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Phillies use late-inning heroics to earn pair of wins

BRADENTON, Fla. -- In Grapefruit League play, the Phils improved their record to 2-1, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4 this afternoon. They also won an earlier, eight-inning game against the Pirates 4-3.

Non-roster invitee and minor-league vet Casey Smith hit a game winning home run in the ninth inning. Smith, playing second base, finished 3-4 with two doubles and a home run. Also contributing was Shane Victorinio, who went 2-3 with a triple, which could have been an inside the park homerun.

Non-roster invitee Gary Knotts pitched two shutout innings for the win. Starter J.D Durbin was fortunate to only be charged with two runs in his two innings. His stuff was consistently up in the zone and was hit solidly by the Bucs. The Pirates scored their other two runs in the fifth off lefty Shane Youman. I didn't have access to radar gun readings, but it was still easy to see that Youman is a soft tossing lefty. Youman has a deceptive delivery and release point, but today he couldn't find the plate, walking in two runs in one inning. J.A. Happ and Joe Bisenius both pitched well, each pitching two shutout frames.

In earlier B-game action, the Phils defeated the Pirates 4-3. Scheduled opening day starter Brett Myers scattered five singles in three innings, two of them of the bloop variety. Myers was throwing hard and throwing strikes. Myers' line was 3 IP, 5 H, 3 K, 0 BB, and 1 ER. J.C Romero followed with two shutout innings, walking none, and breaking off some sharp curves. Brian Mazone also pitched and was charged with two runs. Prospect Greg Golson hit a game winning home-run in this eight-inning affair.

-- Billy Mac

Game chat: J.D. Durbin, Brett Myers make starts

With eyes on the fifth-starter prize, right-hander J.D. Durbin makes his spring training debut against the Pirates today at McKenchie Field. Game time is 1:05 p.m. Brett Myers is scheduled in the B-game at 10 a.m.

Pitching schedule: Durbin will be followed by former Pirate Shane Youman, Joe Bisenius, and J.A. Happ. For Pittsburgh, Ian Snell gets the start, followed by Sean Burnett, Elmer Dessens, Evan Meek, Franquelis Osoria, T.J. Beam and Romulo Sanchez. The Pirates have announced Jimmy Barthmaier, Masumi Kuwata, Casey Fossum, former Phillie Adam Bernero, Mike Thompson, Hector Carrasco and Jesse Chavez will pitch. – Billy Mac

Beerleaguer: Following yesterday's loss, the Phils counterpunch with a couple of loose cannons. I don't know what it is about 'The Real Deal,' but I kinda like the guy. He was a good minor league pitcher until a string of arm problems slowed his career. He's got a promising curveball, and I like that he's a weirdo. Nevertheless, here's another guy who can't throw strikes. I wish he would, because his breaking ball would generate outs from the bullpen. He's out of options, so every start counts. Joe Bisenius, another righty with a good hook, is scheduled. Happ, who was hurt almost the entire season, also goes.

Pirates knock off Phillies 11-6; Savery shelled

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Top draft choice Joe Savery was charged with five runs in one frame in a losing effort for the home club.

Savery had problems commanding both his fastball and curve and was hit hard, including a three-run home run down the right field line by Nate McLouth. Another lefty prospect, Josh Outman, also struggled. Lifted in the eighth, Outman finished with four earned runs in just 1 2-3 innings. Rule 5 pickup Lincoln Holdzkum made his Phils debut with mixed results. The tall righty worked exclusively from the stretch and threw a fastball ranging from 90-to-93 mph with a lot of movement. He also cuts the fastball and throws a big slider. He was all over the place, waking three, but pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the ninth. Starter Kyle Kendrick went three innings, giving up one run – a towering solo shot by Adam LaRoche. Kendrick, who worked both sides of the plate, had his fastball sitting 90/91.

At bat, the Phils scored five runs in the third inning, punctuated by a Ryan Howard three-run blast that cleared the second fence beyond the right field berm area. Chase Utley went 2-3 with two doubles.

– Billy Mac

Game chat: Kendrick, Phils host Pirates in Clearwater

Right-hander Kyle Kendrick toes the rubber when the Pirates visit Bright House Field today at 1:05 p.m. This is Pittsburgh’s Grapefruit League opener. [Live Boxscore]

Pitching probables: Joe Savery is scheduled, along with Josh Outman, Francisco Rosario and Rule 5 right-hander Lincoln Holdzkom. For the Bucs, Tom Gorzelanny is scheduled to start followed by Bryan Bullington, Phil Dumatrait, Jaret Wright, Juan Perez, John Grabow and Matt Capps. Update: Gorzelanny is not starting.

The Pirates were the worst team in the National League last season and chances are quite strong they’ll finish that way again. They actually lost depth in their bullpen, which was an enviable unit for a couple of seasons. Gorzelanny and Ian Snell are nice pitchers, but I have some doubts. I was shocked their pitching staff ranked as low as it did in 2007; even worse than the Phils in many respects. They’re sinking pretty low for help, signing Byung-Hyun Kim to a guaranteed deal. Kim was technically their biggest off-season acquisition. Wright, the very definition of an up-and-down career, is a non-roster invitee trying to catch on at 32-years-old. Their lineup is wretched and without power. Too many Chris Duffy types. Their mission should be to get as much as they can for Snell and others at the non-waiver trade deadline. They need to do a better job finding cheap talent. I'm not high on their prospects.

