Notes: Two Phillies play name game

02/25/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Soon after signing with the Phillies on Nov. 29, Abraham O. Nunez bought a newspaper in his hometown of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, wanting to capture the moment for posterity.
Flipping to the sports section, he read the headline, but saw a photograph that didn't look quite right. Confused for a second, it suddenly dawned on him.
"It was the other guy," he said. "That was weird, but what can you do? I should be used to be it by now."
The other Abraham Nunez (minus the O.) is an outfielder in the San Francisco Giants' training camp as a non-roster invitee. Also a switch-hitting Dominican, San Francisco's Nunez is a year younger than the one who will patrol the infield for the Phillies.
Even in his native country, Nunez can't catch a break. It's understandable, considering the similarities. Still, Nunez does what he can.
"When I sign papers, I make sure to put the 'O' [for Orlando] in there."
Two lockers down at Bright House Networks Field, another unfortunate Major Leaguer offers zero sympathy.
"That's nothing," said Alex S. Gonzalez. "At least your guy isn't a shortstop, too."
Good point, Alex Scott Gonzalez, who wins the prize for having it much, much worse. Born in Miami, Gonzalez can find dozens of Alex Gonzalezes in the phone book, and probably a few with the middle initial "S." Making it worse is the fact that the Major Leaguer who shares his name spent the past eight seasons at shortstop for the Marlins.
The two players, both right-handed, signed free agents contracts with Boston and Philadelphia one day apart. For years, Alex S. has been getting autograph requests for the "wrong guy," and politely returns them.
The day before he signed with Philadelphia, Alex S. received many calls.
"A lot of people congratulated me for signing with Boston," he said. "I was like, 'It wasn't me, man.' It works both ways, as I'm sure he's gotten a lot of mail from all my fans."
The confusion came to a head in the 2003 National League Championship Series when Alex was a Cub and Alex "no S." played for the eventual World Series champions. If only his namesame opponent would have made that crucial error following Steve Bartman's famous dropped foul ball. Alex S. lives in Coral Gables, Fla., and occasionally gets requests to see a World Series ring that belongs to the other Alex Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said he never considered going with Alexander or A. Scott Gonzalez, and instead came up with a different solution.
"Scooter Smith," he said. "I always liked Phil Rizzuto. I can see myself as a Scooter."
Joking aside, there's a darker side to the dilemma that both players hope never happens.
"I hope he doesn't get in trouble one day, and I get confused [for him]," Nunez said.
Loading up: Manuel again promised to "load up" Ramon Henderson's squad for the intrasquad games, hoping to get his beleagured bullpen coach a win.
Henderson's club actually eked out win last year, but opposing manager Marc Bombard protested because a midgame situational drill gave Henderson's team an extra out, when the winning run scored.
"Sore loser," Henderson said with a laugh. "I'll be ready this year. I hate losing -- in cards, no matter what."
Franklin under the radar: Ryan Franklin, the quietest starting pitcher in camp so far, will kick off Philadelphia's Grapefruit League season.
The right-hander is scheduled to face the Yankees in March 2 at Legends Field in Tampa, Fla. Ryan Madson, expected to be the fifth starter, will also pitch in that game, as will Gavin Floyd, Julio Santana and Geoff Geary.
Signed to a one-year, $2.6-million contract in January, Franklin is expected to be Philadelphia's No. 4 starter. Manager Charlie Manuel has liked the way he's looked early in camp.
"His stuff is good," Manuel said. "Switching leagues and a change of scenery could really help him. If he consistently goes six or seven innings, we'll really have something. He can win some games."
Jon Lieber, the team's likely Opening Day starter, will start the March 3 home opener at Bright House Networks Field, also against the Yankees. Brett Myers and Cory Lidle round out the rotation's first go-around on March 4 and 5, respectively.
Myers' start will come against the Venezuelan entrant in the World Baseball Classic. Team Venezuela is scheduled to challenge the Phillies in an exhibition game at Bright House in preparation for the tournament.
Bobby Abreu is on that team and can crowd the plate all he wants without fear of retribution.
"Myers ain't going to knock him down," Manuel said. "He can dig in on us."
"That should be fun," Abreu said. "It will be nice to face him."
The Phillies are also scheduled to face the Blue Jays in Dunedin on March, with Ricardo Rodriguez the expected starter.
Philling in: The intrasquad games on Sunday and Monday will last 4 1/2 innings. Every pitcher, save Chris Booker and Cole Hamels, will throw in the game, each for a single inning. The games are scheduled to start at noon ET. ... Booker said his knee feels fine, and he hopes to start throwing next week. ... Chase Utley will start the Grapefruit League opener on March 2, then fly to Arizona to join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
Quotable: "That's the Phillies' responsibility. I was just doing my job. It was an unfortunate incident." -- Gonzalez, on hitting a Phillies delivery truck in the side during Friday's batting practice

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