Notes: Cormier excited about Classic

02/28/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Most days, Rheal Cormier knows he's 38, regardless of whether it's before or after that day's workout.
Having played professionally since 1989 and in the Major Leagues since '91, the veteran left-hander still has plenty of passion and never takes his good fortune for granted. Why else would the Moncton, New Brunswick, native consider himself fortunate to represent Canada in the World Baseball Classic?
"Sure, this is going to be great, eh?" Cormier said, showing off his Canadian roots. "It will be fun to play with some of the country's best players."
Despite being without Rich Harden, Eric Gagne and Ryan Dempster, Cormier will get to play with young stars like Jason Bay and Jeff Francis, and established vets like Corey Koskie.
The international flavor -- or "flavour" as Cormier would say -- of the competition is an exciting return for Cormier, who in 1988 represented Canada in the Olympics. Just drafted by the Cardinals out of Rhode Island Community College, the southpaw traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to compete in what was then a demonstration sport.
"That's when players were amateurs then," Cormier said. "[Canada] even upset the United States. That was sweet."
Canada beat the U.S. in pool play, 8-7, but didn't advance to the semifinals because it lost its other two games. Meanwhile, Team USA, with future Major Leaguers Robin Ventura, Tino Martinez, Ben McDonald, Charles Nagy and Mickey Morandini, went on to win the gold medal.
Cormier played with Matt Stairs in 1988 and will do so again in the Classic. His Phillies teammates on Team Canada include Minor League prospect Scott Mathieson and non-roster invitee Aaron Myette.
The Canadians will battle in Pool B, which includes the U.S., Mexico and South Africa. That could set up a potential matchup with second baseman Chase Utley, who's one of many established Major Leaguers playing for Team USA.
That would seem to put Canada at a disadvantage.
"They are stacked, but it's early in the spring, so anything is possible," Cormier said. "They better watch out though, or it could be 1988 again."
Hamels passes another test: Cole Hamels threw 30 pitches on Tuesday, two days after throwing 25. He said he felt fine as he tries to progress to the point where he can potentially see some Grapefruit League action.
"We'll wait and see," manager Charlie Manuel said. "I want what's best for him. At the same time, I want him to be ready when the season starts. We have to get him healthy to where he pitch in a regular rotation for awhile."
Gotta be the shoes: Pat Burrell participated in batting practice on Tuesday, but he didn't do any running. He's still nursing a sore right foot that flared up after Sunday's intrasquad game.
Manuel pointed out sitting Burrell on Monday was his decision, and said his foot feels better. Still, trainer Jeff Cooper is trying to find a shoe to help. Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez is wearing a special shoe to alleviate pain in his right big toe.
"Hopefully, there will be some way to get him some comfort when he runs," Manuel said. "Let's wait and see a day or two if the soreness goes out."
Bell feeling better: David Bellhit in the batting cage for the first time, a day after hitting soft tosses, and declared himself fit for battle.
Bell was scratched from both intrasquad games on Sunday and Monday because he felt soreness in his left elbow when he swung.
"It's something really minor," Bell said. "I swung the last two days and it was fine. From a health standpoint, I'm fine. I'll be ready to play Thursday."
That would put Bell in the exhibition opener against the Yankees at Legends Field in Tampa. The better news for him is that his back isn't hurting.
Bell historically hasn't had much luck in Spring Training, and this year is no exception. In addition to the elbow soreness, the veteran took a bad-hop throw off his face during cutoff drills earlier in camp.
He's sporting a beard these days, and joked that it's because that shot made it too painful for him to shave.
"It's an excuse not to shave," Bell said.
You're out: Umpire supervisor Rich Garcia made his annual stop in Clearwater, spending more than an hour discussing a number of topics with the players, such as speeding up the game and on-field conduct.
"It's the same thing he's been telling me for 40-something years," said Manuel. Don't argue, speed it up ... I promised I wouldn't get kicked out of any games, but I lie a lot."
Philling in: Eude Brito has declined to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, so he could focus on trying to make the Phillies. Teammate Rob Tejeda, who was on the Dominican's provisional roster, had pulled his name out of contention on Monday. ... Ryan Howard, who is still running a fever, was sent home for the third straight day. He went to the hospital early Monday morning and was treated for dehydration. Manuel said Howard won't play in the first two exhibition games on Thursday and Friday, but he could play in one of the split-squad games on Saturday.

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