great day."
And, on the mound, if things are going well for this good man, he won't let a slugger like Albert Pujols off the hook either.
"You want to stay on him and keep the line tight."
So while Tom Gordon has the confidence and self-assurance of a man who would never go fishing for a compliment, we'll give him one anyway. Nice guys don't finish last -- they finish games.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/

Roberson in battle for final roster spot

2006-04-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

03/21/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Chris Roberson is getting lonelier by the day, and that's just the way he likes it.
The more solitude Roberson enjoys on his side of the Phillies clubhouse -- home of the rookies and non-roster invitees -- the better his chances of making the team. He got a major boost on Monday, when he wasn't among the eight players sent to Minor League camp.
"It was like the grim reaper coming around here," Roberson said. "[Bench coach Gary Varsho] is walking around and hasn't said anything, so I'm all right. I'm trying to lay low. I guess I opened some eyes."
As low as Roberson has laid, his continued presence speaks to what the organization thinks of him. Though Spring Training stats can often be misleading, Roberson is hitting .289 (11-for-37) with two homers and two stolen bases.
Roberson and Chris Coste survived and appear to be competing for what could be the 25th roster spot, barring a trade. Catcher Sal Fasano, infielders Abraham Nunez and Alex onzalez, and outfielder Shane Victorino have secured spots. General manager Pat Gillick continues to search for a fifth outfielder, preferably a veteran, before the season opener.
Another spot would be open if David Bell isn't ready to start the season.
Could Roberson, who has never played above Double-A, but has plenty of winter ball experience, be that guy?
"I call him a late bloomer," said Manuel. "He's has a lot of plusses. He can run and throw, is a switch-hitter and has power."
Manuel quickly offered this caveat, when asked about whether Roberson can handle big-league pitching in a part-time role. While Roberson's skill set might be what the team is seeking -- he can play all three outfield positions, can run, throw and catch and is a switch-hitter with some power -- indications are that he might best be served by playing every day at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
That's because he hasn't played above Double-A and is best served getting regular at-bats.
"Pinch-hitting usually is a veteran's kind of thing," Manuel said. "It doesn't mean a young guy can't do it. Victorino came up last year, but he had played a full season. The longer Roberson sits on the bench, I think the pitching would get ahead of him. If he would get 200, 250 at-bats, maybe he could hold his own, but it's a concern that it would be a setback if he's sitting on the bench. But he's definitely in the loop."
Roberson can see the logic, but he would happily accept a reserve role. At 26, and with the extra seasoning from winter ball, the confident Roberson feels like he can handle the jump.
"I started [playing] pro baseball late, so that's what set me back," he said. "I'm right on that bubble. I've been talking about all offseason for the past two, three years. I'm always a little bit behind, but I tend to catch up. I've always been a late bloomer."
"[So jumping a level] would really help a lot," Roberson said, smiling.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Notes: With Bell out, Nunez mans third

2006-04-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

03/21/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Abraham Nunez has played an awful lot of third base this spring, and he's batted second in most of those starts.
Don't read too much into it, said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.
"I've got a long time before I have to make up my mind," said Manuel, who won't have to make out an Opening Day starting lineup until April 3.
With starting third baseman David Bell working his way back from back injuries in Minor League games -- he went 1-for-5 on Tuesday -- Nunez has spent the bulk of his time at third, while Alex Gonzalez has learned left field and played first base in one of Philadelphia's split-squad game.
Either Nunez or Gonzalez is capable of playing third regularly, and Manuel hasn't decided on a platoon or a starter. He's confident that each will get a fair number of at-bats, whether Bell is ready or not.
In weighing his decision, Manuel acknowledges that he likes what Nunez did batting second and playing third for the Cardinals, while Gonzalez has the edge in Major League experience.
Nunez, 30, had a career year last year for St. Louis, hitting .285 with five homers in 139 games, and he played regularly when Scott Rolen was sidelined for the season. Gonzalez, who turns 33 in April, has started 12 consecutive Opening Days.
"Every time I come in and look at the lineup, I have to be ready to play," Nunez said. "It's early still. There's a lot of time before Opening Day. But I'll be ready [to start] if that's the case."
Gonzalez may have either helped or hurt himself because of his willingness to shift positions. He's made seven starts at third, one in left, two at first and is slated to play shortstop on Wednesday.
Manuel could go with a straight platoon, but it's more likely he'll go with the hot hand.
He did reveal a preference for batting Nunez second, allowing him to utilize Aaron Rowand's power in the seven-hole.
Seeing the light: For the second straight start after his epiphany, Gavin Floyd is quickly returning to the dominating pitcher who was the fourth overall pick in the 2001 First-Year Player Draft.
The 23-year-old fired fastballs and 12-to-6 curves at an unsuspecting Tigers lineup on Tuesday at Bright House Networks Field, and he again looked sharp and confident during five shutout innings.
"If I can string together five good games, then have a mediocre game, then string together five more good games ... or even have 10 good games, [I'd be happy with that,]" Floyd said, with a smile. "It's trusting yourself, and being loose and limber. That's the remedy I went through in the past few days -- being that effortless, fluid the guy I've always been, and things happen for the better."
Floyd's better performance came on Friday against Toronto, and it was followed by a meeting with general manager Pat Gillick, pitching coach Rich Dubee and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre pitching coach Rod Nichols. Floyd thought it was curious that Gillick would attend such a meeting.
The group came up with a plan of attack, but mainly reminded Floyd to stop worrying so much about his mechanics and just throw his assortment of Grade A pitches.
"It's simple," Floyd said. "That's what life is all about, being simple."
Of course, Floyd still has designs on beating out either Ryan Franklin or Ryan Madson for a spot in the starting rotation, but he understands that it's not his call.
"I'd like to be able to help the Major League team, and be part of a winning squad, and hopefully a World [Series] championship, but if [I get sent down], I'll try and dominate and get back up here," Floyd said. "It's out of my hands."
Breaking camp: Despite spending parts of three years in the big leagues, Geoff Geary has another goal in mind this season: Heading north with the Phillies.
Unless he struggles mightily or suffers an injury before camp ends, that's exactly what will happen.
"My personality won't let me be satisfied," he said. "I always feel like I'm fighting for a job. Until I leave here with [the Phillies], I'll fight."
Geary, 29, fought last season, but he began the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was recalled April 24 and was slowed when he fouled a ball off his face. A stint on the disabled list and a shorter return to the Minors didn't stop him fron finishing the year strong.
When the season was over, Geary had compiled a 3.72 ERA in 58 innings and emerged as an effective Major League pitcher. With Manuel looking for a reliable seventh-inning guy to replace Madson, he'd loved for him to be Geary.
"He has the stuff to do the job," Manuel said. "I put him in some big games last year, and he came through it OK. And he's gotten better since the start of last year."
"We've got to watch Arthur [Rhodes, the Phillies' setup man]," he added. "Three days [in a row], maybe two at times, is the most we can send him out there. Geary can go two innings. He can do the job."
Despite being just 5-foot-9, Geary regularly throws in the low to mid 90s. He outpitched probable bullpen mates Julio Santana and lefties Rheal Cormier and Aaron Fultz.
If Geary keeps it up, the seventh inning may be his.
The other game: Chase Utley homered in a 5-2 win over the Pirates in Bradenton, and Victorino added two triples. Utley's homer came off Pittsburgh lefty Zach Duke.
Cory Lidle started the game for Philadelphia, allowing three hits and a walk in five scoreless innings, with five strikeouts.
"Today was real satisfying," Lidle said. "It's the first time I went out and tried to put everything together instead of trying to work on one thing, such as curveballs or offspeed behind in the count or fastball location. I treated today like a real game. I finally threw my [split-fingered fastball]. I had four strikeouts with it."
Injury updates: Left fielder Pat Burrell homered in his return to the lineup after missing two games with a left thigh strain. ... Bell returned to play in a Minor League game at the Carpenter complex. He went 1-for-5 with a double and had no putouts in the field. ... Chris Booker is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut against the Tigers in Lakeland. He had been slowed by the effects of offseason surgery on his left knee.
Philling in: The Phillies have hit at least one home run in each of their 20 Spring Training games. They rank second in the National League, behind Pittsburgh's 33.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Phils win behind Utley's early blast

