Notes: Rhodes aims to be eighth wonder

02/19/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Arthur Rhodes figured he was going to be playing in a new location in 2006. He just wanted time to fill out the change-of-address forms.
Rhodes finally learned where he was heading on Jan. 27, when he was shipped to Philadelphia in a much-rumored deal for Jason Michaels.
"I didn't know where I was going, and it was getting pretty close to Spring Training," Rhodes said. "I hoped they would hurry up and do something and not leave me out to dry, so I could find an apartment or a house. They got it done quickly and I was happy."
The team's new setup man will replace the two-headed tandem of Tim Worrell and Ugueth Urbina, both of whom struggled last season. Worrell pitched poorly and spent two months away recovering from "personal psychological issues." Urbina was acquired in June, but is in a Venezuelan jail on charges of attempted murder.
Enter Rhodes, an experienced reliever who compiled a 2.08 ERA in 43 innings. He called his Philadelphia situation "comfortable" because he knew Pat Gillick from having played for him in Baltimore and Seattle. He's also heard plenty of stories about manager Charlie Manuel from Eric Wedge, his skipper in Cleveland.
Rhodes doesn't come without any strings. He made just four appearances in the final two months because of a family illness. Rhodes didn't discuss the issue then and doesn't want to now. But he said his absence had nothing to do with the reported knee injury. The Indians did him a favor in an attempt to respect his privacy.
"When it happened, I went in and they said, 'OK, we'll say your knee was hurt,' but my knee wasn't hurt," Rhodes said. "We'll leave it at that."
Just like Manuel plans to leave the eighth inning in Rhodes' hands.
"Arthur Rhodes is going to play a big part on our team," said Manuel. "He has a good slider and cutter. A setup guy closes games, too."
By that Manuel means putting out a fire in the late innings and turning the ninth inning over clean to closer Tom Gordon. Rhodes wasn't a fan of closing in Oakland and is happy in his current role.
"I don't want to talk about closing," he said. "It's totally different."
In the National League for the first time in his 15-year career, Rhodes doesn't expect a major learning curve. Though he doesn't throw 96 mph anyway, his ball still moves.
Physically, he's still an imposing 6-foot-2, 212 pounds and scowls with the best of them, not to mention the many tattoos on his chest, back and arms.
"Yeah, you probably think I'm crazy with all these tattoos," Rhodes said.
Crazy good, the Phillies hope.
Abreu arrival delayed: Bobby Abreu's highly anticipated arrival at Phillies camp was delayed when traffic problems caused him to miss his flight out of Venezuela.
The team had scheduled a Monday news conference for Abreu to address his feelings on having been the most traded player in the offseason. That has been rescheduled for Tuesday.
Regardless of Abreu being dealt to nearly every Major League team this offseason, Manuel never doubted he'd have his slugger back in 2006.
"I thought I was going to see him on this team," Manuel said. "Ever since the season was over, I thought Bobby would be here."
He will, just not until Tuesday.
The right fielder, who is still owed $30 million over the next two seasons ($13 million in 2006, $15 in 2007 and a $2 million buyout), was the team's most tradable commodity in Gillick's quest to land a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. Among the dangled names were Chicago's Mark Prior and Oakland's Barry Zito, but those deals never got close. A more complicated rumor had Abreu headed to Baltimore for shortstop Miguel Tejada, who would then be flipped to Boston for right-fielder Trot Nixon and pitcher Matt Clement.
That also never got close.
Ultimately, Abreu was never asked to waive his no-trade clause. When the the two-time All-Star and 2005 Home Run Derby arrives in camp, he'll likely be asked whether he was angered by the speculation.
"I think Bobby's much more mentally tough than people think he is," Manuel said.
Palmer joins the Phillies: Scott Palmer, former WPVI-TV sportscaster and news anchor, has officially been hired by the Phillies in a newly created job as director of media and public affairs.
Palmer, who joined the organization as a consultant in September, will assist with media relations, advertising, marketing, internet communications and video operations.
He'll also host the W.B. Mason "Behind the Pinstripes" show during the regular season. The 30-minute program will aired before every Sunday afternoon telecast on UPN57, starting April 9.
"It's a wonderful opportunity at my age to be given to go off in a different area and follow one of the dreams I've had since I was a little kid," Palmer said. "Hopefully, I'll be able to bring more fans to the team."
Eighth place?: The constantly tinkering Manuel suggested that Mike Lieberthal could hit higher than eighth if he produces.
Lieberthal has batted eighth most often during the past two seasons. He spent most of the 2003 season hitting fifth, but justified it with a .313 batting average.
Manuel thinks he can be that guy again.
"He was one of the most consistent hitters on our team in 2003," Manuel said. "His approach at the plate is balanced. Can he hit .300? I think he can. I told him today and he'll move in the lineup if he produces. That goes for anybody else."
Philling in: Jimmy Rollins and Abraham Nunez arrived in camp on Sunday. ... David Bell has taken uniform number 25 to honor his father, Buddy and grandfather, Gus. Bell, who tries to wear the digits whenever he can, has deferred to first baseman Jim Thome over the past three years. ... Three Phillies Grapefruit League games will be broadcast on phillies.com: March 13 (Detroit, 1:05 p.m. ET), March 20 (Minnesota, 1:05 p.m. ET) and March 27 (Cleveland, 1:05 p.m. ET). ... Carlos Ruiz and Aquilino Lopez arrived in camp on Sunday. They had been delayed because of visa problems.

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

Lieberthal still going strong at 34

02/19/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- The Mike Lieberthal slouch is among the more common Spring Training sites at Bright House Networks Field, whether it's the after-workout, exhausted slouch that even tires observers or the morning slouch in anticipation of the day ahead.
Other than bad posture, either slouch (the after-workout one is typically lower) indicates 14 springs endured by a veteran catcher with 1,107 Major League games under his belt.
"Fourteen years, huh?" Lieberthal said, from the morning slouch position. "Obviously, I'm a little heavier, more relaxed. I'm much more experienced and know what to expect."
And after a long pause, he added, "I have more money, more gray hairs."
Earning the financial security and gray hairs have taken a toll on Lieberthal in those 1,107 games, in which he's amassed a .275 average in 3,932 career at-bats. The former third overall pick in 1990 -- considered by scouts to be too small to grow into an everyday Major League catcher -- has proved them wrong, developing into a consistent offensive performer.
Much has changed since his days as a 21-year-old non-roster invitee in 1993. He's made two All-Star appearances and has seen his salary rise from $109,000 to $7.5 million. He's played for four managers and is on his third general manager. He's called two places home in both Philadelphia and Clearwater, Fla., as each city got new facilities in 2004.
He's also scheduled many doctors' appointments over the years, including one in October to have his right knee scoped. He confessed that he played the season with torn cartilage, not that his manager knew.
"He never said anything about it," said manager Charlie Manuel. "He said, 'My legs are fine.' Every now and then, [trainer Jeff Cooper] would say something and I'd rest him. When he gets out of this game, nobody can say he wasn't a tough guy, because he'll never tell you when he's hurt."
He also won't say he's hurt by the fan heckling endured over the past few seasons, or with a growing perception that he might see reduced playing time in 2006. The Phillies signed Sal Fasano, and Manuel suggested that Fasano could play as many as 80 games -- if Lieberthal slumps or gets hurt.
While he hasn't been on the disabled list since 2001, Lieberthal has dealt with sore knees and hitting slumps. Still, he sees the presence of Fasano as a security issue.
"I think ... if I can't, Sal can catch more games," Lieberthal said. "But if I'm healthy and producing, I'll be in there every day. It's security, because they know how my knee has been and [my] production has been down. But if I hit, I play."
Lieberthal's production has declined over the past two seasons, as his .418 slugging percentage in 2005 was his lowest number since 1998. He played well during the final two months of 2005, batting .313, as his team narrowly missed the playoffs by a game.
"My mechanics were better. I had a shorter swing," he said. "There were a lot of different ways how my swing was better. [The playoff chase] was exciting. I've never been in that situation. The last month, every game was a like a playoff atmosphere. We played so well in the last two months."
When Lieberthal considers the multiple knee surgeries and the physical demands of catching, it's realistic for him to begin thinking about how much longer he wants to play. With millions of dollars in the bank and a fall wedding planned to fiancée Kelly, can retirement be far off?
"I can still hit. I can still play," he said. "As long as I stay healthy, somebody is going to want me. I'm not thinking about retiring. Former players I've talked to have said, 'Play as long as you can,' [and] that if you leave the game too soon, you're going to be bored."
He's also frustrated that all of his seasons in the Majors -- beginning in 1994 -- have ended in late September/early October, without a postseason appearance. Lieberthal is well aware that among active position players, only Damion Easley and Jeff Cirillo have spent more time in the Majors than he sans a postseason trip.
"That's all I play for now," he said. "Money's not an issue. Getting to the playoffs and hopefully the World Series is all I have left. When you're young, you want to prove yourself in the league, and hopefully get some money so you can get security. Winning is nice [when you're younger], but when you're older, it's everything."
And maybe a good way to go out, after all.
Then again?
"It's always year-to-year in this game," he said. "You're out to prove yourself every year, regardless of your contract situation. That's how this game is. It doesn't how great a player you were one year. That's what is great about this sport. It doesn't matter how many years you've played."