In the spirit of positive spin – which I’m warned is at an all-time low here – at least we’re not Pirates fans. At least our star nucleus isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and at least management addressed a couple needs this off-season. What's Pittsburgh done? What's the point of it?

What to watch: Holdzkom, for one. The right-handed reliever must make the 25-man roster or be offered back to Boston. Unlike Travis Blackley yesterday, Holdzkom is cut-and-dry reliever who reportedly throws hard, sinking stuff. Rosario is in the same boat as Clay Condrey: out of options and on the bubble.

Seven-run fifth fuels Phillies win in spring opener

The Phils defeated the Reds this afternoon 8-1 to open their Grapefruit League schedule on a chilly, windy day at Bright House Field. Beerleaguer’s spring training correspondent Billy Mac offers his report.

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Jamie Moyer and Travis Blackley each pitched three innings, collectively only allowing two singles. Blackley, the Rule 5 pickup from the Giants, is a finesse lefty of the Tom Glavine variety. His fastball was sitting at 84/85, which he mixed with a breaking ball that he turns over along with an 81 mph cutter. In addition, top prospect Carlos Carrasco made his spring training debut pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning.

Offensively, the Phils pounded 12 hits. Greg Dobbs had a three-run home run to right against the left hander Gary Majewski. Newcomers Pedro Feliz, Eric Bruntlett, So Taguchi and Geoff Jenkins combined for six hits. Ryan Howard had two possible home run balls knocked down by the wind, finishing with a double and run scored. -- Billy Mac

Game chat: Phillies open Grapefruit League play

Jamie Moyer gets the start, as the Phils return to the field for the first time since the NLDS. Left-hander Jeremy Affeldt starts for the Reds. Game time is 1:05 p.m. in Clearwater. Travis Blackley, Clay Condrey, Ryan Madson and Carlos Carrasco are scheduled to pitch … For Beerleaguer, this marks the beginning of the in-game open-forum season.  Enjoy the action right here, in the company of others. [Live boxscore]

Myers to pitch opener; Hamels vs. Santana penciled

In a surprise move, right-hander Brett Myers will get the ball when the Phils open their season March 31 against the Nationals, setting up a possible slate of marquee, nighttime match-ups for Cole Hamels.

Beerleaguer: Some will say this is a way to "reward" Myers for accepting a return to the rotation, or a way to put his mind at ease. It's not. It's about Hamels pitching the big games, at night, when he's at his statistical best, and handing it to Myers for the lesser ones. By moving Hamels back, they set him up with a slate of night-time starts the entire month of April, weather permitting, while Myers, who's trying to readjust to the rotation, draws a couple favorable match-ups later on, including Friday, April 11, which looks like it will be against Chicago's fifth starter.

Now the match-up part for Hamels, if it all goes to plan. By doing this, it sets up a possible Hamels vs. Carlos Zambrano duel Saturday, April 12 if they don't shorten their rotation. Then the big one: a possible Friday, April 18 date between Hamels and Johan Santana, at home, under the lights. That's if Santana is named as the opening day starter. Looking way into the future, the schedule sets up with Hamels penciled in for an April 23 date with Milwaukee's No. 1 Ben Sheets, followed by an April 29 duel, at home, against Jake Peavy and the Padres, although it may be wishful thinking by then.

In other words, they're handing the ball to the wrong guy opening day so they have a chance to hand it to the right one the rest of the month.

Phillies claim reserve infielder Ray Olmedo off waivers

The 26-year-old spent 2007 with Toronto, splitting time with Triple-A Syracuse. Picked up from the Pirates, he figures to be added for a minor league reserve role.

Olmedo, a switch hitter, appeared in 27 games for Toronto last season and made 12 starts at shortstop, hitting .216/.245/.294. Defensively, the Venezuelan has made 55 career starts at shortstop and 28 at second base and has appeared in five games at third base and one in right field. Originally signed by Cincinnati, he is a .228/.276/.293 hitter over parts of five seasons with the Reds and Blue Jays. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated right-hander John Ennis for assignment.

Beerleaguer: I’ve been outsmarted yet again. A few months ago, I tried to predict the token fringe Venezuelan infielder who would become the next Danny Sandoval, coming up with names like Jose Castillo and Ceasar Izturis. And once again, the Phils sneak one past the goalie. As usual, Olmedo is barely recognizable and completely out of the blue.

It also makes sense. It's a smart way to divvy up roster space. Olmedo won’t challenge Eric Bruntlett for his job, but he’s probably the Phils next best defensive option after him. In this day and age, there’s no room for one-dimensional plus-defenders like this on 25-man rosters, but you definitely need them handy. He's the kind of player who makes managers and general managers sleep better at night. Overall, a veteran middle infielder is a better use of space than John Ennis, who wouldn't have helped them and awaits his next assignment.