2006-04-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

03/21/2006
Pirates at the plate: Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson went 3-for-4 with an RBI single in the eighth inning to improve his spring batting average to .400. Third base prospect Jose Bautista, who survived another round of roster cuts Tuesday morning, had a solo home run in the seventh inning. The prodigious blast hit high off of the batter's eye above the 400-foot sign in center field.
Phillies at the plate: Second baseman Chase Utley put the Phillies on the board with a two-run home run to left-center field after two outs in the first inning. Center fielder Shane Victorino and first baseman Alex Gonzalez had two hits apiece for the Phillies.
Pirates on the mound: Zach Duke allowed at least two runners to reach base in four of his five innings on the mound, but he managed to keep the damage to a minimum after the Utley home run in the first. He stranded Philadelphia runners at third base to end the second, third and fifth innings. C.J. Nitkowski tossed two scoreless innings of relief, striking out three.
Phillies on the mound: Starter Cory Lidle blanked Pittsburgh on three hits and a walk while fanning five in five innings. He faced the minimum three batters in four of his five innings. Reliever Chad Fultz limited the Pirates to one run -- on the long Bautista home run -- in two innings.
Grapefruit League records : Pirates 13-8-1; Phillies 14-6.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Five-run first propels Phils to victory

2006-04-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

03/21/2006
Tigers at the plate: Carlos Pena smacked a two-run homer in the eighth inning, and Mike Hessman hit his fourth homer of the spring in the ninth.
Phillies at the plate: Pat Burrell returned to the lineup after missing two games with a strained left thigh and smacked a two-run homer in the second. Ryan Howard contributed a run-scoring single and Danny Sandoval added a two-run double during a five-run first.
Tigers on the mound: Starter Nate Robertson was victimized for seven runs in five innings, though only two runs were earned. Detroit's defense made two first-inning errors. Robertson allowed seven hits and no walks, while striking out five.
Phillies on the mound: Gavin Floyd had his second straight dazzling outing, this time allowing two hits and two walks in five shutout innings, while fanning five. Ricardo Rodriguez, who's competing for a bullpen job, surrendered a two-run homer in the eighth.
Grapefruit League records: Tigers 13-9; Phillies 14-6.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Notes: Franklin feeling it

2006-04-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

03/22/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Ryan Franklin turned in another solid outing on Wednesday, lowering his spring ERA to 3.57.
He allowed two runs, three hits and two walks, with four strikeouts. The two runs came on solo homers to Atlanta Braves outfielders Andruw Jones and Jeff Francoeur.
"I threw all my pitches today," Franklin said. "I threw maybe 10 splits and got good results. I made a mistake on Andruw, a [batting practice] fastball, and he did what he was supposed to do with it."
Franklin's approach was not to show the Braves too much of his arsenal.
"I had the mind-set going in that I didn't want to show them too much how I was going to pitch them during the season," Franklin said.
Record tying: First baseman Ryan Howard smacked his ninth Spring Training homer on Wednesday, tying Dick Allen's club record for spring homers, set in 1964.
Howard must feel locked in, huh?
"Nope. Not right now," he said. "Obviously, I'm getting hits, but as far as playing the way I want to feel, no. I'm a little off-balance right now. I'm trying to get that cleaned up. I have a bit of a long swing. I'll get it all taken care of."
And when will that happen?
"That remains to be seen," the slugger said.
Turning the page: Every baseball marriage typically ends in divorce at some point, and Todd Pratt's case file is no different.
The veteran catcher spoke his mind on Wednesday about his separation from the team, right before the Phillies-Braves game.
Pratt felt there was a lack of direct communication between him and his former ballclub regarding their desire to go their separate ways.
"I was very surprised. I was upset," he said. "That's the way it is. That's fine."
Pratt claimed that he didn't hear from anyone from the organization until Dec. 7, when assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. phoned to say they wouldn't offer salary arbitration, effectively ending his tenure with the team. The 39-year-old played with the Phillies from 1992-94 and from 2001-05. Last year, he hit .251 with seven homers and 23 RBIs in 60 games, including a career-best 49 starts.
"They called me the last day," Pratt said. "That was it. I played the last important game for them [against the Nationals] and I don't even get a phone call? That's fine. There's definitely no hard feelings."
Amaro said he wasn't positive, but believed the team did call Pratt right after the season, but it's important to note that the Phillies had more pressing matters.
First of all, they had no general manager until Nov. 2, then had to focus on keeping, then replacing the now-Met closer Billy Wagner. A backup catcher ranked lower on their offseason to-do list.
Amaro also said the other major factor into his decision was that the team felt it needed a catcher who was probably going to start more games, and Pratt had averaged somewhere between 35 to 45 games over the past four years, plus Pratt was going to turn 39 this year.
"This stuff that happens every year," Amaro said. "We love Pratty. He did a great job for us. We were still in the process of deciding what we wanted to do with our catching and were still processing the guys who were available. We ended up making a decision to not bring him back.
"This has happened for years," Amaro said. "Guys aren't re-signed for whatever reason and are upset. That's part of the game. Obviously Pat had a lot of other things going on and we were still trying to make a decision on which way we wanted to go."
Ultimately, Pratt said the Phillies' decision ended up being a good thing and is happy to be on the Braves.
"I keep [saying] I want to play two more years," he said. "I'm in great shape. As long as I feel good, I feel I'll play well."
Quotable: "I want him to think that, but I don't want him to go." -- manager Charlie Manuel, on Howard thinking about stretching a double into a triple on Wednesday.
Philling in: Closer Tom Gordon threw a scoreless inning Wednesday, with a strikeout, and looked sharp. Third baseman David Bell played in his second Minor League game on Wednesday. He doubled, tripled, walk, struck out twice and grounded out to first.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Howard hits ninth as Phils tie Braves

2006-04-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

03/22/2006
Braves at the plate: Andruw Jones hit his first homer of the spring, a two-out fourth-inning solo shot. Jeff Francoeur's fifth-inning solo blast gave him his third homer in the past four games. Marcus Giles struck out and drew a walk in his first game since March 14.
Phillies at the plate: Ryan Howard continued his power barrage with a three-run sixth-inning homer off Jorge Sosa. It was Howard's ninth Grapefruit League home run. Chris Roberson provided two singles, including one to begin a four-run sixth inning.
Braves on the mound: Kyle Davies allowed four hits in five scoreless innings. Sosa, making his first appearance since returning from the World Baseball Classic, allowed three singles and Howard's homer before recording his second out in the sixth inning.
Phillies on the mound: Ryan Franklin allowed two earned runs and three hits in five innings. Geoff Geary allowed an Adam LaRoche double, but he completed a scoreless sixth inning.
Grapefruit League records: Phillies 14-6-1; Braves 7-13-1.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Notes: Rain spoils Tejeda's outing