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

Notes: Perez ready to battle for a spot

02/20/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Tomas Perez bounced around the clubhouse as usual on Monday, high-fiving and giving hard slaps on the back to teammates.
Always smiling and happy to be with other baseball players, Perez is still keenly aware of Philadelphia's offseason acquisitions.
First, Abraham Nunez, then Alex S. Gonzalez. One of those players would seem to make Perez irrelevant, but two is overkill.
"The organization made a decision to try and better the team," Perez said. "Hopefully, I'll be on the team no matter what. I have to go out and perform no matter what. Hopefully, I'll make it."
Manager Charlie Manuel said he plans to use Perez, Nunez, Gonzalez and Matt Kata in the outfield during Spring Training, even though all have marginal experience at the position. The Phillies will look at outfielders Shane Victorino, Josh Kroeger and Shawn Garrett as options for the fourth and fifth outfield spots.
While Perez, 32, said he played some outfield this winter in his native Venezuela, but he has logged only one game there in the Majors, in right field for the Blue Jays in 2001. The switch-hitter, who has spent six years with the Phillies, hit .233 with no homers last season.
He's expected to earn $700,000 this season, and he has a club option worth $800,000 in 2007 or a $75,000 buyout.
Perez understands the business side, and realizes he may be auditioning for the other 29 teams this spring. But he'd prefer to remain in Philadelphia.
"I don't know. I'll have to wait and see what happens, and wait until they make a decision," Perez said. "I have real good teammates, real good friends here. Hopefully, I'll stay with the Phillies for the rest of my career."
WBC excitement: Despite his uncertain status, Perez is thrilled with the possibility of representing his native Venezuela in the inagural World Baseball Classic.
Perez is on the provisional roster and could join Abreu.
"It's an event," he said. "You never get to see this many big-leaguers on the same team. Playing is something you'll remember you're whole life. You can tell your children about representing your country."
In the week before Spring Training, Perez made the trip to Venezuela for three practices. The team stopped in Caracas, Maracay and Valencia, and worked out before full houses.
Team Venezuela is stacked with a rotation that will include some of the following: Johan Santana (Twins), Freddy Garcia (White Sox), Carlos Zambrano (Cubs), Victor Zambrano (Mets), Kelvim Escobar (Angels) and Gustavo Chacin (Blue Jays).
"It's something to look forward to," he said.
Booking it: Chris Booker, vying to make the Phillies as a middle reliever, has been slowed by a left knee injury.
The Tigers selected Booker in the Rule 5 Draft from the Nationals and shipped him to the Philadelphia. The righty must remain on the Phillies' 25-man roster all season or be offered back to the Nationals, his original club.
Booker had surgery in the offseason, but experienced soreness during his rehabilitation. He's been limited to light jogging and long-tossing, but hasn't been cleared him to throw off a mound.
"I think I'll have enough time to show what I can do," said Booker.
The Phillies hope to see the strikeout pitcher who posted a 2.49 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 65 innings for the Reds' Triple-A club last season. The high whiff totals were attributed to him mastering a forkball, but Booker said had always thrown it.
"From Day 1 with the Cubs," he said. "They backed me off it because they wanted me to develop my arm. I guess people are just taking a look at it now."
Booker said he abandoned the pitch for a few years, but dusted it off when he struggled with his change up, and needed another offspeed pitch.
"I call it a split-finger, splitty," he said. "You can throw hard in this game, and people are going to hit. It doesn't matter how hard you throw, they'll hit it. (The forkball) is my outpitch."
Kirby, meet Jimmy: Manuel spent part of his afternoon media session discussing Jimmy Rollins' supreme confidence in his ability. At one point, a reporter that Rollins might have self-esteem issues and needed a confidence.
"Rollins?" Manuel said. "Down on himself? Jeez."
Asked about the most confident player he's ever been around, Manuel paused, and said: "Kirby Puckett. He was my favorite player."
"I'd ask him how he was hitting, and he'd say 'good,'" Manuel said. "I'd say, 'you're 0-for-20. He'd say, 'I'm still hitting good, just watch me.
"I saw Kirby make $500 dollars a month, and $6 million. He was the same guy, with the same smile, the same energy, every ball he ran out. He had every ingredient."
Manuel said the Hall-of-Famer recently boasted that he could still hit .275 with a bad eye. He sees some of that swagger in his young shortstop.
"I see the personality, the smile, the charisma in him," Manuel said. "Do I see it everyday, not yet, but it was getting consistent last year."
The one difference? Rollins would acknowledge a slump.
"He might tell me he's scuffling or something, and I'll say, 'You're not scuffling," Manuel said. "I'll say something off the wall, encourage him. He'll give me a big smile."
Philling In: Bobby Abreu is in Florida and will arrive in camp Tuesday. He'll hold a press conference to discuss his reaction to the winter's trade rumors. ... Cole Hamels is throwing pain free, and is scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time on Friday.


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

Mailbag: Why pass on Sosa?

02/20/2006
Considering the Phillies need a fifth outfielder with power off the bench, why didn't the Phillies make a run at Sammy Sosa? Obviously he plans to retire now, but what about before when the Nationals had so much interest in him? -- Dale J., Yardley, Pa.
The Phillies reached the same conclusion as the other 29 teams in baseball -- that Sosa wasn't worth a guaranteed Major League deal. The 37-year-old right fielder batted .221 with 14 homers and 45 RBIs in 102 games, and dealt with multiple injuries of the past few seasons. It's pretty telling when the only offer he received was a $500,000 non-guaranteed contract from the Nationals. He's one of the most prolific home run hitters in the history of the game -- and it's understandable to hope for one more year from a guy with that kind of history -- but his career has appeared to have come to an end.
Where do prospects Gio Gonzalez and Chris Booker fit into the Phillies' bullpen plans? -- Michael R., Hialeah, Fla.
Gonzalez, the better of the two pitchers received from the White Sox, is expected to be part of a dominating rotation at Double-A Reading that should also include Cole Hamels, Scott Mathieson and Daniel Haigwood. Hamels and Gonzalez should finish the season at Triple-A or the Majors.
Booker isn't an impact prospect. The 29-year-old is a Rule 5 Draft selection and must remain on the team's 25-man roster all season or be offered back to the Nationals. The Phillies will give him a long look for a bullpen job. The problem is that he's been slowed by a left knee injury. Shane Victorino was a Rule 5 draftee last season and he didn't make the team. He remained in the organization because the Phillies worked out a trade with Los Angeles.
How much longer do you think Arthur Rhodes has until he retires or starts to slow down? -- Elmo C., Philadelphia
Rhodes would like to pitch until he's 40, which would be four more seasons. Whether his body allows for that is another matter. Lefties have a way of hanging around, but Rhodes proved last season that he can still be an effective late-inning reliever.
Did the Phillies receive any compensation for losing Billy Wagner? And if not, why not? -- John D., Philadelphia
Since Wagner was a Type-A free agent, the Phillies will receive the Mets' first-round pick in the 2006 First-Year Entry Draft and a supplemental pick after the first round. The Phillies lost their own first-round pick, however, for signing Tom Gordon.
Where does outfield prospect Shawn Garrett, recently acquired from the A's Triple-A club, fit in? He had some really decent stats. -- Bill B., Mattoon, Ill.
At this point, it's tough to say. He'll probably be in the mix with Josh Kroeger for the fifth outfielder's job, but manager Charlie Manuel plans to play utility infielders Alex S. Gonzalez, Tomas Perez and Abraham Nunez in the outfield as well. Garrett, 27, had a solid season at Sacramento -- batting .295 with 17 homers -- but those Pacific Coast League stats have a way of inflating true performance.
I see the Phillies as being about as good as they were last year. Why didn't they try and get a definite No. 1 pitcher, or are they expecting Randy Wolf to be it? -- David P., Lebanon, Pa.
They tried for a No. 1 starter, but teams weren't willing to take Bobby Abreu or his mighty salary. The fact that Javier Vazquez and Josh Beckett were the only "aces" acquired says a lot about the thin trade market. If you're wondering why the Phillies didn't try to get one of those guys, it's because neither the Marlins or Diamondbacks could take on salary. As for Wolf, he's not expected back until July. I think a more likely reinforcement will be Hamels, Gavin Floyd or Rob Tejeda.
With three quality left-handed relief pitchers in the Phillies bullpen, who will get the majority of the innings? -- Nick F., Willow Grove, Pa.
Whoever is pitching the best. Rhodes is the eighth-inning setup man, and Rheal Cormier and Aaron Fultz are similar, so it's whoever Manuel feels is the best option.
What are the Phillies planning to do with Scott Mathieson? Is he going to get any Major League playing time this year? -- Mike A., Mt. Laurel, N.J.
He'll start the season at Double-A. I doubt he'll see any big-league time unless it's as a September callup.