Quote-worthy: "If you took Abraham Nunez's stem cells and grew them in a Petri dish for 26 years, you'd have Ray Olmedo. Except with less power because even the first copy fades a bit." -- Clout

Game called: Tonight’s exhibition game between the Phils and the Florida State Seminoles has been postponed due to rain. 

Phillies best pitching prospects showcased tonight

Last year's top pick Joe Savery starts tonight’s exhibition game against the Florida State Seminoles, followed by Carlos Carrasco, Joe Bisenius, Josh Outman and J.A. Happ. Game time is 7:05 p.m. in Clearwater.

Top 100 Prospects: Tonight’s opener coincides with the annual release of Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list. Three Phillies made the cut. Carrasco, a right-hander who will be 21 this season, ranked highest at 54, followed by 20-year-old second baseman Adrian Cardenas at 76 and Savery at 90. Outman missed the cut, but received a high vote of 103 among writers. Former prospects Matt Maloney, Mike Costanzo and Michael Bourn were mentioned, but were left out of the top 100. Gio Gonzalez, now with the As, ranked 26. Overall, the Phils are a little thin in the high-ceiling prospect department in the eyes of Baseball America, especially position talent.

Listen live! Tonight’s game is available through streaming FSU radio. [Link] 

Once again, Phils face injury uncertainty at closer

Brad Lidge, scheduled for a knee scope today, is expected to miss 3-to-6 weeks. If he isn’t ready by opening day, Tom Gordon, 40 and pitching through a slightly torn labrum, will go instead.

A Feb. 25 surgery with a short timetable for recovery isn’t the worst injury situation a team will face this spring, and if you lose sleep this early in the game, good luck 140 games into the season, when a dozen teams are still mathematically alive.

What’s frustrating is the possibility the Phils will not be able to start the season according to plan again. Last year, Freddy Garcia never materialized, then Gordon was lost soon after. This spring, they were hoping to overcome just one obstacle at fifth starter - a fairly common and tolerable predicament. They didn’t want to think about their newly acquired closer. That changed the moment Lidge caught his spike on the mound after making one batting practice pitch on Saturday. An MRI revealed small tears in the inner part of his knee. The off-season’s biggest acquisition, who had been throwing well according to reports, goes under the knife today.

The Phils say Brett Myers will stay in the rotation no matter what. The team does not believe the 2007 scenario will repeat itself, the one where Gordon and Ryan Madson were unhealthy and ineffective, while in Boston, J.C. Romero couldn’t locate the strike zone, leading to his mid-season release. In the meantime, fans can hang their hat on an interim closer pitching for job security into his middle ages. Maybe Gordon can handle it. He’s reportedly throwing well.

Nevertheless, the bullpen reclaims top billing for the story we’ll follow closest this spring. The Phils have 16 million reasons to give the final spot in the rotation to Adam Eaton, instead of a Rule 5 pick or Durbin. And in the spirit of keeping our chins up, a healthy Kris Benson, at some point this summer, adds up to six starters, including one who revels in pitching the ninth.

Lidge re-injures knee during Saturday batting practice

Phillies closer Brad Lidge caught his spike on the mound during morning workouts, “feeling a pull” in his surgically repaired knee.

Lidge, who underwent October surgery on his right knee and was acquired by the Phils soon after, limped off the field after talking with team trainers, according to the AP report. The right-hander says he’s hoping he only pulled scar tissue loose. The team will find out more on the extent of the injury tomorrow.

Beerleaguer: Not ready to push the panic button just yet, however, it could certainly move Lidge’s opening-day readiness from “questionable” to “doubtful.” If the injury turns out to be serious, then the Phils could be forced to bring in outside help, which includes free agent Kyle Lohse, who would allow Brett Myers to return to the bullpen, with more than a month to prepare.

The truth of the matter is, the Phils should already have someone waiting in the wings at set-up in case something like this happens, and they don't. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Beer nuts: Savery to start Tuesday exhibition game

Last season’s first-round pick Joe Savery gets the ball, as the Phillies resume their late February rivalry with the Florida State Seminoles.

The 23-year-old left-hander is in camp as a non-roster invitee and is likely to start the year in Class-A. Last season, this game was available via live stream on the Florida State Web site. Details to come.

Hamels, Victorino without contracts: The Phillies settled on another wave of split contracts this week, signing Kyle Kendrick, Greg Dobbs, T.J. Bohn and Brad Harman to minimum deals. Earlier, they did the same for 11 players, including Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste, Clay Condrey and Fabio Castro, among others.

Pitcher Cole Hamels and outfielder Shane Victorino are in their final season of this process before becoming arbitration eligible. It’s a good guess Hamels will be owed somewhere in the neighborhood of $5-6M next season, while Victorino could fall in the $2-4M range. To compare, outfielder David DeJesus earned $2 million from the Royals last season in his first year of arbitration. For Victorino, it must feel like an eternity. He played his first Major League game in 2003, and this is his sixth spring training.

In addition, J.D. Durbin, Francisco Rosario, Scott Mathieson and Travis Blackley are still unsigned.