2006-04-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

03/23/2006
LAKELAND, Fla. -- A wet towel covered Robinson Tejeda's head while he slowly drifted down the first-base line toward the visitors' clubhouse.
A day in which the right-hander could've impressed the Phillies' decision-makers instead turned into a soggy, short afternoon.
"I don't get mad at that," said Tejeda, half-smiling. "God can do whatever he wants. You can never fight it. If He wants me to throw one pitch or one inning, it's His decision."
Tejeda tossed just one inning before rain drenched Joker Marchant Stadium, halting the game for 44 minutes. That was enough to prevent Tejeda from getting in his full amount of work. He threw roughly 15 pitches instead of the planned 45.
Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, but for a guy with limited chances this spring, it is a big deal.
"I don't have that much opportunity to prepare as I would have thought in the beginning [of the spring]," Tejeda said. "I have to get ready as soon as I can. It's hard to be in this situation."
Tejeda was in the unfortunate situation of having pitched just two innings for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, and he hasn't gotten fully stretched out since. The Phillies shifted scheduled starter Ryan Madson to a Minor League game so they could get a better look at Tejeda.
The right-hander issued a four-pitch walk to Placido Polanco, but erased him on a double play, then got Dmitri Young to bounce out to first.
The rain came after the Phillies batted in the top of the second, and Tejeda was told he was finished when the delay reached 35 minutes.
"The rain got us," said manager Charlie Manuel. "[It lasted] too long to send him back out there. I didn't want to take a chance. He was going to go at least two, maybe three [innings]. It's a bad break, but we have time to get him back out there and get him ready."
Tejeda can only hope.
"I don't know what's going on," he said. "I'm not going to put depression in my mind. ... I have to make the most of the opportunity that they've given to me. That's all I can do."
Booking it: Chris Booker stepped onto a mound for his first Grapefruit League action on Thursday and found it tough to get himself off it.
Booker received quite the workout in pitching the third inning in Philadelphia's 8-7 loss. The adventure started with a four-pitch walk to Curtis Granderson, then he allowed a double to Vance Wilson and an opposite-field single to Polanco.
Two strikeouts followed, giving Booker his peak, then a hit batter, walk, and two-run single sent him to the valley. His outing ended with a fly to center field.
"I did everything," Booker said. "I gave up two singles, a double, hit a guy, walked a guy and struck out a guy. The only thing I didn't do was give up a home run."
Still, Booker is pitching again and trying to show the Phillies that he belongs on the 25-man roster. If not, the 29-year-old will have to be offered back to the Nationals, since he was taken in the Rule 5 Draft.
"I tried to make up for lost time instead of trying to throw strikes," said Booker, who started late this spring while recovering from offseason surgery on his left knee. "I have to give everything I got. I can't have outings like that and expect to make this team.
"It was my first time in a Major League game all spring, so I was pumped to get out there and face hitters. I guess I was trying to do too much with my pitches, and you can't do that."
Pitching coach Rich Dubee visited Booker during his outing, and Manuel had some reassuring words for the pitcher.
"That didn't hurt him today," Manuel said. "I'll look at him more. If we see him two or three times, we'll get a better idea of what he can do."
That's all Booker can ask for.
"It's time to go out and pitch and give them a reason to keep me," he said.
Hamels to Clearwater: Not wanting to take unnecessary chances with left-hander Cole Hamels, the Phillies announced Thursday that their top pitching prospect will start the season at Class A Clearwater.
He hasn't officially been reassigned, so he can stay in big-league camp to continue his pitching and back exercises.
The southpaw said recently that he hoped to start the season "somewhere in Pennsylvania," referring to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but settling for Double-A Reading, where he was last season before getting hurt.
The decision was made as a way of keeping Hamels and his balky back in a more controlled Florida temperature. He could be promoted soon, assuming he stays healthy and pitches well. He has started twice at the Minor League complex, but the important thing is that his back has been pain-free.
"It has nothing to do with ability," said Mike Arbuckle, the team's assistant general manager of scouting and player development. "Because of weather and bus rides, we thought it made sense to start him in warm weather and where there are very limited bus rides. We don't anticipate him being there a long time."
Assuming Hamels stays healthy and effective, Arbuckle said he could wind up at Reading or Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as early as May.
"It's a possibility," Arbuckle said, of Scranton, "but he's got to pitch. He's had no back issues at all, but it doesn't make sense to send him to Reading. Scranton opens in Columbus [Ohio]. As far as he's come, it makes no sense to throw him back into a cold-weather, long-bus trip situation."
Hello, Placido: Polanco bounded through the Tigers clubhouse on Thursday, after a few moments of saying hello to some former teammates in red pinstripes.
Things have gone well for Polanco since his trade to Detroit in June. He batted .338 with the Tigers, and signed a four-year, $18.4 million extension in August. He went from an unhappy part-timer in Philadelphia to a content everyday player.
"I'm more comfortable," he said. "I got a chance to play every day at the same position, then signed for four years, so what else could I [ask for]? I was able to relax. When you're a backup, if you hit .260 or .270, you're great. If you hit .300, you're crazy. It's hard to come off the bench and hit."
That said, Polanco batted .316 with the Phillies at the time of the trade, playing second, third and left field. Manuel got him at-bats whenever he could, but that didn't satisfy Polanco.
The trade came with the usual mixed emotions, as Polanco got his chance to play every day, but was leaving teammates with whom he had grown close. He said he occasionally followed the Phillies' playoff run, and joked about the reason he was pulling for them to win.
"Of course, especially because I had money [coming to me]," Polanco said. "I was hoping for them to go to the playoffs, because I wanted a full [playoff] share. Of course, I wanted them to win. Once [the Tigers] were out, I wanted them to win the World Series."
At the Carpenter Complex: Though they might not have had to take the bus ride to Lakeland, several Phillies got their work in at the team's Minor League complex.
In an intrasquad game, Madson missed the 44-minute rain delay and allowed two runs -- one earned -- in six innings. He gave up three hits and a walk and struck out four. The righty threw 79 pitches, a high for him this spring.
Tomas Perez played left field and went 2-for-5 with two runs and a stolen base. Pat Burrell, who has missed time with a sore right foot and a thigh strain, served as the designated hitter, and went 3-for-6 with a walk, a double and a homer and drove in four runs.
David Bell also continued to inch toward a possible Grapefruit League debut, playing in his fourth straight Minor League game. Bell went 3-for-5 with a walk and scored two runs.
Philling in: Ryan Howard smacked his 10th homer of the spring, breaking Dick Allen's unofficial record of nine, set in 1964. He was fittingly wearing a T-shirt that depicted home run king Hank Aaron. ... Righty Aquilino Lopez, vying for a bullpen spot, didn't help his cause by surrendering three runs in an inning, on three hits and two walks. ... Righty Julio Santana turned in two perfect innings on Thursday, against Detroit, while lefty Rheal Cormier struck out two in two scoreless frames. ... Chase Utley and Shane Victorino also homered on Thursday, and Philadelphia has homered in all 22 of its Grapefruit League games.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Phillies fall to Tigers in extra innings

2006-04-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

03/23/2006
Tigers at the plate: Chris Shelton's two-run single capped a four-run third inning. Vance Wilson's RBI single extended his Spring Training hitting streak to 10 games, while Placido Polanco added an RBI single. Curtis Granderson's two-run single in the eighth tied the game. Don Kelly's sacrifice fly in the 10th inning scored Nook Logan for the winning run.
Phillies at the plate: Ryan Howard hit his franchise-record 10th home run of the spring with a solo shot leading off the seventh inning. Shane Victorino and Chase Utley powered Philadelphia's offense with back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning. Victorino tied the game in the eighth inning with an RBI groundout before Chris Coste singled in Jimmy Rollins to put the Phillies ahead. Peter Bergeron added a sacrifice fly.
Tigers on the mound: Justin Verlander shut down everything but the weather. He retired all six batters he faced before a 44-minute rain delay knocked him out of a game in which he was supposed to pitch five innings. After Jamie Walker gave up the back-to-back homers in the fourth, and Joel Zumaya pitched two scoreless innings.
Phillies on the mound: Robinson Tejeda lasted just one scoreless inning before the rain delay. Aaron Fultz retired the side in the second before former Tigers Rule 5 pick Chris Booker gave up the damage in the third.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Phillies quick hits