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

Rollins excited to chase DiMaggio

02/20/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- It was uttered as a simple pledge, a boast from Jimmy Rollins to his younger brother, Antwon.
He might wind up being prophetic.
"Every spring since my rookie year, I told him I'm going to break [Joe] DiMaggio's record," said Rollins. "It's such a symbol of consistency. Up until now, that was impossible."
It's very possible now for those who want to believe Rollins -- who ended the 2005 season with a hit in 36 straight games -- is capable of starting this season with a 21-game hitting steak, and shattering DiMaggio's 64-year-old record.
Rollins believes he can, as he spoke with reporters on Monday at Bright House Networks Field on his second day of camp. He entered to a celebrity's welcome, holding a morning press conference to discuss his accomplishments. The diamond earning in each ear shone nearly as brightly as the spotlight that will shine on him over the next six weeks, and intensify through the regular season's first month.
Can he extend the ninth-longest streak in Major League history, one that began with a ninth-inning double off San Francisco's Brian Cooper, driving in the 10th and final run of a 10-2 win last Aug. 23, then went into hibernation on a fourth-inning single off Washington's Hector Carrasco on Oct. 2?
"Sure, why not?" said manager Charlie Manuel. "It will be fun to watch him try."
The switch-hitter batted .379 during the streak, totaling 19 doubles, four triples, four homers, 24 RBIs, 97 total bases, 17 walks and 15 stolen bases, as he kept the Phillies alive in the National League Wild Card race. Of his streak-extending hits, he smacked 22 singles, 10 doubles, one triple and three homers. His batting average rose from .262 to .290.
For those into advance planning, Rollins would break the mark on April 26 at home against the Rockies. If nothing else, Rollins has gained an appreciation for what DiMaggio accomplished nearly 6 1/2 decades ago.
"That's one heck of a long hitting streak," Rollins said. "When I looked back after the season, it was like, 'Wow, that's 36 days of working to be successful, but he did it for 20 more games.' It's almost unimaginable that someone can even hit in that many games straight, but here I am across the halfway point. This is when it gets tough."
Always considered a "red-light player" since signing with the Phillies in 1996, the 27-year-old has emerged as one of the game's elite shortstops. He's been thinking about it since his rookie season. His statistics say it, and his lofty five-year, $40-million contract extension validates his claims.
After batting .188 in August -- which encompasses the streak's first seven games -- Rollins hit .400 over the final 32 games to keep the Phillies on pace with the Astros. The Phils fell a game short in the NL Wild Card race, but Rollins learned a lot about performing down the stretch.
"That's what separates the men from the boys, what you do when crunch time is on," Rollins said. "Though we didn't get to the playoffs, it was an important race. It brought a lot of attention to me and to the team."
Through the steamy stretches, Rollins has maintained his aggressive hitting style, which doesn't include a lot of 3-2 counts. That won't change. He'll never be the prototypical 100-walk leadoff man who works counts, though so few of them exist. As long as he's finding ways on base and scoring runs, the Phillies are content.
"Our shortstop turned the corner," said Manuel. "He learned what works best for him [during the streak]. He has a great personality and he can be very special. He's going to get better."
Much, much better, if you ask the supremely confident source. His performance last season enhanced his ego. He maintains a goal of scoring 150 runs in a season (he scored 115 last year), and doesn't hide the fact that he wants to be remembered as one of the best at his position.
He already ranks himself on a level with Orlando Cabrera and close to Edgar Renteria. Can Rafael Furcal and Derek Jeter be far off?
"I have no doubt that I'll be regarded as one of the best shortstops," he said. "In which way, offense or defense, I don't know. Hopefully, it's all the way around. Those are my plans. If I don't feel that way, I shouldn't be playing this game."
Recognition as the holder of the game's longest hitting streak in history might help his Hall of Fame chances.
"Shoot, I'll get to Hall of Fame for reasons other than that," he said, laughing. "But that'll definitely help."
Even without Cooperstown, Rollins has forged a pretty nice lifestyle. He owns two homes -- one in Tampa, Fla., and one in Swedesboro, N.J. -- and tools around Clearwater in a Mercedes that he joked is a rental. The flash fits his personality.
His celebrity athlete friends include Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and Sixers guard Allen Iverson. While he's not in that group in terms of how he's regarded -- he can still eat in a restaurant without incident, since "people don't recognize me without the dreds" -- the streak would vault him higher than he can imagine.
He could own the city of Philadelphia.
"That's what I'm here for, to hopefully do something special, something that hasn't been done in a long time," Rollins said. "If that happens, that's fine. Everybody wants to be that man at least once in their career. If I have an opportunity to do that, I'm going to relish it."

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

Underdog role doesn't bother Phillies

02/20/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- In some recent winters, the Philadelphia Phillies were very popular with the preseason prognosticators. This February, the Phillies are preseason underdogs in the National League East.
They cannot be considered anything like distant underdogs or hapless underdogs or even decisive underdogs. They can, in fact, be fairly projected as contenders in the NL East. But they won't be considered favorites. At least they seem to be fine with this status.
"Underdog, that's something that we've been accustomed to, playing in Philadelphia," shortstop Jimmy Rollins said with a smile Monday. "We're always the underdog."
On the Phillies' side of the argument, this is still a club with a very impressive, versatile lineup. But the Atlanta Braves have won 14 division titles in a row. And the New York Mets made the division's biggest offseason improvements.
Thus, the Phillies, even though they missed the NL East title by just two games last season and the NL Wild Card berth by only one game, are seen by the prognosticating public as having slightly less of a chance to reach the postseason than they did last year. This doesn't exactly demoralize them, either.
"Expectations change every year," Rollins said. "People are going to believe what they want to believe. Personally, I believe we have a solid club."
Rollins would be one of the main reasons for genuine optimism. His 36-game hitting streak, still alive when the 2005 season ended, represented a major breakthrough. He now could be considered among the premier shortstops and leadoff men in the game.
Elsewhere, the presence of such impact players as Bobby Abreu in right, Chase Utley at second, a big run producer in Pat Burrell in left and emerging slugger Ryan Howard at first give the Phils plenty of pop and plenty of reason for hope. They lost Jim Thome, a leader on this club, but that loss came in a trade that gave them Aaron Rowand, a solid upgrade in center field.
So where is the drag on their public perception? It starts with the loss of Billy Wagner, a closer of the first rank. Not only did the Phillies lose him, they lost him to the Mets, making this the double whammy of closer departures.
Tom Gordon, most recently with the Yankees, will take over for Wagner. Gordon has closed before and closed successfully. But he hasn't closed full-time since 2001 and he is now 38 years old.
His stuff seemed to be largely intact in his last employment, as a setup man with the New York Yankees. This is what the Phillies see when they see Gordon. "The man still has it," Rollins said. "Tom Gordon still has it."
Even if he still has it, it is difficult to argue that he has as much of it as Wagner. There will be other changes and some at least initial uncertainty in the bullpen, as well. The primary setup role could go to lefty Arthur Rhodes, 36.
Beyond that, the Phillies' likely starting rotation of Jon Lieber, Brett Myers, Cory Lidle, Ryan Franklin and Ryan Madson is likely neither to spell disaster nor ultimate success.
Lieber is not an ace in the overpowering sense of the word, but he certainly is reliable and workmanlike He works quickly, throws strikes and generally keeps the ball down in the strike zone, a particularly good way to work given the extremely cozy dimensions of Citizens Bank Park. Myers had the best statistical season of his career in 2005, and the Phillies have a right to hope for even better things from him.
But the Phillies could use another quality starter. They attempted to find one via a trade in the offseason, but could not find the appropriate match. They could get bet a boost in this area without making a move, if lefty Randy Wolf has a successful return from Tommy John surgery in mid-season, as the Phillies hope.
When manager Charlie Manuel is asked where the Phillies need to make the improvement that could make them a postseason team, he says: "Basically, it's what we talked about mostly all last year: Pitching and depth in our pitching. Consistent starting pitching and depth in our pitching."
When Manuel is asked whether the Phillies can achieve that improvement with the pitching talent currently on hand, he responds:
"I think we've got guys in our camp that can definitely take us there as far as ability and everything. But I think we're in a process right now of seeing what we've really got. We do have a bunch of new faces and we've got some young pitchers, but we've also got some guys that we brought over here that are new to us. I think we've got to play some games and evaluate what we've got."
That is neither a yes nor a no. A maybe is always an honest Spring Training answer, but it also doesn't add up to a ringing endorsement.
The best-case scenario appears to be this: If the Phillies can avoid the kind of start they had last year -- a 10-14 April -- they could remain solidly in the hunt until pitching help arrives, either from the outside or from the return of a healthy, effective Wolf, or both.
If not, well, the fallback position is rarely pleasant, but at least this year, they're not supposed to win, anyway. The Phillies begin Spring Training as a club once again not that far away from baseball's elite. If their pitching improves, they take the next, big step. But that is exactly the kind of "if" that kept them inches away from the postseason last year, too.