Totally awesome 2008 site maintenance: Beerleaguer is seeking motivated and educated readers to help customize and expand the Phillies' stat panel, located at the top left. Ideal links should include pages specific to the Phillies, containing cutting-edge sabermetric data commonly discussed in our comments threads. Suggestions can be listed in the comment thread below.

Breaking news: Howard wins arbitration, gets $10M

The Phils have another loss to add to their all-time total. Ryan Howard defeated his employers in the eyes of an arbitration panel and was awarded $10 million, leaving the Phils holding the bag for an extra $3M.

The total is the most ever awarded to a player with only three years of service time, and the most awarded to a player on the winning side of arbitration. The Phils hired Tal Smith, President of Operations for the Houston Astros, as a consultant, but Smith and the Phils failed to convince the panel that Howard was only worth $7 million after deliberating with them for close to four hours yesterday in a St. Petersburg hotel. Instead, they agreed with Casey Close, Howard's agent, that the 28-year-old slugger was worthy of a new high-watermark for salary arbitration. Howard won Rookie of the Year and MVP in back-to-back years; only Cal Ripken has done it before. Howard's win becomes the first by a player this year in arbitration, and the record now stands at 5-1 in favor of the owners.

Beerleaguer: The Phillies reportedly met with Close the night before to hash out a deal before sitting down at the table yesterday, worried about a possible "make-up call" by the arbiters, as FoxSports Ken Rosenthal put it last night on "Daily News Live." Rosenthal also reported that Howard's father has played a significant role in this process, pushing for the kind of money that would put him into the upper-strata of MLB players. For that to happen, the best road for Howard would be through season-by-season deals until free agency, especially now that he gets the ball rolling at $10M.

This is great news for Howard, who deserves it, but may be bad news for fans wanting to see the big guy finish his career in red pinstripes. Looking into the crystal ball, and knowing the way the Phils operate, Howard will be here this season, and next season, but the Phils could start getting the itch to move him by 2010 or 2011, at which point they could entertain the notion of shifting Chase Utley or someone else to first and test the market for Howard, who will fit into their self-imposed salary cap like a whale in a fish tank. There could be roster ramifications, for instance, whether they make an offer to Pat Burrell at the end of the season.

The other option, of course, is to suck it up, forget about 2011, treat the next four years like a window of opportunity, step on the gas and go for it.

Howard, Phillies head to arbitration table $3M apart

Ryan Howard is seeking a $10 million contract in his first season of eligibility. The Phillies are offering $7 million, which equals the most money paid to a player with only three years of service time.

I planned on getting the ball rolling on this yesterday but ran out of time. Fortunately, there’s been no shortage of ink spilled over this one. Scott Lauber from the Wilmington News Journal took a unique angle Monday by reliving the process through the eyes of Tom Gordon, the only Phillies player who has experienced a hearing, back in 1994 with Kansas City. Yesterday, Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer suggested the Phillies should purposely tank the proceedings as a gesture of goodwill toward Howard, and fans, which is completely and utterly ludicrous. The Phils are offering the most money paid to a player in Howard’s position, based on a precedent set by a player – Albert Pujols – who’s arguably a better player than Howard. And this isn’t just about the $3 million they save if they win. It’s about the millions it’ll cost them the next four if they loose. The Phils are well within their right here, and the argument that they’re being cheap doesn't hold water. It's a business decision, and they're feeling the heat from the rest of baseball to stay within their boundaries. 

There are two articles today worth mentioning. Jim Salisbury outlines the process. Then, Bill Conlin issues five reasons why Howard will win his case, and five reasons why he won't. That’s what makes this case intriguing; opinion seems to be split down the middle. Not to mention the fact that two camps are prepared to air the other’s dirty laundry. There's potential for a messy, stinky aftermath.

Beerleaguer’s arbitration table: I don’t know exactly what the arbiters will look at, what factors will weigh heavily in their decision. If I were sitting behind the table, Howard gets the money he’s seeking. Howard is a very special player. I look at what he’s accomplished – Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player – in two and a half seasons. He’s the fastest player to reach 100 home runs in history, staking his claim as the best power hitter in baseball in time of diminishing muscle. I look at a 28-year-old who was blocked at his position and was brought along slowly, possibly so the Phillies could sit here in 2008 and negotiate a first-year arb contract. Comparable players, like Miguel Cabrera, where blessed with wide-open situations to flourish. Howard’s success allowed them to trade Jim Thome and half his salary and land a very good center fielder for two seasons. And finally, even in the short time since Pujols’ deal, salaries and revenue have skyrocketed.

Hamels, Myers hold key to getting out of blocks fast

The Phillies try to reverse a losing April trend when they hand the ball to Cole Hamels and Brett Myers to open the 2008 season. The secret to a hot start could be as simple as landing a repeated 1-2 punch.

So far, the Phillies lead all of baseball in spring training hoopla. Pat Burrell’s pecks are the hottest fashion statement in Clearwater. Kyle Kendrick thinks he’s been traded to the Yomiuri Giants. And just this morning, Shane Victorino pied Brett Myers live on national TV during a segment on the Today Show, recapping the Kendrick incident.