2006-04-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

03/23/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Phillies' most significant offseason acquisition came in November, when Pat Gillick was named general manager. A proven winner at three previous stops, the 68-year-old Gillick enters his 25th year as a GM, having built nine playoff teams, including two World Series champions.
Gillick inherited a team that missed the postseason by one game in 2005, and he quickly addressed most of the items on the winter to-do list, notably unclogging a first-base logjam of Jim Thome and Ryan Howard, adding a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder and two pitching prospects in the process. He also moved quickly to replace Billy Wagner and Ugueth Urbina in the back end of the bullpen, signing Tom Gordon to close and trading for setup man Arthur Rhodes.
The acquisitions might not seem as appealing as those made by the Mets or other clubs, but the Phillies still have a potent offense and talented pitchers who could lead them to their first postseason appearance since 1993.
Team strength: Offense. The Phillies finished second in the National League with 807 runs, their highest ranking since leading the NL with 877 in 1993. They also finished in the top five in walks, on-base percentage, hits, batting average, total bases, slugging percentage and grounded into the second-fewest double plays.
Chase Utley, Bobby Abreu and Pat Burrell became the first Phillies trio in 73 years to drive in at least 100 runs apiece, and Jimmy Rollins has an active 36-game hitting streak. Ryan Howard clubbed 22 homers in a little more than half a season and captured the NL Rookie of the Tear Award.
Achilles heel: Pitching. While the trio of Jon Lieber, Brett Myers and Cory Lidle combined for 43 wins last season, the back end of the rotation is a question mark. Ryan Franklin has lost 31 games over the past two seasons, and Ryan Madson has never been a Major League starter. Franklin has pitched OK this spring, while Madson appears to be on a mission. The same can be said about the bullpen, which took a hit. Gordon has had success as a closer, but he simply isn't Wagner. Meanwhile, Rhodes was limited to 43 1/3 innings last season because of a family issue. The Phillies also need to find an effective seventh-inning replacement for Madson.
Top newcomer: Rowand. With honorable mention going to Gordon, Rowand must live up to his billing. He's made friends quickly in the clubhouse, and he's already shown why he's viewed as one of the league's top defensive outfielders. Rowand will be counted on to make Burrell and Abreu better on the corners, and he'll need to strike a balance between his 2004 and '05 seasons. As a righty, he'll also be required to even out a lefty-laden lineup.
Ready to make the leap: Madson. The righty was 28-12 with a 3.40 ERA in his final two seasons as a Minor League starter. His fastball and changeup are already quality pitches and his curveball is coming along quicker than he expected. The organization is quietly optimistic about Madson's sticking potential as a starter.
On the hot seat: David Bell. The Phillies signed Abraham Nunez and Alex Gonzalez this winter in case Bell struggled or got hurt, so it's fair to say the veteran is in danger of losing playing time. His back has kept him from Grapefruit League action so far this spring and threatens his readiness for Opening Day. Gonzalez and Nunez played a lot of third base last season for their respective teams and could platoon in Bell's absence. If either takes off, Bell might be limited even when he returns.
You can bank on: Abreu. His subpar September aside, Abreu produces every year in the middle of the order, and he has played in at least 151 games in each of his eight seasons with the Phillies.
Litmus test: If Philadelphia avoids the injury bug this year, there's no reason this group can't remain in the middle of the playoff race. If Madson and Franklin carry their load and Gordon is effective at age 38, the Phillies can make some noise. The trick will be keeping their team in games long enough for the offense to carry them. If so, they might end their 12-year playoff drought.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

The life of Ryan

2006-04-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

03/23/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Ryan Howard's competitive nature and uncanny grudge-holding ability extend to his first days picking up a bat on the T-ball fields of St. Louis.
It was an ugly time that the defending National League Rookie of the Year prefers not to discuss. The pain is just too great.
"My twin (Corey Howard) and I somehow got put on different teams, and his team wound up winning the league," Howard said. "That was tough."
Stories of Howard's distaste for losing extend to bowling, as teammates describe how personally he takes low scores, especially when he "zoos" one for his team. While his opponents relish the alley mishaps -- teammates and Spring Training roommate Chris Roberson, in particular -- they warn that such a topic shouldn't be broached in his presence.
"Yep, because he wants to be a perfectionist at everything, so when he can't get there, he gets really upset," said Jimmy Rollins. "The dude can definitely bowl, though."
The dude can definitely hit, too, and that's what the Phillies are counting on. They want him to punish strikes, instead of rolling them, and build on an award-winning season.
The public Ryan Howard is typically quiet and reflective, and refuses to get too high or too low regarding his accomplishments. With the bases loaded, he understands there's a fine line between hitting a game-winning home run and striking out, or rolling a gutter ball.
The private Ryan Howard is more outgoing and gregarious, and is fiercely motivated by the few failures he's had.
A communications major in college and a fan of video games -- and occasionally professional wrestling -- Howard tends to go unnoticed, despite his size. At home plate, he's an imposing figure, with broad shoulders and a menacing batting stance.
Atlanta's Jorge Sosa became the latest victim of Howard's spring power binge on Wednesday as he bashed his ninth homer, tying a Phillies' record set by Dick Allen in 1964.
"He's a silent assassin," said Shane Victorino. "He's a big man and can be intimidating, but he's so soft-spoken. But you always know when he's around."
Howard grew up in west St. Louis, playing T-ball and basketball, and played tight end and defensive end at Lafayette High School.
During his junior and senior years, he spent much time in the basement of his parents' home, pounding balls off a soft-toss machine under a framed batting net built by his father, Ron. He often hit the ball so hard that it smacked off the dry wall, beyond the net.
Howard cruised from high school star to college All-America at Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State) to Minor League MVP to star-in-waiting.
He could have gone to Arizona State, Kansas State, or Nebraska -- perhaps on a scholarship -- but chose Missouri State because it offered him a chance to play as a freshman. He blasted 19 homers and hit .355, and ended the season batting cleanup.
He struck out a school-record 74 times in 2001, and looks back fondly on that, even if it might have caused his draft value to drop.
"My junior was just a bad year," he said. "I guess you're not allowed to have an off year because everybody gives up on you. That's considered the big year. I heard people talking about draft-itis. When I look at it now, that was probably the most important year I've had because it allowed me to see what it's like on the other side. It's something everyone needs to go through."
That came from my dad. He taught us to be that way. That's just the mindset. You have to know there's going to be failure, and you have to let your failure motivate you."
Did it ever. Flash forward to last season, with the Phillies in the heat of a pennant race. On the day the team learned that Jim Thome was lost for the season, Howard hit a grand slam deep into the seats at Dodger Stadium. The next month, he bashed a crucial grand slam off Atlanta lefty John Foster, keeping the Phillies' playoff hopes alive.
"It's in his character," Victorino said. "He wants to be that guy. He wants to carry that load, and that's a special characteristic to have."
"It's just a matter of trying to provide a spark for the team, and trying to get everybody going," Howard said.
Generally, that's all you're going to get out of Howard.
And it's more than enough.
When Howard arrived with the Phillies he stayed with Rollins at his New Jersey house, an experience for which he is grateful.
Rollins accused Howard of "never doing the dishes and rarely being home," a story that Howard finds inaccurate, at best.
"A) I never washed dishes because I never used the dishes," Howard said. "B) I used plastic plates and C) How can I use dishes if I was never there? There are definitely some flaws in his story."
Howard had plenty on his plate last season, and could've had an even more difficult offseason, if not for general manager Pat Gillick finding a new home for Thome. Howard's relief is consistently answered with the line, "at least I don't have to answer those questions anymore."
Rollins tells it differently.
"We knew something had to be done in the offseason," he said. "I was happy for him, because what more can he do in the Minor Leagues? Let's be real, especially in the last year and a half. There's no room for him down there. It's not like he's a guy who had a shot to get up here four or five different times to eat off the plate, in six small bites. He got up here and ate the whole meal. Look at him, he's a big man. He should eat the whole meal."