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

Phils tickets on sale starting Wednesday

02/20/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Regardless of whether the snow has melted from your doorstep, it's never too early to begin thinking about Jimmy Rollins' hitting streak and Ryan Howard's home runs.
To that end, tickets to 81 Phillies home dates -- including Modell's Sporting Goods Opening Day, Hatfield Dollar Dog Nights, two Independence Blue Cross fireworks shows and Interleague games with three American League teams -- go on sale starting Wednesday.
Starting at 7:30 a.m. ET, fans can order individual game tickets through phillies.com, where the complete regular-season schedule, promotional calendar and merchandise also is available.
Modell's Sporting Goods Opening Day is Monday, April 3, a 3:05 p.m. game against the Cardinals, the National League Central champions. St. Louis, which will be making its only 2006 visit, also plays games April 5 (7:05 p.m.) and April 6 (3:05 p.m.). The Thursday game is the first of seven Citizens Bank Businessperson's specials during the season.
The team's first 24 home games -- from April 3 to May 11 -- feature meetings with NL East rivals Washington, Florida, Atlanta and New York. The Dodgers, Rockies and Giants also visit.
San Francisco's visit May 5-7 could be the final one for Barry Bonds, who has discussed potential plans to retire after the season. Bonds needs seven homers to pass Babe Ruth for second on the all-time list. If he hasn't done it by then, he'll be awfully close.
This season's Interleague slate features visits from the Boston and the Yankees, with a limited amount of tickets available for the Yankees series (eight per game). Tickets for both of those series are included in a new special six-game plan. Fans may choose one of the Red Sox or Yankees games, plus five other dates. The Red Sox and Yankees games are also available in all other season-ticket plans.
Fans can also purchase tickets via the Phone Center (215) 463-1000 and at the Citizens Bank Park First Base Gate ticket windows. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on weekends starting on March 4.
As they have the past two seasons, the Phillies will play two exhibition games against the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park. The games will be played April 1-2 at 1:05 p.m. and 12:35 p.m., respectively.
Here are some promotional highlights for planning purposes:
• Kid's Opening Day: April 8, against the Dodgers. Children 14 and under will receive a Ryan Howard Rookie of the Year Growth Chart.• Six Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Nights: April 9, 19 and 24; May 29, July 4 and Sept. 4.• Five College Nights: April 19, 20, 26 and 27 and May 4. Students with a college ID receive a $4 discount.• Two Independence Blue Cross postgame aerial fireworks shows: July 5 and 7.• Five Modell's Sporting Goods Run the Bases: May 28, July 4 and 27, Aug. 17 and Sept. 4. Children 14 and under.• Fan Appreciation Day: Sept. 24

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

Abreu shakes off trade rumors

02/21/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Year 9 of the Bobby Abreu era began in a similar manner to the previous eight, with the affable right fielder joking and shaking hands with teammates in the morning, then participating in hitting and outfield drills in the early afternoon.
The wrinkle on this serene first day of camp included more than just than frying in the Florida sun. Abreu endured a post-workout grilling from reporters wondering how he was affected by the persistent rumors of his departure from Philadelphia. Questions ranged from, "Were you upset, really upset or really, really upset?" Not upset at all, according to Abreu.
"I'm fine," he said, smiling and squinting in the picnic area of Bright House Networks Field. "I'm not mad. It's all about rumors. Because there were rumors and they weren't true. I believe [the Phillies] just had meetings."
Meetings that ultimately didn't amount to anything. Abreu was headed to Chicago for Mark Prior, Oakland for Barry Zito, Los Angeles for Derek Lowe, Baltimore for Miguel Tejada ...
Everywhere.
Regardless of how many times he was asked, Abreu insisted that he believes it was all just Hot Stove fodder, and that the Phillies never had any intention of dealing him. If they had, they would have approached agent Peter Greenberg about waving Abreu's no-trade clause.
"They were rumors and I think they were untrue because they should've come to me and talked about it," he said. "I have the no-trade clause, so I can say yes or no. They didn't ask me [to waive it]. That's why I say it was a rumor."
Not officially asking doesn't mean the Phillies didn't discuss possibilities of a blockbuster deal involving their two-time All-Star and first-time Gold Glove Award winner. Abreu represented Philadelphia's best bargaining chip in its quest to land a staff ace. Less than a month from his 32nd birthday, Abreu is one of the more productive outfielders in the game, a middle-of-the-order threat with power and speed.
The point of contention seems to be whether Abreu was actively shopped, or whether the Phillies were simply open to the idea of dealing him. Offseason speculation ran the gamut.
General manager Pat Gillick drew a distinction between Abreu and the club's dealings with Jim Thome.
"On Jim, we were actively trying to move him, and were aggressive in our approach," Gillick said. [With Abreu], I think you have to listen to clubs and make a decision. Someone might offer you something outlandish. I told Bobby we weren't shopping him. When you shop a guy, you lose some of your leverage, but if somebody comes to us, we'll listen."
That, of course, suggests the Phillies are still open to the possibility, and Abreu conceded that his decision to waive is no-trade clause would "depend on the situation."
According to Gillick, teams who approached the Phillies this winter were told of their outfielder surplus and desire for pitching. Abreu's name naturally came up, but the Phillies couldn't find a team willing to pay the remaining two years of Abreu's contract, worth $30 million. Further complicating matters was the likely scenario in which Abreu would require his 2008 option picked up, bringing the total owed to $44 million.
If Abreu's feelings were hurt, or his pride damaged, he didn't show it on Tuesday, and disputed reports to the contrary.
"That's not true. I never said [I was unhappy]," Abreu said. "I was in Venezuela, relaxing. I don't have to talk about being mad or something like that, because the Phillies have been so good to me in the eight years I was here. I'm happy and want to stay."
Hearing that will make the Phillies equally happy, especially manager Charlie Manuel. The team's skipper is thrilled with writing Abreu's name in the three hole in the batting order.
"Sometimes I'll be sitting there by myself and think, '... Bobby Abreu knocks in 100, scores 100, hits .300,' and think, 'There's not too many guys who do this,'" said Manuel. "You can [count] them out on your hand. He had a good year. I don't think as a player you're ever satisfied, but at the same time, he's a very productive player.
"He might come out and have a big barnburner year, because he has that kind of talent. I'd say the best thing about him is we have him."
Abreu said he's recovered from the shoulder, leg and back injuries that curtailed his production at the end of the 2005 season. He hit only six homers after the All-Star break and batted .243 in September/October.
"[Offense] is the strength of our team," said catcher Mike Lieberthal. "To lose somebody like Bobby would have been a huge blow to our offense. I'm happy to see him."
The Phillies will need Abreu to fill the leadership void left by Thome, as well as stay consistent all season. Sure, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard will also provide left-handed power, but they still have to be considered young and unproven.
Abreu has been producing for the past eight seasons.
"We'll miss [Thome]," Abreu said. "That guy brings a lot of energy and chemistry to the team. He's one of the guys that can carry a team and help you as a friend or give you advice on hitting. He takes care of the young guys, too. To be without him this year is kind of weird."
Just as weird as a Phillies team without Abreu.

