Notes: Abreu eager to play in Classic

02/22/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Day 2 of Bobby Abreu's stay in training camp represented a much quieter time for the star right fielder, a stark contrast from deflecting trade rumors and presenting a lack of anger at the organization that tried to trade him.
Abreu smiled at the thought of playing right field for Venezuela in next month's World Baseball Classic, a 16-team tournament that will take place during the first three weeks in March.
"It's very exciting for me to represent my country," Abreu said on Wednesday. "I know this is the first one, but I never represented my country on a team in anything when I was a little kid. This is different, to play against other countries. It's fun."
The fans who have descended on Bright House Networks Field to watch the Phillies work out have been dwarfed by the crowds who attended the three practices in Venezuela. The team made stops in Caracas, Maracay and Valencia in January, with Abreu catching up with them in Caracas.
It was packed.
"Amazing," he said. "The whole country is behind us. There was a lot of stuff happening. They can't wait to see us play and win as a team. This is the first time they get to see us all together."
And what a team it will be. Abreu could bat leadoff on a squad that should include Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera, Melvin Mora, Omar Vizquel, Carlos Guillen, Magglio Ordonez and Phillies teammate Tomas Perez.
The starting rotation could be even better, likely featuring Johan Santana, Freddy Garcia and Carlos Zambrano. That trio combined to go 44-21 with a 3.37 ERA in 2005. If one of those pitchers doesn't participate, he could be replaced by Gustavo Chacin, Kelvim Escobar or Victor Zambrano.
"That's exciting, too, playing with all those guys," Abreu said. "And on the same team, too."
Playing for his home country is the lure for Abreu, who has been to two All-Star Games and set records at last year's CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby. As a position player, he doesn't see going away from the team for as many as three weeks as a detriment to his preparation.
Abreu won't be far from the Phils early in the tournament preparations, as Venezuela will train in Clearwater from March 3-6 at the Carpenter Complex, and play an exhibition game against the Phillies on March 4. Pool D will play Round 1 in Orlando, Fla.
At some point, Abreu's team could cross paths with Team USA, which features Chase Utley at second base. Other Phillies participating in the tournament are Rheal Cormier, Scott Mathieson, Aaron Myette and possibly Eude Brito, Rob Tejeda and Carlos Ruiz.
With Venezuela coming off a Caribbean Series win, Abreu likes his team's chances in the Classic.
"Definitely," he said. "There are a lot of great teams, but I think we'll do well."
The bench: Manager Charlie Manuel's plan to carry 12 pitchers means five bench spots are available for the spring contenders.
Three are already filled by backup catcher Sal Fasano, Alex S. Gonzalez and Abraham Nunez, with a fourth likely going to Shane Victorino, the only bench player with outfield experience.
That puts Perez in a battle with Matt Kata, Josh Kroeger, Shawn Garrett and Peter Bergeron for the final spot.
The Phillies have offered Perez around, but haven't gotten any takers. He could also be released, despite a contract worth $700,000.
Kroeger, claimed off waivers from Arizona, is a left-handed option with some power. He hit 14 homers for Triple-A Tuscon. Garrett, a switch-hitter signed as a Minor League free agent, hit 17 homers for Triple-A Sacramento.
"I'd like to have someone on the bench who can sock the ball," Manuel said. "If we have someone with power sitting there, it plays late in the game. If we can beef up our bench, the better off we'll be."
Philadelphia had four pinch-hit homers last season, one by Utley, two by Victorino and one by Jose Offerman. If the bench player doesn't come from the players in camp, Manuel sees a trade as a possibility.
"I have a feeling that there's going to be a lot of things going on in Spring Training," Manuel said. "There are a lot of things that aren't set and teams looking for things. Maybe there's somebody out there we need. I think there could be some movement."
Hamels to throw: Cole Hamels is scheduled to throw off a mound on Sunday, his first action since being shut down in July with a stress reaction.
"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "I'm as anxious as anyone would be coming into camp. They want to get going."
The Phillies have taken it slow with Hamels this spring, and they have gone so far as to tell him that he's not competing for a spot in the rotation. He's already ticketed for Double-A Reading, where he could be part of a dominating rotation along with Mathieson, Gio Gonzalez and Daniel Haigwood.
Hamels has bought into the approach after two injury-filled seasons.
"That was the deal with the last couple of years," he said. "I wanted to get there as soon as possible. You can have so much talent, but that's not really the right way. I want to get healthy and play every day. I think that would be the most exciting. Being in the trainer's room is the most horrible thing you can think of."
Philling in: The Phillies sold more than 100,000 single-game regular-season tickets on Wednesday, the first day they were available. Limited seats remain for the Interleague series against the Red Sox and Yankees.

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