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Phillies rally past Pirates

2006-04-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

03/24/2006
Phillies at the plate: Chris Coste continued his torrid spring with a two-out, two-run double in the seventh to put the Phillies ahead, 5-4. He's hitting .500 this spring. Aaron Rowand reached base safely in four at-bats. The center fielder went 3-for-3 with a single, double, home run and a walk. He also stole a base and scored three runs. Chase Utley added a single and a sacrifice fly. Mike Lieberthal went 2-for-3 and scored a run.
Pirates at the plate: Center fielder Nate McLouth hit his third home run of the spring. Jody Gerut went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Shortstop Jack Wilson went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Jose Bautista had a double and scored a run. First baseman Paul Chiaffredo reached base safely three times, with a single and two walks. Chiaffredo also scored once.
Phillies on the mound: Starter Eude Brito had an outing to forget. Brito, battling for a spot in middle relief, gave up a home run to the first batter he faced and allowed four runs in two innings. Arthur Rhodes pitched one scoreless inning, allowing one hit. Ricardo Rodriguez pitched three innings in relief, allowing no runs and no hits with two strikeouts.
Pirates on the mound: Starter Oliver Perez made his second start of the spring, allowing two earned runs in four innings pitched. Perez, who pitched for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, gave up six hits and had five strikeouts.
Grapefruit League records: Philadelphia 15-7-1, Pittsburgh 13-11

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Notes: Healthy spring for Hamels

2006-04-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

03/24/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- A day earlier, the Phillies told Cole Hamels of their intention to start him at Class A Clearwater, taking advantage of the warmer Florida weather.
So it was fitting that Hamels' start Friday came on a windy Clearwater day, where temperatures reached 60 degrees. While that's still not Reading or Scranton in April, it's not exactly Florida, either.
"I'm not really used to that, but I can't control weather," said Hamels, with a laugh. "You have to work through it, and do the best you can. I'm sure it's a lot cooler in the summer, but what can I do? I just dealt with it."
A few cool afternoon breezes and a subpar outing didn't dampen Hamels' spirit, especially not during his first healthy Spring Training in three years. Two years ago, he hurt his elbow playing catch, and last season, he injured a finger on his left hand in a bar fight.
That kept him out until June, then back problems ended his season in July after just three Double-A starts. A winter of rehab and extensive regular work this spring -- up to four hours a day on strengthening exercises -- have kept him healthy.
"I've felt better this spring than I ever have," he said. "The main thing is I've learned a lot, in terms of what I can do [to stay healthy]. I wake up feeling good every morning, and have that confidence, which is the most important."
As far as starting with Clearwater vs. Reading or Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Hamels understands the big picture, even if that means working his way back up.
"It just makes you work harder," he said. "Nothing is easy anyway. You have to work through it. Obviously, you set goals. It's frustrating at first, but you have to take a step and look at the situation, and their plans. The main thing they've stressed is for me to get innings down here. All I can do is work as hard as I can to show them I'm ready for the next level. My main goal is Philadelphia, and I'll do whatever it takes to get there."
Hamels said he's gained valuable experience from veterans regarding what it takes to stay healthy.
"Waking up all last year hurt was a miserable feeling, and I don't want to do that again," he said. "Playing baseball is much better than being in the trainer's room. Hanging out with the guys here have taught me so much about what guys go through during the season, and in the offseason. I plan on being here a while a long time and I wanted to learn how to take care of myself."
Pressing: It was a simple matter of trying too hard to impress teammates, center fielder Aaron Rowand deduced.
"Regardless of what you've done in the past, it's competitive nature," he said. "I've been trying to hit the ball too hard instead of doing what I'm capable of. I've been taking good swings, getting good counts, taking a good approach all spring."
The hits just weren't coming, evidenced by the fact that Rowand entered Friday's game hitting .163 with two homers. He exited it batting .212 after a 3-for-3 night that included a homer and double.
Rowand watched video of his earlier Spring Training at-bats with hitting coach Milt Thompson and manager Charlie Manuel.
"I was trying to do too much at the plate," Rowand said. "We just realized I've been trying to do too much. Then you dig yourself an even bigger hole and try to hit the ball harder. It steamrolls."
Adding to Rowand's frustration was that he was fouling pitches straight back, a sign that he's right on pitches, just not getting the desired results.
"He's wanting to show our guys that he can play and he wants to be part of it," said Manuel. "He was pressing some. He's going to be good. He's got a lot of energy."
Rowand then joked that the biggest factor in his success was that he was playing a night game.
"Night games help, period," he said. "It's a lot easier to see the ball when you're not trying to squint."
There could be something to that. Rowand went 2-for-3 on March 16, Philadelphia's other night game this spring.
Shaking off the rust: Eude Brito knows about staying fresh amid a long layoff, and cited his 16 days of inactivity after being called up during his 2005 rookie season.
He's been battling through similar issues this spring in his quest to make the Phillies. Like Robinson Tejeda, Brito barely pitched for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, and he is trying to play catch up to steal the final bullpen spot.
"I've been working hard," he said. "I know I have to make the team, but I'm not rushing myself."
Brito looked rusty in allowing four runs -- three earned -- in two innings against the Pirates, on five hits. He said he's prepared for anything.
"I'm prepared to be wherever they want," he said. "I want to make the team, but if it doesn't happen, and I go to Triple-A, whenever they give me the chance, it's fine."
Still here: The first cuts came at the beginning of March, and Yoel Hernandez's locker plate was still intact. The second cuts came and went. And still, there was Yoel.
The third and fourth cuts?
"I'm very surprised I'm still here," said Hernandez, who pitched a majority of the year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season, posting a 6-4 record and three saves in 40 games. "Usually, I go down early. I'll try and do my best to make the team."
Hernandez knows he's far from out of the woods, as he's battling with Rule 5 Draft pick Chris Booker, Brito, Aquilino Lopez, Ricardo Rodriguez and Tejeda for what appears to be one open spot in long relief.
Hernandez has a 2-1 record with a 6.75 ERA in eight innings pitched, allowing 18 total base runners. The 25-year-old opened some this winter pitching for the Zulia Aquilas in the Venezuelan Winter League. He saved 11 games and finished 12 others, posting a 2.20 ERA, whiffing 33 batters and walking nine in 32 2/3 innings.
If Hernandez doesn't crack the Major League bullpen, he'll return to Scranton and wait for a phone call. With the Red Barons in 2005, The right-hander logged 55 2/3 innings and struck out 52 while compiling a 3.40 ERA. All of his 53 appearances at three Minor League levels came in relief.
He wouldn't mind following the path traveled by Tejeda, who accelerated his ascent to the Majors by opening eyes in the winter of 2004.
"I opened some eyes in winter ball," said Hernandez. "I pitched good in closing games. I think I did pretty good down there."
Quotable: "As far as a guy coming up with big hits, that may be the best spring I've seen a guy have. That's very impressive." -- Manuel, on Chris Coste, who hit a game-winning, two-out, two-run double in the seventh inning on Friday
Philling in: Left fielder Pat Burrell missed his sixth straight game with a strained left calf muscle, though he went served as the designated hitter in a Minor League game on Thursday, going 3-for-6 with a walk, double, homer and four RBIs. ... Rowand's first-inning shot gave the Phillies a homer in all 23 of their Grapefruit League games. ... Jon Lieber worked six innings for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, throwing 91 pitches. He's on target to start Opening Day, on April 3, against the Cardinals. ... Manager Charlie Manuel is pulling for George Mason University in the NCAA Tournament, because his daughter, Julie, went there. George Mason defeated Wichita State on Friday night to advance to the Elite Eight.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Notes: Rodriguez making his case