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

Notes: Bell prepared to battle for job

02/21/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So David Bell, welcome to Phillies camp. What do you think of the offseason moves?
The question came right up for Bell, who barely said hello to teammates on Tuesday before addressing his job status for the season.
"Teams are always trying to get better, and add players," he said. "That's the way I look at it. You always have to perform to keep your job. For me, it's never been any other way. If you don't, you're going to get replaced, sooner or later."
If it's sooner for Bell, after batting .248 with 10 homers -- and hitting .199 against right-handers -- in 2005, the Phillies have as many as four candidates vying for playing time. Philadelphia's busy offseason netted Abraham Nunez and Alex S. Gonzalez, each of whom logged significant time at the hot corner last season.
Add in holdovers Matt Kata and Tomas Perez, and there could be quite a battle brewing.
"It's David's job to lose," said manager Charlie Manuel. "He's not going to give it up easily. He's a professsional."
"I feel like I'm going to get a lot of opportunity to play," said Gonzalez. "Which player is going to step in and do something, I can't predict that. I don't know where their focus is, but they gave me the confidence in being able to come in here and play a very big role on the team."
Bell arrived in camp on Monday and worked out with Nunez at third base, while Gonzalez took grounders at shortstop on another field. Manuel may do a lot of mixing and matching this season with that group.
Gonzalez, a right-handed batter, may also log time at second and first, spelling Chase Utley and Ryan Howard against southpaws. If Bell continues to struggle against righties, the switch-hitting Nunez could wind up in a platoon at third.
A .255 career hitter, Bell is two years removed from batting .291 with 18 homers and 77 RBIs. While skeptics want to focus on the low average against righties, Bell doesn't believe he was that far off, in terms of production.
"I didn't feel like I was far away all year," Bell said. "I felt like the difference between those two years, even though from a numbers standpoint, they were a lot different, I really felt close. It just never happened for whatever reason. From a skills standpoint, and from a health standpoint, I don't see why I can't keep getting better.
"[Last year] was a bad start, and I never got going," Bell said. "I want to be more consistent than I was last year with something that's been important to me my whole career. I feel very capable of playing well. That year is over for me."
Get your outfielder's gloves, boys: Manuel reiterated his plan on testing his middle infielders in the outfield this spring, and none of the prospective guinea pigs had a problem.
"I'll give it a shot," said Gonzalez. "It would be totally new for me. If there's a necessity, it would probably be short-term, and match up based between me and Abraham, and whoever is going to be doing that role."
"I'll go out there and see what happens," said Nunez. "I played a couple of games in the outfield in the Minors, but not at the big-league level, so we'll see how it works out."
Four contenders exist as possible fifth outfielder candidates, assuming Shane Victorino makes the team and Josh Kroeger or Shawn Garrett don't. Here are their outfield qualifications:
• Gonzalez: 1,366 games. No games in the outfield.• Perez: 556 games. One game in right field (2001). No chances or assists.• Nunez: 606 games. One game in left field (2001). No chances or assists.• Kata: 135 games. One game in right field (2005). No chances or assists.
Translation: None of the four candidates has actually caught a fly ball at the warning track or hit a cutoff man.
Not surprisingly, the Phillies would prefer to keep those players on the infield dirt and find an outfielder, either through a trade or waivers.
"We'd like a veteran, left-handed guy," said general manager Pat Gillick.
If one isn't found, they have a willing quartet.
"The thing is, you're here for one purpose: winning," Nunez said. "It's not about you, it's about the team. Whenever they ask you to do something, you do it for the best. You have to do whatever it takes."
Numbers game: Bell isn't a superstitious sort, but beamed at the thought of again wearing No. 25. He's taken the number every chance he gets as his way of respecting his father Buddy Bell and grandfather Gus Bell.
"I feel like it's my number, because it was their number, and I've always tried to wear it since I was a kid," he said. "A number doesn't mean a whole lot, but when it's something that has special meaning, it feels better to have it on."
Bell signed with the Phillies in the winter of 2002, but didn't take the number because the team was holding it for Jim Thome, who signed a few weeks later. He also didn't get it in San Francisco because Barry Bonds had it.
He took 4 with the Phillies for no reason.
"If it wasn't 25, I didn't care," he said, admitting that he later thought about 52.
When Thome was dealt to the White Sox this offseason, Bell and No. 25 were again reunited.
"[Equipment manager Frank Coppenbarger] knew not to give it to anybody else," Bell said. "It's a good feeling."
Quotable: "That was rough." -- Ryan Howard, after his feeble hitting session facing Julio Santana
Phan Fest: The Phillies will host their seventh annual Phan Fest on Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET at Bright House Networks Field, sponsored by the City of Clearwater, the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, COSTO of Clearwater and the Phillies.
Though admission is free, various stations cost money, with proceeds going to Phillies Charities, Inc. The Phillies' official charity will then split the proceeds between the Humane Society of Pinellas County and the Clearwater Parks and Recreation Youth Instructional Baseball and Softball programs.
Among the activities for fans are autograph sessions, photo booths, a silent auction, raffle and yard Sale.
The evening will conclude with a fireworks show that will start around 8 p.m.
Special Olympians visit camp: Fifty athletes from the Paul B. Stephens School Special Oympics team made their annual visit to the Phillies' Spring Training workout Tuesday morning at Carpenter Field. The Phillies treated the team members to caps, pizza and soda.
Former Phillie Milt Thompson signed autographs and took photos with the team. The visit marked the sixth year that the Phillies have hosted the Clearwater-area school.
Philling in: The Phillies will play two intrasquad games on Sunday and Monday, likely pitting a Ramon Henderson-managed team against Gary Varsho's squad. ... Garry Maddox arrived in camp on Tuesday, and will stay through Sunday. Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt will be in camp from Feb. 26 through March 4.

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

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/

Three relievers battle for one opening

02/22/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Ricardo Rodriguez appeared a tad rusty throwing live batting practice on Wednesday, a likely symptom of this being the early part of Spring Training.
A day earlier, hard-throwing Julio Santana looked sharp blowing fastballs by Ryan Howard, though the slugger later redeemed himself by smacking one over the left-field fence.
Meanwhile, Geoff Geary and Rob Tejeda are exhibiting the similar talent they displayed last season, when they contributed to the Phillies' playoff charge.
One must also not forget Chris Booker, Eude Brito and Yoel Hernandez.
It's the time of the spring when jobs are there for the taking and contenders line up for them. The Phillies' bullpen is no exception.
"We brought in a lot of guys, and it's important to see them in Spring Training," said manager Charlie Manuel. "Our roster isn't set. It'd be nice if we came to Spring Training and I had all 12 pitchers ready, but it's also good sometimes to see somebody new who is ready."
Manuel insists on carrying 12 pitchers on the 25-man roster, and Tom Gordon, Arthur Rhodes, Rheal Cormier and Aaron Fultz are guaranteed spots. That leaves three jobs open.
The number has realistically been reduced to two, since Santana signed an $800,000 guaranteed contract over the winter and appears to have a lock on one of the jobs.
Geary also appears to have a job wrapped up after showing the Phillies enough last season, when he compiled a 3.72 ERA and struck out 42 in 58 innings.
Assuming Geary's remaining Minor League options don't get in the way -- the club can send him to the Minors without the risk of losing him to another team -- that leaves one spot left, and it appears to be an interesting three-horse race among Booker, Rodriguez and Tejeda.
"I want to see them all throw," Manuel said. "I'm curious to see what they can do."
Booker's throwing debut has been slowed by a left knee injury. He had surgery in the offseason, experienced soreness during his rehabilitation, and been limited to light jogging and long-tossing. He hasn't been cleared him to throw off a mound.
Booker racked up impressive strikeout numbers last year at Triple-A Louisville, whiffing 91 batters in 65 innings. If he doesn't remain on Philadelphia's 25-man roster all season, he must be offered back to the Nationals, the team that lost him in the Rule 5 Draft.
Rodriguez, the pitcher the Phils acquired from the Rangers for Vicente Padilla, has no Minor League options, meaning he'd have to pass through waivers before he can be sent to the Minors. The Phillies are intrigued by the righty, who sees himself as a rotation candidate, but may wind up in the bullpen.
"I've never been a bullpen guy," Rodriguez said. "I'm fighting to make the staff. If [the bullpen] is what I'm fighting for, I hope they tell me, so I can prepare."
"I always liked Rodriguez," Manuel said. "He has good stuff. He's young, so I think it's a matter of maturing. We're looking at Rodriguez as a starter first."
As for Tejeda, the Phillies are concerned about his ability to throw strikes consistently in a relief role, and may view him as a starter. If so, he could win up starting at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he'd be stretched out and ready in case of an injury. The fact that he has Minor League options doesn't help his cause of making the team this spring.
No matter which direction they go on the personnel, Manuel is certain to take 12 pitchers.
Why?
"Same reason as last year," Manuel said. "We need depth in our staff. At 12, I feel more secure. When the day comes around when we can have 11, we'll be better. Now we have 12."