As a stubborn fan, sick of buzz-killing 4-11 starts, with hangovers that seem to linger for an eternity, the thought of a spring training unfolding more like a bachelor party might feel like you’ve had one too many boilermakers. Just as long as the No. 1 and 2 starters stick to Sprite, you might not have to worry.

The Phils figure to draw Shawn Hill, John Patterson and Jason Bergmann in their three-game opener against the Nationals, as much as I respect this underrated trio, the Phillies hold a significant edge by countering with their left-handed ace and bulldog strike-thrower. Hamels and Myers get Cincinnati's Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo head-to-head the next series. Then, the Phillies waste little time beating around the bush by drawing the Mets the following week, although it appears at first glance the Phils will miss Johan Santana, while the Mets will avoid both Hamels and Myers. The Mets, by the way, appear to have the advantage in scheduling, because if the rotations hold, Santana draws Myers their next meeting on April 18, and Pedro gets Kyle Kendrick Saturday afternoon on Fox. That means the Mets might avoid Hamels the opening month, barring an adjustment.

Which the Phillies should definitely make. Here's how. If they kick in a sixth starter – say Chad Durbin – to pitch in the first game of the Cubs series on April 11 - which appears to fall against Chicago's fifth starter, Hamels draws Carlos Zambrano Saturday, followed by Myers against Ted Lilly on Sunday. Here's the best part: It sets up Hamels and Santana, Friday night, at home, April 18, followed by Myers and Pedro Martinez Saturday afternoon on Fox. Either way, Hamels and Myers are slated to pitch the Cubs series before that. And if they go with this proposal, Hamels and Myers finish the month with head-to-head matchups against Ben Sheets and Jeff Suppan in Milwaukee, then at home against Jake Peavy, Chris Young and the Padres.

If you're itching to see if the top of our rotation stacks up with the best, you might not have to wait very long.

Beltran: 'Tell Jimmy Rollins we are the team to beat'

To which the Phillies, fans and NY teammates respond “Who cares?”

Brett Myers stole the words out of my mouth in this morning’s paper when he said the “Team to Beat” original was better than the sequel. “Sequels are always terrible,” he told Jim Salisbury. Actually, I wrote almost the exact same words a few months ago when Rollins followed up his “Team to Beat” by predicting 100 wins. Two thumbs down.

“Team to Beat” was a nice plotline in 2007, and it ended happily for the Phils, but as a fan, who needs the artificial motivation? The season series produced unbelievable drama, and it unfolded naturally. The two sides fought tooth and nail. The Aug. 30 game – the 11-10 win over Wagner – might have been the best single Phils game in a decade. The Phils nipped them for eight in a row. The Mets’ collapse set a historic precedent. How could borrowed statements made in February top that? The players understand and know it exists for fans. If you read between the lines, there’s mutual respect between these clubs. They're anxious to settle it on the field.

Players forming an identity: Keeping with that Salisbury piece, it’s a worthwhile study of player personality, which is surfacing more since the Phils are becoming the best sports attraction in town. No matter what you think of him personally, Myers is interesting copy. Notice the writers tend to lean on him for a different perspective. He doesn’t pull punches. I find myself drawn to his viewpoint, no matter how tactless. Cole Hamels is also quoted in this piece. He’s quotable, intelligent for his age, but also gifted at avoiding controversy.

On the other hand, there’s Chase Utley, who’s an all-star in every facet of his game except producing interesting copy. Dull, hollow, cliche. Never particularly revealing or intriguing. In the same category as Pat Burrell, it seems. If I were on the beat, I’d hit up Myers, Moyer or Rollins over Utley, who comes up small in the post-game clutch.

Clearwater through the eyes of a desperate housewife

When it comes to baseball, does a waistline matter?

My wife's friend keeps trying to get her to read celebrity gossip magazines, and the other day she brought a stack of them to our house. Half the content involves unflattering photos of celebs in public, leading to speculation that "so-and-so" starlet might be pregnant because she's wearing a frumpy sweatshirt on Park Avenue.

Last spring, Ryan Howard arrived at spring training pregnant. That’s what readers thought when they saw Howard’s famous photo spread in the New York Times, pictured right, then watched him heft through his first televised game. They were appalled the reigning MVP had let himself go, and suggested it had something to do with discontent over the Phillies’ paltry contract offering of $900,000. I bet it had to do with food.

And so begins another season of weight watching, as we gaze at footage from Clearwater like so much tabloid gossip hanging on the racks by the checkout line. Is it trivial, or does it foreshadow early season success?

Last season, Howard slumped, nursing a bad back leg and perhaps felt the anxiety of being an MVP. It took him over two months to close up and regain his form. On the flip side, Jimmy Rollins spent the winter working out in a newly constructed home gym, arrived in Florida lean, mean and remained steady. After the season, he was rewarded with new hardware to display in that gym. Like J-Roll, Chase Utley packed on muscle and was an MVP front-runner before John Lannan killed the buzz. Brett Myers was an exception to the rule. The right-hander shredded tons of weight, struggled early, then settled in later after regaining his spare tire. Or maybe we're making something out of nothing.