2006-04-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

03/25/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Charlie Manuel knows the Phillies are going to hit the ball and score runs this season. Manuel is also confident about his starters and his closer.
What concerns him, though, is the middle relief.
In Friday's night's 5-4 win over the Pirates, Ricardo Rodriguez did plenty to allay Manuel's anxiety. Rodriguez pitched three innings in relief, allowing no runs and no hits with two strikeouts. The performance allowed the Phillies to stay in the game long enough for Chris Coste's game-winning two-run double in the seventh.
"Rodriguez has a big arm, and he had great command and control [against the Pirates]," said Manuel, who expects to make a decision between Rodriguez, Eude Brito, Chris Booker, Robinson Tejeda and Yoel Hernandez. "He threw strikes, and his breaking ball was a lot better. He has the potential to do that during the season if he keeps his command together."
Rodriguez, acquired in the offseason from the Rangers for Vicente Padilla, lowered his ERA from 5.40 to 4.15 for the spring in six games, two of which he started.
The 27-year-old right-hander began last season at Triple-A Oklahoma, and the Rangers called him up in June. In 57 innings, he compiled a 2-3 record with a 5.53 ERA. His statistical line also includes 24 strikeouts and 17 walks.
The Rangers were 5-1 in the six games in which Rodriguez started.
"He has the ability to go both ways, either as a starter or a reliever," Manuel said. "Those are the kinds of things you have to consider."
After his outing Friday, Rodriguez seems to have taken a step or two ahead of the competition.
In the same game, Brito was hit hard. He allowed four runs in two innings.
On Saturday, Tejeda came in to relieve Brett Myers with the Phillies trailing the Pirates, 3-2. Tejeda proceeded to give up five runs in 1 2/3 innings.
Myers shines: Myers is amped to start the season. If he had his druthers, he'd fly up to Philadelphia tonight.
"If it was up to me, I'd rather only pitch two innings and then jump back on the mound," said Myers, who had an efficient day on the mound in the Phillies' 8-3 loss Saturday.
He went six innings, gave up seven hits and allowed three runs, two of which were earned.
"I felt real good," said Myers, who is scheduled to make one more start before the Phillies break camp. "I threw 99 pitches, but it felt like only 85. I wanted to go one more inning, but they wouldn't let me. I'm just ready to go."
Duck! Brandon Duckworth faced his old team for the first time on Saturday. Duckworth, who came up through the Phillies organization after being signed as a non-drafted free agent in 1997, was one of three players traded to the Astros in 2003 for Billy Wagner.
But Duckworth looked at the reunion as all business. He pitched four innings in relief and allowed one run on three hits. He struck out three and walked two, making a solid case to fill the last spot in the Pirates' rotation.
"It was cool to see some of the guys again," he said. "But it was my day to pitch, so that's what I was concentrating on. I feel confident about my chances, and I think I'm progressing at a good pace."
Still going: The Phillies continued their offensive onslaught. They hit two home runs off Pirates starter Victor Santos. Phillies have hit a homer in every game this spring. Overall, they have 39.
"I think it's an indication that, although it doesn't appear on paper, we have a solid lineup from top to bottom," Aaron Rowand said. "There's no egos on this team, and that was a huge part to us winning in Chicago.
"I see a lot of similarities with this team where each guy is pulling for the other one, and that will hopefully equate into wins."
Myers, who was the beneficiary of homers by Jimmy Rollins and Bobby Abreu, echoed Rowand's comments.
"These guys can flat out hit," Myers said. "I was watching Rowand in the cage the other day, and he was saying he was just gonna be a 'Punch-and-Judy hitter.' Then, he goes out there [Friday] and smacks a bomb and a double that bounced off the top of the [center field] wall that should have been another one. I'm excited about this team."
Philly shorts: Pat Burrell will make his first Grapefruit League appearance since March 21.
Burrell, who has been suffering from injuries to his foot and calf, has played in a few Minor League games since then, and Manuel expects him to get a couple at-bats in the game against Boston. ... Mike Lieberthal will see action in some Minor League games before making his return next week.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Phillies fall to Pirates

2006-04-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

03/25/2006
Phillies at the plate: Bobby Abreu drove a 2-2 pitch over the wall in right field to give the Phillies their first run. Abreu's homer also tied the game. Jimmy Rollins broke the tie with his solo homer in the fifth.
Pirates at the plate: Jeromy Burnitz knocked in the game's first run with a solo homer in the bottom of the second. In the seventh, Jose Hernandez poked a bases-loaded single to right field that gave the Pirates a 5-2 lead. Nate McLouth's sacrifice fly scored a third run.
Phillies on the mound: Right-hander Brett Myers looked ready for the season in a six-inning outing that yielded three runs -- just two earned. He allowed seven hits. Right-hander Robinson Tedeja allowed three runs on two hits.
Pirates on the mound: Right-hander Victor Santos went 4 2/3 innings, gave up four hits and two solo homers.
Grapefruit League records: Phillies 15-8-1; Pirates 14-11-1.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Notes: Howard defies laid-back image

2006-04-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

03/26/2006
CLEARWATER, FLA. -- So much for Ryan Howard's mild-mannered, laid-back image.
That took a serious hit on an otherwise serene Sunday afternoon, when he and Red Sox starter Josh Beckett exchanged words at Bright House Networks Field over a difference of opinion.
"You guys [in the media] are surprised," Howard said. "You haven't seen this side of me. You see the nice guy."
In an event that could've been billed as the 2005 Rookie of the Year vs. the 2003 World Series MVP, Howard and Beckett engaged in a spirited discussion regarding baseball etiquette.
The disagreement occurred in the sixth inning, when Howard smacked a Beckett fastball and thought he had his 11th Grapefruit League home run. That would have tied the game at 3, but center fielder Adam Stern tracked it down at the warning track.
Beckett thought Howard took a few extra seconds to admire his work and let the slugger know what he thought about it.
"I didn't think it was the right thing to do," Beckett said. "I've never been the type of guy to not say anything. It started after he was jogging in. It's not like I wanted to fight the guy. I just wanted to make a point that you look like a [fool] when you hit a ball, pimp it and then you're out. I didn't want to fight him. I just wanted him to know my point."
Beckett continued making his point while Howard rolled warmups in the top of the seventh.
"I think I used the word 'idiot,'" Beckett said. "I don't know exactly what I said; it was the heat of the moment. I probably should've just let it die, but I didn't. That's all right. I'm sure I'll face him again sometime down the road."
Taking exception, Howard turned, dropped his glove and motioned for Beckett to come on the field. Both benches emptied -- bullpens, too -- but no punches were thrown.
Howard said he wasn't showing up Beckett.
"I didn't know where the ball went," Howard said. "If I was going to do something like pimp it or whatever, he'd have known. But I was looking to try to see where it went."
This wasn't the first time Beckett has taken exception to on-field behavior. He walked Kenny Lofton in a game last season and got miffed when Lofton flipped his bat at home plate -- something the center fielder has done his entire career.
Burrell returns: Pat Burrell returned to the lineup Sunday, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
It was his first Grapefruit League start since March 21. He played all nine innings in left field and reported no problems with his right foot or left thigh.
"He looked fine," said manager Charlie Manuel. "He would have said something to me, and I probably would have taken him out of the game."
Philling In: Monday's game against Cleveland will be broadcast on MLB.com's Gameday Audio. ... On Sunday, Manuel stopped just short of saying that David Bell won't be ready for the season. After playing in four consecutive Minor League games, Bell rested Sunday and probably will have Monday off, too. Asked if he felt Bell will be ready, Manuel said, "I want to say no. I want to make sure that he's ready to play, whenever that is."

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Kalas still going strong as he turns 70

2006-04-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

03/26/2006

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- It was still early Sunday morning and Harry Kalas appeared to be muttering to himself in a nearly empty press box.
Wearing his trademark white shoes, a white windbreaker covering a blue shirt and slacks -- and puffing his first cigarette of the morning -- the Hall of Fame broadcaster worked through pronunciations for that afternoon's broadcast.
"This small town in Pennsylvania, New Tripoli?" he said, his baritone voice resonating despite the hour. "It is New TRI-poli, New Tri-POLI?"
Getting it right, Kalas mentioned New Tri-POLI during the game against Boston. For him, it was another Sunday game, just like the many he's done during his 45 years in broadcasting.
The legendary Kalas turned 70 on Sunday.
"I'm really enjoying it," he said with a smile. "There are a lot of people surprised I've lasted this long, most of all, me. I really didn't expect to still be going."
Kalas has always been and still is the voice for generations of fans, much like Vin Scully in Los Angeles or Bob Murphy and Ernie Harwell were in New York and Detroit, respectively. There's no escaping the memories stirred thinking of an afternoon in the backyard listening to a Phillies game.
"There are certain voices that you just associate with a big game, Super Bowl, or whatever it is," said Phillies broadcaster Scott Graham. "These voices are the ones I grew up listening to. The best I can say to them is, 'Thank you.' They set a standard of quality so high that the rest of us are way behind."
Fans have been wild about Kalas for more than three decades, though things weren't so smooth when Kalas was hired in 1971 -- the same year Veterans Stadium opened -- to replace a legend in Bill Campbell. He often tells the story of how he was sure he wouldn't have lasted if it weren't for Richie Ashburn.
As a kid, the young Kalas became a fan of Washington when Mickey Vernon once took him into the dugout during a rain delay at a Senators game. He grew up playing "All-Star Baseball," making up teams and serving as play-by-play announcer. Washington always won those games, though his allegiance ended when the Senators moved to Minneapolis. At the University of Iowa, Kalas called every sport he could.
His professional highlights include calling the 500th home runs of Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Eddie Mathews, and announcing the Phillies victory over Houston in the 1980 National League Championship Series.
Graham describes Kalas' lighter side as a needling incessant personality who rarely lets things go. Graham shared an anecdote from Game 1 of the 1993 World Series, when he interviewed players for the pregame show. Joe Garagiola was one of the guests, but Graham couldn't see that from his vantage point, and he relied on a note passed by the producer.
A technician misheard the name said by Graham's producer and handed him a slip of paper that read "Duke Riggiola." Obviously not recognizing the name, Graham forged ahead and welcomed the fictional Mr. Riggiola.
"Every day for probably a good portion of the next 10 years, Harry would find a way to weave the name in," Graham said. "If [Garagiola] should actually be in the ballpark, he'd say, 'Scott, you're friend Duke is here.'
"It's part of the reason it's so much fun," Graham added. "The way to conduct yourself, the way to keep things fun on an everyday basis is exciting and fun, and the level of professionalism. You can't match that. He's a professional's professional. It's astounding to watch the way he does it."