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

Notes: Gordon poses for MLB game

02/23/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Tom Gordon sat motionless in a spinning chair, as what looked like gamma rays probed his face and full uniformed body.
A special camera took roughly 150 pictures as the chair whirled around, and made a grid of his head on a screen. The intention is to turn these photos into a 3-D video game version of Gordon for "MLB 2007 -- The Show."
When it ended, Gordon spent a few uneasy seconds trying not to see white dots before his eyes.
"It was pretty wild, like an MRI setup," said Gordon. "This was the first time I've done that."
This was photo day with a high-tech twist for the Phillies on Thursday morning, as players made the rounds for standard posed photos for baseball cards, mug shots for newspapers and things like MLB GameDay and scoreboard images. Added to the list was a wrinkle called 3-D image screening.
The state-of-the-art technology will to be used in video game for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable and Xbox, and will likely to be released this fall.
"I put my uniform on three different times today," said manager Charlie Manuel, laughing.
Each player wrapped his hands around the back of a rotating chair with a blue pad pressed against the back of his head. The chair spun and stopped numerous times as a camera flashed different patterns on the player's face. The images were recorded by Eyetronics, a Belgium-based 3D scanning company, and eventually will be compressed into a digital image for the video game.
Former minor-leaguers helped with the game's design to aid with the realism, and the company used satellite photos and schematics to re-create each ballpark. For the most part, players were into the thought of this latest technology, and especially enamored with the idea of playing the game with their kids. Call it a perk of a high-profile job.
"I'll be one of the first ones in line to get it when it comes out," said reliever Aaron Fultz. "I don't play a lot of baseball video games, but I'll get this one, for sure."
Video game recollections for the Phillies date back to Nintendo NES, and long nights playing "Tecmo Bowl," "Blades of Steel" and "SNK Baseball Stars," where every player and stadium looked the same. Others, who shall remain nameless, recalled Colecovision and the Atari 2600.
"'Blades of Steel' was a great game," said first baseman Ryan Howard. "The graphics were better, and the screen would enlarge just so you could fight and actually punch. Then, there was 'Ice Hockey,' where you could pick the fat guy or skinny guy. The fat guy would check everybody. I would have 100 checks a game."
Those games were nothing compared to today's technology, when players can play as their alter egos, with each other, and their kids. It represents a new thrill.
Gordon delights in watching his two sons play baseball. His younger son, Nicholas, 10, routinely beats his other son, 17-year-old Davaris. Nicholas usually plays as Roger Clemens, but somehow gets his dad into the game.
"It's something else, the way the technology is now," Gordon said. "The player actually looks like me. They have me taller. I definitely like that. They have fun with it, so I like it."
Even Manuel made a representation of himself for the game, and later recalled playing video games, proof that fun spans generations.
"Bald Bull," the manger exclaimed, referencing 'Mike Tyson's Punch Out!!' "Glass Joe was too early. If you couldn't beat Glass Joe, you hung it up. I also used to play 'Pac Man,' and still play 'Tetris.'"
Third-base coach Bill Dancy felt left out of the morning, and wondered why the game didn't included coaches.
"That would really add to the program," he said. "It would be really big there, in more ways than one."
Wall of Fame: Fans will again have a voice in which former Phillies player, manager or coach is selected to the Phillies Wall of Fame in 2006.
From Feb. 24 through March 24, fans can vote online at phillies.com for their top three choices from a 20-man ballot of Phillies Alumni. A first-place vote is worth five points, second place three points and third place one point.
The top-five fan consensus choices as determined by total points will serve as the final official ballot for a special Wall of Fame Selection Committee, which will choose this year's inductee.
Phillies players with five or more years of service are eligible for induction, while managers and coaches need four or more years of service. All candidates must be retired for three years before they can be eligible for the 20-man ballot.
Induction ceremonies will be held at Citizens Bank Park on Aug. 11, before the 7:05 p.m. ET game against the Reds, when a cast bronze plaque will be added to the Wall of Fame display in the Memory Lane section of Ashburn Alley.
The 20 Phillies Alumni who appear on the online ballot are:
• Pitchers: Larry Christenson, Jim Konstanty, Jim Lonborg, Al Orth, Ron Reed, Dick Ruthven, Rick Wise• Catchers: Darren Daulton, Spud Davis• Infielders: Don Hurst, John Kruk, Fred Luderus, Juan Samuel, Pinky Whitney• Outfielders: Lenny Dykstra, Tony Gonzalez, Von Hayes• Manager: Dallas Green, Gene Mauch• Coach: Mike Ryan
Philling in: Disregard a report on a Web site that said the Phillies and Chase Utley set an end-of-the-month deadline to work out a contract extension. Utley can't be a free-agent until after the 2009 season. While the team might consider a long-term contract to buy out his arbitration years, there's no urgency to do so. ... Once Ryan Howard and Utley agree to contracts, a formality, the team's payroll should exceed $94 million, slightly below last season's record-setting $95 million. The team's search for a left-handed hitting fifth outfielder shouldn't change that number too much. ... Alex S. Gonzalez, Abraham Nunez and Tomas Perez spent their second day shagging balls in the outfield during batting practice.
Quotable: "[Ryan] Franklin looked good. His stuff is good. Switching leagues and a change of scenery could help him. I think if he consistently goes six or seven innings, he'll win some games." -- Manuel

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

Jaramillo quickly moving up ranks

02/23/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- If not for the No. 70 on his back and a locker stall in the heart of rookie row, it would be difficult to identify Jason Jaramillo as a kid experiencing his first big-league camp.
"He's a rookie in this camp, but you can't tell the difference," said Steve Noworyta, the team's director of Minor League operations. "To me, that shows a lot. He's fitting right in and looks like he should be here."
Positioned between infielder Bobby Scales and likely Double-A Reading teammate Gio Gonzalez in the clubhouse, Jaramillo has moved quickly since being drafted by the Phillies in the second round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. He dipped his toe in the professional waters at Class A Batavia that year, then came on strong at Class A Lakewood in 2005 -- hitting .304 with eight homers in 448 at-bats.
Barring a disastrous spring, Jaramillo will be the next exception to the organizational philosophy of players advancing gradually through the system. There are strong signs that Jaramillo will skip Class A Advanced (Clearwater) and start the year at Double-A.
That puts Jaramillo in the company of Chase Utley, Brett Myers, Marlon Byrd and Michael Bourn. Utley went from Class A Clearwater to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, while Myers, Byrd and Bourn bypassed Clearwater on the way to Reading.
"It's a good possibility," said Noworyta. "We still want him to go through camp and make sure we're making the right decision. The progress he's made in game-calling and his ability behind the plate has been tremendous. The question was his bat, and he put up good numbers. His makeup allows him to make that jump. He's one of those players who can handle it."
A star catcher at Oklahoma State -- a longtime college baseball power -- the Racine, Wis., product grew up in a baseball family and somehow found time to root for his beloved Green Bay Packers. Older brother Lee caught and Francisco played shortstop, both professionally.
On the advice of his siblings, Jaramillo began switch-hitting in high school.
"They put in my head that it would make me better," said Jaramillo, a natural right-handed batter. "It was the best decision I made career-wise."
With a stocky, 6-foot, 220-pound frame, Jaramillo automatically draws comparisons to former Phillies backstop Johnny Estrada. They also both speak of defense first.
"I'd rather catch a guy stealing than hit a home run," Jaramillo said. "I'll take a shutout [by the starting pitcher] any day. Any catcher who puts offense first is going to have trouble. I look to have a good rapport with my pitching staff, because when they go, we go. I take pride in that. You want to contribute as much as you can offensively, but making sure the pitchers do well is the most important thing."
In today's offense-driven game, that begs the question, "Who the heck does this guy think he is?"
"He wants to be well-rounded, but he takes pride in what he does behind the plate," said Noworyta. "That's the type of guy you want."
Offensively, the Phillies feel Jaramillo will develop into a solid bottom-of-the-order contributor who could hit .270-.280 with roughly 10-15 homers.
"He's a player," adds manager Charlie Manuel. "The more you watch him, the more you see that the kid knows how to play. He knows how to catch and throw. He backs up the bases. He's a line-drive switch-hitter. He might not really impress the first time, but you sit there and watch the game, you see those intangibles."
At Reading, Jaramillo will catch three of the organization's top prospects in Gonzalez, Scott Mathieson and Cole Hamels, another sign of how highly regarded he is. The plan is for that quartet to grow together.
Jaramillo sees his dream of playing in the Majors on a realistic path. Veteran Mike Lieberthal is entering the final year of his contract and could depart after the season.
By then, the team will likely want Jaramillo to play at Triple-A, and could go with Carlos Ruiz -- another defensive gem who blossomed offensively at Triple-A -- or a short-term veteran.
If all goes according to plan, Jaramillo should be marking his calendar for April 2008.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it, but I don't dwell on it," he said. "I can only control my output and production. I'm just fortunate to be [in camp] learning from [Lieberthal]. My goal is to become a productive Major Leaguer at some point. I want to be ready when that time comes."

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

Notes: Victorino not about to let up

02/24/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Shane Victorino naturally thinks of his first big-league tater -- a three-run shot that iced a September win against the Braves -- as a crowning moment to his 2005 season.
Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre hitting coach Sal Rende sees it differently.
"The at-bat that was really good was the day before," Rende said. "Chipper Jones was playing in, and [Victorino] hit a rocket right at him. To me, that was the better swing. That was the culmination of everything we did that summer."
Though Victorino nearly grounded into a triple play on that "rocket," Rende saw it as a sign that his pupil had put what he learned in their practice time together to good use. The two spent a lot of time together during Victorino's season with the Red Barons, trying to shorten the third-year switch-hitter's swing from the left side of the plate.
"He put me where I want to be," said Victorino. "I was excited this spring that he was still around to polish up what still needs polishing."
More polished than a year ago, Victorino has put himself much closer to where he wants to be, in Spring Training with an excellent shot of making the Phillies' Opening Day roster. On a team searching for a fifth outfielder, Victorino looms as the fourth outfielder and a bench option who can provide speed and good defense.
He's shed the Rule 5 Draft tag that dogged him last spring, pressuring him into a .167 average in 54 Grapefruit League at-bats. Offered back to the Dodgers, he remained when the Phillies worked out a trade.
"That was probably the worst spring I ever had," Victorino said. "I tried to do too much, and that's where I went wrong. This year, I'll be more relaxed and comfortable to get at-bats and playing time."
This doesn't mean Victorino is taking his pending roster spot lightly, despite coming off a Triple-A season -- .310 average, 18 homers, 16 triples, 25 doubles and 70 RBIs -- in which he earned International League Most Valuable Player honors.
"It was a great experience," he said. "My whole game changed, offensively and defensively. It goes back to confidence. It's a confidence booster to be considered the fourth outfielder here, and there's one more behind me. But I'm not going say I'm a lock to make this team. I still have to prove myself."
Streaking: Jimmy Rollins' pursuit of Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak -- easily the biggest story of the early season -- isn't just exciting for fans and the media. The clubhouse got quiet on Friday, when flat-screen TVs at either end of the room showed an ESPN feature on Rollins.
"It's exciting for us to be a part of it," said Ryan Howard, Rollins' houseguest during the season. "He has a chance to be part of history, and we get to watch him every day."
Crushing: If Bobby Abreu is upset by the offseason trade rumors, it hasn't shown in his batting practice swings.
Abreu regularly peppered balls over the right-field fence at the Carpenter Complex on Friday. None of his shots came close to Route 19 -- a la Jim Thome in the spring of 2003 -- but one came dangerously close to the railing.
"He looked impressive," manager Charlie Manuel said. "There was a pretty strong wind, too."
Manuel reiterated his contention that Abreu is going to have a huge year in the wake of his disappointment at being dangled to potential suitors. There was an ESPN report playing in the clubhouse Friday where it was suggested that the Phillies might "lose" Abreu mentally amid the constant reports.
"He's a lot more mentally tough than he gets credit for," Manuel said. "He's level-headed. One of the things that makes him so good is that he doesn't let a lot of things bother him. I think he'll hit about .330 this year.
"When he got hot, we were a pretty cold team. We weren't playing very good. He had game-winning hits for us when we needed them in May and June. That's what put him on the All-Star team."
Quotable: "I went cliff diving back home. You jump off a cliff into the ocean. It's fun. I probably go 45-50 feet. I'll go into 30-40 feet of water diving with my uncles." -- Victorino, on his offseason activity
Philling in: Alex S. Gonzalez hit a moving delivery truck during batting practice. ... Every available pitcher will throw in two Intrasquad games over the weekend, excluding Cole Hamels and Chris Booker. ... Manuel reiterated his desire not to use closer Tom Gordon for more than one inning, at least in April. There are two reasons -- Manuel doesn't want to wear Gordon out too early, and he doesn't want to send a negative message to setup man Arthur Rhodes.

