Feb 27 2009
Phils get off to slow start in Spring Training
After three Spring Training games, the Philadelphia Phillies are a dismal 0-3. None of the games have even been close. But you know what? Who cares? The results of Spring Training games are absolutely meaningless. It’s not about winning games in February or March. It’s about winning games in October. Last year, the Phightins were 12-18-1 during Spring Training and they wound up winning the World Series. The most important thing to look for right now is that the regulars get their work in and they don’t even need to play that well right now. It also wouldn’t be bad if some of the “top prospects” played well.
In Wednesday’s Grapefruit League opener against the Pirates, the Phils lost 8-2. Jamie Moyer pitched well in his first start. The crafty left-hander threw two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out two. Joe Blanton pitched one inning in relief and allowed one run on two hits and struck out a pair of Bucs. Bum pitchers Joe Bisenius and Scott Nestor combined to allow seven runs in two innings. In his Phillies debut, left fielder Raul Ibanez went 1-for-2 with an RBI single. John Mayberry, a minor league outfielder who could provide the Phils with a right-handed power bat in the future, also went 1-for-2 with an RBI single. Additionally, Jimmy Rollins, Greg Dobbs, and Geoff Jenkins each had singles. Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Matt Stairs, Eric Bruntlett, Chris Coste, Ronny Paulino, Jason Donald, Lou Marson, Marcus Giles, and Anthony Hewitt each went hitless.
On Thursday against the Blue Jays, the score (6-2) was a little closer, but the result was still the same. Two young guns vying for the fifth spot in the starting rotation were on the hill and both were very impressive. Carlos Carrasco threw two perfect innings and struck out three. Not to be outdone, J.A. Happ threw two shutout innings and allowed one hit, while striking out one. Rollins and Dobbs each had RBI singles. Mayberry hit a double and scored a run. Pablo Ozuna also had a hit. Howard went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. Carols Ruiz, Miguel Cairo, Donald, Ibanez, Bruntlett, Giles, and Paulino went hitless too.
Still in search of their elusive first win, the Phillies fell behind early and never recovered as they lost 10-3 to the Reds. Starter Andrew Carpenter got shelled, giving up four runs on three hits and three walks without recording an out. J.C. Romero was a bit shaky, pitching two innings in relief and allowing an unearned run and three walks. Ryan Madson came on in relief of J.C. and pitched a scoreless inning, allowing one hit and striking out one. Victorino, who was named to Team USA today as an injury replacement for Grady Sizemore, celebrated by going 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and scored a run. Ibanez had an RBI double and Dobbs had an RBI single. Ozuna went 2-for-3 with a solo home run to lead off the fourth inning and give the Phils their first homer of the Spring. Donald, Hewitt, Stairs, Cairo, Jenkins, Giles, and Marson went hitless. At least Donald has been able to do a nice job in the field at both second and third.
In other news, the Phillies finally released Adam Eaton after two disastrous seasons. They still owe Eaton $9.15 million this season ($8.65 million in salary and a $500,000 buyout on a 2010 club option). If Eaton signs with another team, the Phillies will owe $8.75 million. It’s great that the Phils got rid of him, but it sucks that they still owe him all of that money.
Next, as I have said all along, Nomar Garciaparra will not be a Phillie in 2009. Ruben Amaro stated that Nomar is either going to sign with the A’s or not play at all. At this point, it doesn’t look like the Phillies will be making any more moves before Opening Day.
Finally, the Phillies remain cautiously optimistic that both Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz will be ready for Opening Day. Utley is much further along in his rehab than Feliz and there is still no indication of when Feliz will take live batting practice. Jayson Werth also still hasn’t played yet this Spring, but Charlie Manuel said that there is no reason to worry about him. Cole Hamels is another guy that has yet to see any action. Hopefully we’ll get to see King Cole baffle opposing hitters in the near future.
Tomorrow afternoon, the Phils and Tampa Bay Rays will meet for the first time since Game 5, part 2 of the 2008 World Series. Kyle Kendrick, who is in the running for the final spot in the rotation, will get the start.
Go Phillies!