Let’s do our best impression of my wife’s friend and draw wild conclusions from photos, in this case, the photo galleries on Philly.com! Howard is in much better shape, and there have been several reports confirming that. Check out his new adidas ad; he looks like a different person. The slugger says he’s down 10-15 pounds from where he was at this point last season. Unlike Howard, Kyle Kendrick looks bigger. During the winter tour, Charlie Manuel said the 23-year-old right-hander added seven pounds of muscle to his lean frame, so that’s a good thing. Pat the Bat always looks the same. Carlos Ruiz looked trim in a couple shots. Mike Zagurski actually looks less like a Cabbage Patch doll. Myers looks like he’s down a couple pounds, and I recall reading that as well. Cole Hamels looks a tad thicker, as you would expect from a maturing 24-year-old. Since his arrival, I’ve never been impressed with Adam Eaton’s physique. Unfortunately, I don’t have a good read on the embattled right-hander based on the early footage. He looks the same, maybe? And if I look like Jamie Moyer when I'm 45, I would be delighted.

So in conclusion, this tabloid journalist has determined that none of the players are pregnant.

Roster note: Right-hander Anderson Garcia was claimed off waivers by Seattle. He was designated for assignment last week to make room for Pedro Feliz.

Beerleaguer goes off the spring training deep end

Call me crazy, but I don’t look forward to pitchers and catchers. Everyone is in Clearwater gathering information for news articles, notes columns and opinion pieces. Call it jealousy. I call it information envy.

As a blogger, I won't pretend to deal with first-hand sources or file on deadline, but more than any point during the calendar year, I feel like a scoundrel, pilfering information and repackaging it as news. It’s completely unfulfilling, and I’m not doing it this year. There are links on the right if you need them. And during the early workouts, nothing happens anyway. Let's be honest. Players say they're healthy and optimistic, management makes their positive spin and that's pretty much the extent of it.

Usually, off-season oblivion is when Beerleaguer thrives. We’re like bioluminescent fish, mutant creatures lurking in the ocean depths. In winter, we slow our metabolisms and survive on trade gossip and minor league transactions. Then the seasons change and all the tasty plankton heads south to Clearwater.

To make a long story short, a tropical dateline does’t hold a candle to a good, old-fashioned split-squad boxscore, especially when the lineups are filled with chum like Krill Condrey and Protozoa Mazone.

Beerleaguer's 2008 ex-Phillies spring invitee team

As pitchers and catchers report for workouts around baseball, it's time for our annual look at former Phils still hanging on to their dreams, invited to camps as non-roster invitees.

Major League Division (players who played at least one game with the Phillies): P Brandon Duckworth (KC), P Adam Bernero (PIT) P Nelson Figueroa (Mets), P Cliff Politte (StL), P Eude Brito (Nats), P Aquilino Lopez (Tigers), P Kane Davis (Jays), P Elizardo Ramirez (Tex), P Brian Sanches (Nats), P Arthur Rhodes (SEA), OF Chris Roberson (Os), 2B Joe Thurston (Red Sox), INF Abraham Nunez (MIL), INF Tomas Perez (HOU) INF Ramon Martinez (LAD), INF Danny Sandoval (CLE), UTL David Newhan (Astros), UTL Matt Kata (Rockies), C Sal Fasano (Jays), INF Anderson Machado (Mets). Yes, Machado played exactly one game for the Phils in ’03.

Minor League Division (former Rule 5 picks, veterans and organization filler who never actually made it to Philadelphia) 1B Randy Ruiz (Twins), P Jim Ed Warden (Nats), P Mike Bascik (Nats), OF Jorge Padilla (Nats), P Mike Smith (Cubs), UTL Bobby Scales (Cubs), OF Josh Kroeger (Cubs), INF Jesus Merchan (ARZ), P Edwin Moreno (Padres), P Alfredo Simon (LAD), INF Angel Chavez (LAD), P Dan Giese (NYY), P Jeremy Cummings (Jays), P Rick Bauer (CLE).

Prospect Division (young players still on the rise) P Matt Maloney (Reds), P Gio Gonzalez (OAK), 3B Mike Costanzo (Os).

Programming note: Live call-in show airs at 9 a.m.

Happy Pitchers and Catchers Day everyone! In honor of this sacred day, Beerleaguer will be a guest on Mike Faust's Feedback Show this morning on WEEU radio. You can listen to a live stream of the broadcast here as we discuss the upcoming season, the Roger Clemens situation and what to expect during spring training. The more calls that come in, the longer I can talk baseball, which means the longer I can avoid doing real work. Call toll free at 1-800-323-8800.

Phillies, Benson reach accord on minor league deal

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the deal is pending a physical. No information on terms or incentives has been reported. [Link]

Beerleaguer: The Phillies are doing the right thing here, and I’m excited by the possibilities. They've snuffed out a sketchy situation with Adam Eaton, and they're taking preventative measures, without taking a big risk. Nevertheless, the deal is pending an important physical, and the Inquirer quotes the Phils as saying Benson is only throwing at "60-70 percent."