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

Vote for Phillies Wall of Fame nominees

02/24/2006
It's time again for fans to help decide which former Phillies player, manager or coach should be immortalized on the Phillies Wall of Fame in 2006.
Through March 24, fans can vote online at phillies.com for their top three choices from a 20-man ballot of Phillies alumni. A first-place vote is worth five points, second place three points and third place one point.
The top-five fan consensus choices as determined by total points will serve as the final official ballot for a special Wall of Fame selection committee, which will choose this year's inductee.
Bob Boone was enshrined last year for his extended excellence and large contributions. Starting with Hall of Famer Robin Roberts in 1978, the Wall of Fame now contains 27 Phillies, including seven members of the 1980 World Series championship team.
Phils players with five or more years of service are eligible for induction, while managers and coaches need four or more years of service. All candidates must be retired for three years before they can be eligible for the 20-man ballot.
Induction ceremonies will be held at Citizens Bank Park on Aug. 11, before the 7:05 p.m. ET game against the Reds, when a cast bronze plaque will be added to the Wall of Fame display in the Memory Lane section of Ashburn Alley.
Many of the living Wall of Fame members will be there to participate in the pregame ceremonies. The following day is Phillies Alumni Night in which former players living in the tri-state area will be introduced before the game.
The 20 Phillies Alumni who appear on the online ballot are:
• Pitchers: Larry Christenson, Jim Konstanty, Jim Lonborg, Al Orth, Ron Reed, Dick Ruthven, Rick Wise• Catchers: Darren Daulton, Spud Davis• Infielders: Don Hurst, John Kruk, Fred Luderus, Juan Samuel, Pinky Whitney• Outfielders: Lenny Dykstra, Tony Gonzalez, Von Hayes• Manager: Dallas Green, Gene Mauch• Coach: Mike Ryan
The Phillies who make up the Wall of Fame are:• Robin Roberts (1978)• Richie Ashburn (1979)• Chuck Klein (1980)• Grover Alexander (1981)• Del Ennis (1982)• Jim Bunning (1984)• Ed Delahanty (1985)• Cy Williams (1986)• Granny Hamner (1987)• Paul Owens (1988)• Steve Carlton (1989)• Mike Schmidt (1990)• Larry Bowa (1991)• Chris Short (1992)• Curt Simmons (1993)• Dick Allen (1994)• Willie Jones (1995)• Sam Thompson (1996)• Johnny Callison (1997)• Greg Luzinski (1998)• Tug McGraw (1999)• Gavvy Cravath (2000)• Garry Maddox (2001)• Tony Taylor (2002)• Sherry Magee (2003)• Billy Hamilton (2004)• Bob Boone (2005)

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

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/

Burrell content to keep focus on field

02/25/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Jimmy Rollins carried the Phillies in September and ended the season with a 36-game hitting streak. Ryan Howard clubbed his way to the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Chase Utley became one of the league's most productive second basemen. And Bobby Abreu dominated the Home Run Derby en route to another highly productive season.
Obscured by this list of offensive accomplishments was another productive season from Pat Burrell. The left fielder did, after all, smack the most homers on the team, and his season RBI total tied with Albert Pujols for second in the National League. And yet, he hasn't been mentioned much this spring.
That's how he likes it.
"I prefer to lay low," he said. "I've changed a lot as far as what's important to me. I don't care about recognition as long as my teammates know I'm doing all I can. If I can have a decent season and no one notices, that's perfect."
More specifically, Burrell wants to stay out of the way because he has issues with how the Phillies were portrayed in the media. In his opinion, the 2005 season, which saw the Phillies fall a game short of the postseason, was treated as an expected result. The players had a pennant race to deal with, and he said the media's negativity only complicated matters.
Burrell's way of dealing with the issue was to avoid dealing with the issue. It reached the point where Burrell didn't want to speak to anyone with a tape recorder, often refusing to talk before and after games or giving curt answers when he couldn't escape.
"All the stuff with the media and the [negative] stuff that surrounded our team beat me down to the point where I just showed up, played and stayed out of it," Burrell said. "The most important thing is my relationship with the guys and what we do as a group on the field. There are a lot of distractions surrounding this team and this city. Instead of trying to make it all work, I just ducked out of the way and played."
He played well, batting .281 with 32 homers, driving in a career-high 117 RBIs and falling just one walk short of 100. In doing that, he shook off concerns regarding the injury to his left wrist that curtailed his 2004 season.
Not that he ever mentioned much of this to the media. At times, he was contentious or unavailable, but he produced on the field.
"It was nothing personal, just the everyday stuff," Burrell said. "I realize everyone has a job to do, and it's important to give people the opportunity to do their job. I just felt at times [that] it was too much. There was too much negativity in the positive atmosphere we have now. It bothered me a lot over the last couple of years, so I removed myself from the whole deal. I'm here to play. I can't put a whole lot of time and thought into the other stuff."
So, as the debates rage as to whether Tom Gordon can still close at age 38, if David Bell's job is in jeopardy or what Mike Lieberthal has left, there's the story of a left fielder who prefers to fly under the radar.
"If we win and J-Roll [Rollins] hits for the cycle, [the members of the media] all go to his locker, and I can slide on out," Burrell said. "That would be perfect."
This is fine with manager Charlie Manuel, too.
"That was good," Manuel said. "Pat stayed focused on his role. He came to the ballpark, kept the same routine and didn't let bad nights affect him. He quietly had a good year. He relaxed and started enjoying the game more."
Burrell enjoyed a hot start that saw his average climb to a season-high .329 after a 2-for-3 night against the Brewers on June 12; at that point in the season, he had hit 14 homers. Though he hit .254 the rest of the way, he socked 18 more homers.
"Last year was a good year," he said. "A lot of things I'm happy about -- the RBIs; I was one walk short of 100, which is one of the goals I had."
Burrell is happy about what he calls "a new foot." He had bone spurs removed from his right foot over the winter, alleviating pain he said he's been enduring the past 2 1/2 seasons.
"With this new foot, I can run and might be able to score 100 runs," he said.
That would be 22 more than he scored last season, a number that would make the Phillies very happy. This much is certain: As the right-handed power source on a team full of lefties such as Abreu, Howard and Utley, Burrrell is a very important piece to the Phillies' puzzle.
Through the perceived negativity, Burrell said he enjoyed the ride of 2005, and wants to go even further.
"We were so close, and it was a blast," he said. "I wish we could have somehow snuck in, because I think we would have surprised a lot of people. It didn't happen, and now it starts over and we have to get right back into it. That's what fun about it -- a brand new start, and [we try to] find a way to make up that one game."