And keeps doing it.
Kalas knows he's reaching the twilight of his career, but he sees no end in sight. His contract ends after this season, and his agent is working on an extension. Indications from the Phillies are that Kalas can stay as long as he wants.
Even Kalas knows that he may have lost a step from his early years. He gets tired easier than he did in the 1970s and '80s, and he occasionally calls a home run that nestles in an outfielder's glove, but it hasn't prevented him from enjoying the game.
"Broadcasters are a way of life for a lot of people," said Larry Shenk, the Phillies' vice president of public relations. "He's a Hall of Famer in so many ways."
It's rare to find someone who doesn't recognize the voice, which does much more than announce Phillies games. He's the voice of NFL Films and Chunky Soup, and for decades called Notre Dame football. He has narrated many highlight films for college and pro teams as well as the tour video at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. He also has provided answering machine messages, wedding party voiceovers and Bar Mitzvah announcements.
He's maintained his energy for nearly four decades. Though it's inevitable, no one can fathom the day when Kalas is "out of here."
"I want to keep going until I get to a point where I don't feel like I'm calling them the way they should be called," Kalas said. "I don't have that feeling. I look forward to going to the ballpark."

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Burrell returns to go 2-for-3

2006-04-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

03/26/2006
Phillies at the plate: Pat Burrell went 2-for-3 in his first game since March 21. Burrell, who had been sitting out with various injuries, hit a single to left field in his second at-bat and followed with an RBI single in the sixth to score Chase Utley. Jimmy Rollins went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base. Chris Coste finished 1-for-3 with a double and scored a run, and Utley had a 1-for-3 day with a double and a run scored.
Red Sox at the plate: Wily Mo Pena had a single and a double and scored a run in going 2-for-4. Dustin Mohr stroked a two-run double to right in the fourth to score Pena and Kevin Youkilis. Adam Stern had a single and a double in a 2-for-4 day with one stolen base, and Tony Graffanino hit his first home run of the spring.
Phillies on the mound: Starter Cory Lidle allowed three runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in his third start of the spring. Lidle struck out five and gave up one walk. Chris Booker and Eude Brito each pitched a scoreless, hitless inning in their battle for the final reliever spot.
Red Sox on the mound: Starter Josh Beckett made his third start of the spring, allowing two earned runs on six hits. Beckett went six innings with six strikeouts and three walks. Rudy Seanez pitched a scoreless seventh.
Grapefruit League records: Philadelphia 15-9-1; Boston 7-16-1.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Notes: Michaels grateful for fresh start

2006-04-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

03/27/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The blond hair is longer now, the smile still wide and the arms still powerful, but underneath the Indians cap is a more reflective, more mature person, on the field and off.
Jason Michaels is a starter making a fresh start.
"It's weird being over here after 8 1/2 years with [the Phillies, including the Minors]," he said. "I didn't want to be 45 and out of the game, and wonder how it would've been if I had the starting job. It's worked out well. They're giving me a shot to play every day in left field."
Not by choice, but Michaels traded his Phillies red for Indians blue in late January -- with lefty reliever Arthur Rhodes arriving in Philadelphia -- and closed the chapter after four years of part-time Major League service. Personally, his new start comes from leaving a bad final memory of Philadelphia law enforcement.
Michaels' image and persona took a hit in early, when he was arrested in July for allegedly punching a police officer outside a Philadelphia nightclub. He was eventually charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and recklessly endangering another person. He received 100 hours of community service.
He's been serving it with the Winter Haven branch of the Police Athletic League, lecturing kids. He declined specifics of the incident, but said he was in the "wrong place, wrong time," and added that there are "two sides of every story."
The thoughtful Michaels learned from the experience.
"I worry about on-field stuff, but there's also off-field stuff that can hurt you," he said. "Going through that you learn. I'm always been a guy to walk away. I've never been in a fight in my life -- arguments, but not fist fights. But I know when you're in the spotlight, people are going to love you or hate you, or both, and you're going to run into people sometimes who don't like you or are a little jealous. It [stinks] to say that, but that's the way it is. I think as a professional athlete, you have to be level-headed on all costs."
He could barely say a sentence on Monday without his former teammates waving to him from the field. First, Jon Lieber and Geoff Geary, then Chase Utley. Rheal Cormier and Cory Lidle waved at him as he ran to left field in the bottom of the first, and the Phillies relievers in the bullpen heckled him when he got there.
He robbed good friend Pat Burrell with a leaping catch to end the first inning, and Burrell joked with him as he returned to the dugout.
"J-Mike made a circus catch on us, man," said manager Charlie Manuel. "He didn't have to do that."
With his new opportunity with Cleveland, Michaels may make many more catches.
"I wanted to stay in Philly for a long time, so I have mixed emotions," Michaels said. "I wanted to stay where it all started, but I also wanted to get out and play. This is the way it worked out.
"I've got a lot of friends over there, and I'm thankful [the Phillies] gave me an opportunity. After I got traded, Charlie called me up and thanked me for my efforts, and I thanked him. It was a lot of fun to play with them."
Gordon back-to-back: Tom Gordon trotted out for the ninth inning on Monday and plans to do it again on Tuesday against the Yankees. It will be his first time working on back-to-back days, generally the last step for a reliever getting ready to the season.
"That's always a good thing, especially late, to see where you are," Gordon said. "A couple of outings ago, I got threw a total of 25 to 30 [pitches]. That's when I knew I was getting over the hump, and starting to build up my arm."
Gordon's spring began slowly when he threw his devastating curveball too early, and developed elbow soreness. He got past that minor setback, and he said he's ready.
"Over my career, I've always been a knucklehead, where I want everything to happen now, now, now," he said. "I've always been a little impatient and tried to force things to happen. You guys [in the media] say it all the time, but sometimes I forget that I'm 38 years old."
Howard honored: Ryan Howard flew to Philadelphia after Monday's game so he could take part in a ceremony Tuesday honoring him as the 2005 National League Rookie of the Year. Mayor John F. Street will take part in a reception at City Hall, which is part of the Phillies' "Paint the Town Red" week.
A banner will also be hung on City Hall in Howard's honor, then autographed by the slugger and donated as an auction item to the Mural Arts Program for their annual fundraiser.
Roster cut down: Cole Hamels was reassigned to Minor League camp on Monday and will begin the season at Class A Clearwater. Aquilino Lopez and Yoel Hernandez were also optioned to Minor League camp, and will likely start the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. That leaves 34 players in camp.
The Phillies released 20 players from Minor Lague camp on Sunday: Juan Alvarez, Erick Arteaga, Ryan Barthelemy, Derek Brant, Tom Cochran, Jose Cortez, Matt Edwards, Mitchell Graham, Peter Henyan, Jeff Inglin, Greg Isaacson, Chris Klemm, B.J. Littleton, Mike Lombardi, Timi Moni, Aaron Myette, Kevin Shepard, Clayton Stewart, Jordan Szabo and C.J. Woodrow.
Philling in: David Bell went 1-for-7 with a walk, two runs and was hit by a pitch in a Minor League game in St. Petersburg. It is still unclear as to whether he'll be ready by Opening Day, and Manuel suggested on Sunday that Bell won't be. ... David Dellucci is the latest player rumored to be linked to the Phillies, who are searching for a left-handed bat and fifth outfielder. ... Philadelphia's win on Monday, their 16th of the Grapefruit League, clinched a winning Spring Training for the first time since 1998.
Coming up: Ryan Madson makes his fifth Grapefruit League appearance, and fourth start for the Phillies, on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. ET against the Yankees in Tampa. Madson has compiled a 2.84 ERA this spring. Right-hander Scott Proctor gets the nod for New York.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Phanatic turns 'red' at Philly Zoo