Benson’s a sleeper. Even if he doesn’t make his first appearance until June, the chances the Phils can make it even that far with a healthy, viable starting five are remote. Pitching depth will again become a crucial factor next season. If Benson can continue his recovery and overcomes his injury, think of the upside. And if he fails – so be it. On Feb. 13, what else were they going to spend their money on, unless you believe the Phils were prepared to open their wallets for Kyle Lohse, which I don’t believe was within their budget all along, even at the reduced rate. It's possible Benson alone puts them over their self-imposed cap, even on a minor league flyer.

After Pedro Feliz, consider Benson your bonus for being a patient fan this winter. The off-season has seen lots of dreck move across the market, very little of which will make any difference. If he stays on track, Benson could make an impact.

(Watch Eaton get his act together. Just watch.)

Benson's deal with Phillies could come momentarily

Several news outlets, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, the News Journal of Delaware and MLB.com, believe right-hander Kris Benson could be in Clearwater by the end of the week.

According to reports, Benson’s agent Gregg Clifton is talking turkey with Phillies Assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. on what is reportedly an incentive-laden one-year contract. The 33-year-old is trying to bounce back after surgery for a torn labrum.

Beerleaguer: The Phillies are doing the right thing here, and I’m excited by the possibilities. They've snuffed out a sketchy situation with Adam Eaton, and they're ready to take preventative measures.

Benson’s a sleeper. Even if he doesn’t make his first appearance until June, the chances the Phils can make it even that far with a healthy, viable starting five are remote. Think of the upside. Suppose they ink Benson with an option year and he turns out to be fine? It would be a coup. I'm really hoping they can settle on a club option.

Not to say he’ll win Cy Youngs, but a healthy Benson fits the bill of a true fourth or fifth starter on a World Series contender. And if he fails – so be it. On Feb. 13, what else were they going to spend their money on, unless you believe the Phillies were prepared to open up their wallets for Kyle Lohse, which I still don’t believe is within their budget, even at the reduced rate. It's possible Benson alone puts them over their self-imposed cap.

After Pedro Feliz, consider Benson your bonus for being a patient fan this winter. The off-season has seen lots of dreck move across the market, very little of which will make any impact whatsoever. Benson could make an impact.

Self promotion: THT 2008 preview available for order

--- Be sure to order your copy of The Hardball Times Season Preview 2008. I wrote the chapter on the Phillies, listing strengths and weaknesses, manager and general manager tendencies, analysis of the minor leagues, summaries for over 30 players and most likely team outcome for 2008. The book also includes THT's famous projection system, including looks at Ryan Howard and reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins you won't want to miss. Find out what’s in store for the 2008 Phillies as THT looks into their crystal ball. Order directly from the publishers’ Web site here, so more of the proceeds go toward those whose fine work went into this project.

--- To coincide with pitchers and catchers, I will be making my first appearance of the season on Mike Faust’s Feedback Show tomorrow morning at 9 a.m., and for the first time, the show will be available through a live stream. (barring technical difficulty, so in other words, less than 50-50 shot of hearing me). WEEU, the Voice of Berks County, can be found on 830-AM on your radio dial.

Previewing the burning questions of spring training

We're just days away from glorified jogging and stretching as pitchers and catchers officially report to Clearwater, Fla. on Thursday.

Spring training means warm weather, green grass and yada, yada, yada, but on Beerleaguer, it marks the beginning of a fresh set of story lines we’ll follow until opening day. Not the kind where writers fish for deep meaning, like “What does the season mean for Pat Burrell?” or “Does Cole Hamels have his sights set on something bigger?” and all that. Instead, this is the season when Beerleaguer harvests a fresh crop of micro-minutiae that will form the basis for month-long discussion. Classic Beerleaguer, ripe for the picking.

The questions: By all accounts, there are two openings in the bullpen and one in the rotation. There are two Rule 5 picks to audition. There are several pitchers who’re out of options (J.D. Durbin, Francisco Rosario, Clay Condrey) who will be competing for jobs in the rotation and pen. The decision to keep 11 or 12 pitchers will determine whether certain players, namely Chris Snelling, makes the 25-man roster. Wes Helms has little purpose and will be shopped. And finally, the health of Adam Eaton and Brad Lidge will dictate Charlie Manuel’s decisions most.

With this much drama, who has time for Ryan Howard’s contract?

Early predictions: The fifth starter spot is settled with someone other than Chad Durbin, freeing him up to become next season’s all-purpose and heavily-taxed middle reliever. Snelling shines and makes it hard for the Phils to leave him off the 25-man. None of the prospects (Scott Mathieson, Josh Outman, JA Happ, Zach Segovia, Jason Jaramillo, Joe Bisenius) factor into the Phillies’ plans whatsoever. The Rule 5 picks will be offered back to their original clubs, and they will refuse them. Shane Youman will be issued an early assignment to minor league camp. Mike Zagurski will not be fully healed from his hamstring injury. Fabio Castro and J.D. Durbin will last until the final cuts ... and both make it.

Bottom-tier FA pitching stuck in a holding pattern

Are Kyle Lohse and Kris Benson holding up the show for other free agents to get signed? A number of recognizable names are still available.