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

Notes: Franklin ready to rebound

02/26/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- In baseball circles, it's often said that a man is measured by what it says on the back of his baseball card.
Ryan Franklin sees it a little differently.
"Whatever it says on the back of my baseball card doesn't matter as long as I'm still on the front of a baseball card," he said. "That doesn't bother me. I'm here and I forget about that stuff."
When he does peek, Franklin doesn't like what he sees -- a 12-31 record and a 4.99 ERA over the past two seasons with the Mariners. He has the second-lowest run support in the American League in 2005 for a team that lost 93 games.
Franklin, who will turn 33 on March 5, jumped at the chance to join the Phillies, signing a one-year, $2.6 million contract. He enters the season as the team's No. 4 starter.
Though it was only an intrasquad game, Franklin looked sharp on Sunday, retiring Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Chase Utley in his first and only inning. While pitchers are typically ahead of hitters at this point in camp, Franklin began preparing for the season even earlier.
He started throwing in mid-December near his home in Spiro, Okla., and began throwing bullpen sessions a month later.
"I like to come to Spring Training ahead," he said. "I try to be ahead of most guys. I don't like to come here and try to get in shape and begin throwing."
Franklin will also kick off Philadelphia's Grapefruit League season on March 2 against the Yankees at Legends Field. That will be a familiar challenge to the former American Leaguer.
The bottom line for the right-hander is to return to the corner-painter he was in 2003, when he went 11-13 with a 3.57 ERA and logged 212 innings, numbers that would look nice on the back of a baseball card.
Franklin thinks he's a much better pitcher than what he showed over the past two seasons.
"No doubt," he said. "I think [the Mariners] were a better team than a team that lost 93 games last year and 99 the year before. I think you always have to believe in yourself and believe in your teammates."
Scratched: Injuries keep finding David Bell.
A sore left elbow prevented Bell from playing in Sunday's intrasquad game, and will also keep him out of Monday's rematch, said manager Charlie Manuel.
The left elbow was stiff, causing Bell some discomfort when swinging. He fielded grounders in the morning, as his right elbow is fine and he can throw free of pain.
Bell has gotten off to a rough start this spring. During fundamental drills on Saturday -- when outfielders were throwing to third base -- a ball bounced up and hit him in the face.
News of Bell's absence raised more than an eyebrow because of his injury history, as back and hip problems have shortened his previous two springs and cost him nearly half the 2003 season.
"It's not his back," Manuel said. "He'll be all right."
Manuel said he expects Bell to start the Phils' Grapefruit League opener on March 2 against the Yankees.
Back on the mound: Despite cold and windy Florida conditions, Cole Hamels' mound session continued as scheduled on a half-field at Bright House Networks Field.
The lefty threw 25 pitches from the mound, while pitching coach Rich Dubee and other spectators watched carefully. In his first mound activity since July, Hamels threw mostly fastballs, but mixed in a few changeups.
The southpaw had no pain, nor has he for the past three or four weeks. Barring discomfort, he could throw again in three days, and increase to 30 or 35 pitches.
"It was a light bullpen, basically," he said. "It felt easier. My momentum was a little better. My body felt good. Everything went real well. After coming back from so many things, it's not a big deal anymore. This is what I love doing."
Not what I asked: Manuel had some fun on Sunday when a reporter asked, "What do think of [Julio] Santana?"
Manuel's response: "I used to watch him in Puerto Rico, when he sings. I saw him in concert once. I like him."
Intrasquad highlights: Ramon Henderson's red-shirt squad fended off Marc Bombard's blue-shirt brigade, 1-0, giving Henderson wins in his past two intrasquad games. ... Bill Dancy coached first for both teams, switching jerseys between innings. "I'm neutral," he said. ... Abraham Nunez started the contest with a single off Ryan Madson, and Bobby Abreu later stroked a single to left. ... Gio Gonzalez impressed Manuel with a smooth delivery and good movement on his fastball. Rollins didn't get a hit in two at-bats, the first "game" since Aug. 23 that he didn't reach base. ... Ryan Howard missed Sunday's intrasquad game with a 103-degree fever. He may not be in camp on Monday, depending on how he feels.
Philling in: Mike Schmidt arrives in Clearwater on Monday for a stint as a special hitting instructor. The Hall of Fame third baseman had a busy offseason. He interviewed for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' managing job and co-wrote a book, "Clearing the Bases" with Glen Waggoner.

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

Pitching trio making impression

02/26/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla -- The starting rotation for Double-A Reading looks to include three of the organization's top prospects in Gio Gonzalez, Cole Hamels and Scott Mathieson. All three could advance quickly if they continue to progress.
Hamels, 21, has been on the fast track since becoming the team's first-round pick in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. The problem for the left-hander has been staying healthy, something he hasn't done in the past two years. In 2005, it was his back, which he said now feels great. It's easy to salivate over Hamels' statistics as a professional: 152 innings, 88 hits, 62 walks and 208 strikeouts, with an ERA of 1.54.
Gonzalez, 20, one of the left-handed pitching prospects acquired for Jim Thome, roared through low and high Class A with the White Sox, allowing 97 hits in 131 innings with 163 strikeouts. His fastball tops out at 95 mph but stays mostly in the 92-94 range.
Mathieson, 22, is the lone right-hander of the trio and also throws hard. Mathieson struck out 118 batters in 121 1/3 innings and had a 4.14 ERA. He'll hone his skills pitching for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic.
On the move: Catcher Jason Jaramillo is the team's catcher of the future. The former Oklahoma State star had a productive season at Class A Lakewood, batting .304 with eight homers. The switch-hitter will likely be rewarded by skipping high Class A Clearwater, and should start the season at Double-A Reading.
Names in the game: John Russell, who spent 10 years as a backup catcher in the Minor Leagues, has rejoined the organization as the manager of the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. He replaces Gene Lamont, who left to become the Tigers' third-base coach under Jim Leyland. Russell, 44, spent the past three seasons as the Pirates' third-base coach and catching instructor, but had managed for eight seasons in the Twins' Minor League system.
They're No. 1: Mike Lieberthal (1990), Pat Burrell (1998), Brett Myers (1999) and Chase Utley (2000) will all be part of the team's push for the playoffs, while Gavin Floyd (2001) and Hamels (2002) could arrive at some point in 2006.
Class of '05: Mike Costanzo, the Phillies' first selection in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, is likely going to start the season at Class A Clearwater. He played at Class A Batavia in 2004 and will skip Lakewood, a lower Class A affiliate. If he continues to progress, the team's potential third baseman of the future could finish the season at Double-A Reading.
What they're saying: "It was almost like I was trying to figure something out that shouldn't have to be figured out. It all snowballed. I tried to figure things out, then one thing led to another." -- Floyd, on his disappointing 2005 season at Triple-A

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

Mailbag: Will Gordon close the deal?

02/27/2006
Do you feel that Tom Gordon, with his past arm problems, will be able to hold up under the grind of an entire season as the team's closer? If not, who would take some of the save opportunities? -- Jeff S., Salamanca, N.Y.
Much has been made about Gordon's age and lack of recent closing experience, but there's no reason to believe he can't handle it. Over the past two seasons, the right-hander had pitched in 159 games, spanning 160 1/3 innings. He's surrendered just 115 hits and whiffed 165. He's been one of the most durable pitchers in recent years, if you count his 2003 season with the White Sox.
I understand some fans aren't happy, because Gordon isn't Billy Wagner, but he can still be one of the league's top closers. The only reason he wasn't closing the past two years is because he was on a team with the best closer in baseball (the Yankees' Mariano Rivera), and he shouldn't be penalized for that. His contract isn't as prohibitive as Wagner's would have been, allowing the Phillies to enhance the team in other areas.
Do you think prospects like Gio Gonzalez, Scott Mathieson and Cole Hamels will end up in the Major Leagues this year? -- Nick, Jupiter, Fla.
It really depends on how they fare at Double-A Reading. While that youthful group is comprised of three of the organization's best pitching prospects, the team would prefer that they remain there all season. If a promotion is earned, it would likely be to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. If the big-league rotation performs well -- plus the possible return of Randy Wolf -- there might not be a need for reinforcements.
Daniel Haigwood had some impressive numbers last year in the Minors for the White Sox. Where will he start this season, and how soon will he be in the Phils' rotation? -- Bret V., Cave City, Ark.
Haigwood, one of the two pitching prospects acquired in the trade for Jim Thome, is expected to start the season at Triple-A. He's projected as a back-of-the-rotation guy. He or Gavin Floyd could be summoned first if needed, but they might have to wait in line behind Rob Tejeda or Ricardo Rodriguez.
Do you think Ryan Madson will get a fair chance as a starter? I really like watching him pitch and I just worry that if he struggles early in the season, they'll send him back to the 'pen too fast. -- Adam B., Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Manager Charlie Manuel has said all winter that he doesn't want to play games with Madson, so there's every reason to believe he'll keep Madson in the rotation. The Phillies believe he has a chance to be a solid No. 3 starter because of his fastball, devastating changeup and developing curveball. He'll have to struggle for an extended period of time for the team to abandon the switch. That said, Madson could go back to relieving if there's a more serious need there.
Who's going to get the job as utility infielder -- Abraham Nunez or Tomas Perez? -- Greg P., Philadelphia
Nunez isn't competing for a job after signing a two-year contract in the offseason. The same can be said for Alex S. Gonzalez. Perez's roster spot is in danger, despite having a guaranteed contract. Some in the organization feel Perez has lost some defensive ability and are disappointed with his offensive decline. Nunez and Gonzalez will both fill in across the diamond, and one could take over at third base if David Bell continues to struggle against right-handers.

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

Notes: Bergeron, Coste chasing dream

02/27/2006
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Peter Bergeron and Chris Coste represent the stories that come up every spring.
Bergeron, 28, is the guy who has had a taste of the Major Leagues in parts of five seasons, totaling 308 games. But the outfielder hasn't been in a big-league clubhouse since 2004.
Coste is the guy who's never worn a Major League uniform, and the infielder clings to the dream that it may happen one day.
"I'm 33. I don't have a lot of years left," Coste said. "There are a lot of good players, so we'll see what happens. Anyone in here is capable of having a good day."
Coste and Bergeron had great days in Monday's intrasquad game. Coste went 4-for-5 with a homer and five RBIs, while Bergeron add