2006-04-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

03/27/2006
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies couldn't have picked a more fitting way to begin their week-long "Paint The Town Red" celebration.
During the first event held on Monday on the Impala Lawn at the Philadelphia Zoo, the Phillie Phanatic took his shirt off, put on a pair of goggles and was hoisted on a crane, courtesy of Capital Manufacturing, and dunked into a huge red can of MAB paint. The Phanatic Safe Formula turned the green mascot into a shade of bright cheery red.
"Daddy, he looks different," one boy said.
"Different is good, because it will be good luck," the boy's father responded.
Before the Phanatic even arrived on a train, hundreds of children showed up on a picturesque day with clear blue skies and proceeded to have their faces painted. All children 14 and under who wore red to the zoo received a free ticket to Verizon Kids Opening Day for the Dodgers-Phillies game on April 8 at 3:05 p.m. ET.
Several representatives of the Philadelphia Zoo had the kids gather around while they talked about and displayed several animals. They answered questions about the animals and even invited the kids to participate.
In keeping with the red theme, the animals all had some type of red associated with them.
There was a red-tailed hawk, a red rooster and even a red-tailed boa constrictor. The Phanatic was brave enough to stick his tongue out at the boa constrictor.
Greg Hammell, public programs manager at the Philadelphia Zoo, said it was a pleasure to partner with the Phillies for this event.
"It's not only an opportunity to work with one of our corporate partners -- and we've had a great partnership with them -- it's also a good opportunity to teach kids about the use of colors," Hammell said. "We can teach kids about all the different uses of colors. Teaching the kids about the animals and the use of colors is great."
Several kids were curious where the Phanatic lived at the zoo. Obviously, he has his own home.
If the Phanatic were to reside at the zoo, where would that be?
"The Phanatic has feathers on his tail, so we've always assumed the Phanatic is a bird, which means the Phanatic would probably live in the bird cage," Hammell said.
Hundreds of kids began arriving long before the Phanatic turned red. They ran to the table to have their faces painted and most of them donned Phillies shirts or had mini-Phanatic dolls.
A group of 21 kids in the kindergarten class at J.S. Jenks School in Chestnut Hill couldn't wait for this event.
"They were ready since last Friday," said the kids' teacher, Ms. Tish. "That's all they've been talking about."
When the kids first noticed the Phanatic riding on the train with a huge paint brush, they screamed and cheered as if they were in midseason form.
"For one day, the Phillie Phanatic will be king of the jungle," Scott Palmer, Phillies director of media and public affairs, told the crowd.
"The Phanatic is the king of my jungle," said a happy 6-year-old Phillies fan named John. "He's the best."
The Phanatic posed for pictures with the kids and then had the children follow him in a conga line around the Impala Lawn.
"The Phillies are doing a great thing with this event and all the events this week," said one mother of two girls, who asked not to be identified. "They're really reaching out to the community. I think it's fantastic."
The "Paint The Town Red" week continues Tuesday at City Hall, where Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, the National League Rookie of the Year winner for 2005, will be recognized for his achievements by Philadelphia Mayor John Street.
A banner will also be raised in Howard's honor on the north side of City Hall. The banner will be autographed by Howard and donated as an auction item to the Mural Arts Program for their annual fundraiser Wall Ball, to be held on April 26 in the Crystal Tea Room at the Wanamaker Building.
When told about Howard being honored, several kids got very excited.
"He's really awesome," said Jimmy, a 7-year-old fan. "I hope he hits 50 home runs this year. Maybe if the Phanatic stays red, he will hit 50 homers."

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Will Floyd get another shot?

2006-04-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

03/27/2006
Why don't the Phillies give right-hander Gavin Floyd another chance? They send him down every time he does badly. Why don't they just keep him up for a longer period of time and see what he can do? -- Ian M., Willow Street, Pa.
I've been asked about Floyd a lot this week, as his nice Spring Training is putting him back on the Phils' list of top prospects. Floyd's problem is that he struggled so much last season that the team signed Ryan Franklin, then traded for a reliever and moved Ryan Madson into the rotation. All five projected starters have fared pretty well this spring, meaning there might not be room for Floyd.
Either way, it's a good sign that Floyd seems to again be pitching with confidence, and he isn't so concerned about mechanics that he loses focus. Assuming his success continues at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he could be the first player called up should the club need reinforcements.
I know you can't read too much into spring stats, but with all the hype about Aaron Rowand, can anyone explain why he hasn't been able to hit for most of Spring Training? -- Joe M., Williamsport, Pa.
Rowand's explanation was that he was trying too hard to impress his new teammates, a common problem among newly acquired players. Mechanically, he said he watched video with hitting coach Milt Thompson and manager Charlie Manuel, and felt he wasn't "squaring up."
It's pretty hard to put any real stock in Spring Training numbers. Obviously, no player wants to hit .200, but a Grapefruit League .200 is much different than a regular-season .200.
I know Ryan Howard is all the rage, but he struck out 100 times in 312 at-bats in 2005. How will his plate discipline be this season? -- Eugene K., Chicago, Ill.
Strikeouts are a part of Howard's game, as they are for most power hitters. If he pounds 40 homers a season and bats around .280, the Phillies will accept the 140 or so whiffs that go with it.
With Tom Gordon missing most of the spring due to an elbow problem, what would the Phillies do if he went down and they needed a closer? They need a good, hard-throwing backup, right? -- Tim B., no hometown provided
Gordon will be ready for the season. That said, the Phillies have no backup plan should Gordon falter. Rather than shift Arthur Rhodes back to closing, their first move might be to shift Madson into the role, and call up Floyd or Rob Tejeda (assuming he's starting in Triple-A) to fill out the rotation. If those options don't work, a trade would have to be explored.
I would like to se a player like Chris Coste or Peter Bergeron make the team, to suggest to Minor League players that the Phillies reward production. That might go a long way for player morale. -- Jim M., no hometown provided
Bergeron has already been sent down, but Coste is a week away from becoming a 33-year-old rookie in the Majors. Manuel has often said how impressed he's been with Coste's big hits and how he wants to take the 25 best players north. Coste has been one of the best 25 players in camp, but the status of David Bell, Tomas Perez and the possibility of the team acquiring a fifth outfielder all stand in Coste's way.
What happened to Shawn Garrett? -- Tom P., no hometown provided
Garrett was one of eight players reassigned to Minor League camp on March 20. He'll likely start at Triple-A, and he could get a look if a need arises.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Floyd, Phillies shut down Indians

2006-04-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

03/27/2006
Indians at the plate: Aaron Boone did the only damage for the Tribe, leading off the third inning with a home run.
Phillies at the plate: Shane Victorino stroked three hits -- including two doubles -- drove in two runs and scored a run. Mike Lieberthal and Alex Gonzalez each got hit by pitches.
Indians on the mound: Starter Paul Byrd allowed two runs on five hits in six innings, with a walk and three strikeouts.
Phillies on the mound: Gavin Floyd turned in his third straight sizzling outing, allowing four hits and no walks in six innings, while fanning one. His only blemish was a solo homer by Boone.
Grapefruit League records: Indians 18-9-1; Phillies 16-9.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/