Remaining FA Starters: Tony Armas, Kris Benson, Bartolo Colon, Josh Fogg, Freddy Garcia, Jose Garcia, Livan Hernandez, Byung-Hyun Kim, Kyle Lohse, Rodrigo Lopez, Eric Milton, Mike O'Connor, Russ Ortiz, Odalis Perez, John Thomson, Steve Trachsel, Jeff Weaver, David Wells. (Note: This is a partial list)

Remaining FA Relievers: Antonio Alfonseca, Armando Benitez, Shawn Chacon, Akinori Otsuka, Brian Rogers, Brad Salmon, Aaron Sele, Ron Villone, Bob Wickman. (Note: This is a partial list)

Beerleaguer: Lohse is the best available, while Benson might be the best sleeper. The Phils are obviously involved in both, but the extent of their association with Lohse remains a mystery. Meanwhile, there’s a rumor circulating the message boards that Benson will be in town today to hammer out a deal. We’ll keep an eye on it. The rumor allegedly has roots on Sirius Sporting News Radio. On the bullpen side, Chacon and Wickman are the best available from this dwindling, depressing list. I look at Ron Villone as someone who may be worth a minor league invite as added depth. I'd put Odalis Perez in the same category, and possibly Tony Armas.

Benson ready for another audition with Phillies

Right-hander Kris Benson will reportedly throw for scouts again today, and the Phillies are expected to be among those in attendance. [Link]

Benson is reportedly seeking a one-year deal with incentives following surgery for a torn labrum. In seven seasons, the 33-year-old owns a 68-73 mark with a 4.34 ERA, missing all of last season recovering from surgery. Meanwhile, free agent right-hander Kyle Lohse hangs in limbo. The club hasn’t ruled out the possibility of resigning him, but continue to downplay the likelihood of his return.

Beerleaguer: Rather than close the book on the off-season, the Phillies are positioning themselves to add last-minute pitching in mid-February. Lohse would be a much safer choice, albeit a bigger investment. However, either of these pitchers has the potential to greatly improve the rotation, provided Benson can overcome his shoulder problems.

Length of contract continues to be a sticking point for the Phils. They reportedly didn’t want to go the extra years with Hiroki Kuroda, Aaron Rowand and took themselves out of the early running for Lohse when he initially demanded four years. It appears they’ve successfully waited him out. His demands have dropped, and the likelihood of his return has never been greater than at any point this winter, even if the chances remain slim.

Nevertheless, the possibility of adding at least one of them appears to be pretty good. Should it happen, they will have added a starter, swing man, third baseman, right fielder, left-handed reliever and closer, among other moves made around the perimeter. Considering their farm system leaves them short-handed to swing deals like those made for Johan Santana and Eric Bedard, a last-minute move for a starter would make it a relatively decent, well-rounded winter for the home club.

If only they could figure out a creative way to add another reliever. Perhaps in the spring when clubs whittle their rosters or realize they're a little short.

Beer nuts: Bruntlett signs, Garcia DFA, Aussies shine

It’s days like yesterday, spent in bedroom isolation recovering from a wicked flu, when an intern would come in handy to refresh Beerleaguer with breaking Eric Bruntlett and Anderson Garcia news.

Bruntlett and the Phillies avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $600,000 contract yesterday. The 29-year-old utility infielder had reportedly been asking for $800,000. The Phils offered $550,000.

Roster move: If you picked Anderson Garcia to be the unlucky soul to get pushed off the 40-man roster to make room for Pedro Feliz, you are the big winner today. The 26-year-old right-hander, who earned a cup of coffee with the club just before the all-star break, has been designated for assignment. The reliever spent most of 2007 in Triple-A Ottawa, where he went 1-5 with a 4.98 ERA over 59 2-3 innings. Like the rest of us, he doesn’t have a Major League future.

Update from Down Under: Ever since I moved my e-mail address higher on the page, I’ve been getting twice as much correspondence, most recently, a request for contact information for Phillies partial owner John C. Middleton. To whom it may concern, I have no clue how to reach him.

The other day, I received a memo from Kevin Parry of Victoria, Australia with a Travis Blackley and Brad Harman update; both are Australian and playing in some tournament down there. Last Saturday, Blackley threw six shutout innings, including seven strikeouts, in Victoria’s game against South Australia. Also in the three-game series, Harman picked up six hits, including a home run.

Wednesday thread: Readers weigh in on Kris Benson

The Philadelphia Daily News and Inquirer are reporting that the 33-year-old free agent has been given a second look by Phillies' scouts. The right-hander is reportedly seeking a one-year deal with incentives after missing all of last season following shoulder surgery.

It seems like only yesterday when I watched Benson throw seven shutout frames and toy with Pat Burrell on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. That was almost five years ago, a full season before he would become the hottest commodity at the 2004 trade deadline and get dealt to the Mets.

Here he is today, on the comeback trail, working out for scouts for the second time and generating lukewarm interest from clubs with a bottomless pit at the bottom of their rotation. The former first-round pick, first overall, never lived up to his billing. It’s a shame because, when healthy, he’s a steady pitcher. As one reader put it in the previous thread, “Benson's career IP/G is 6.19; that's better than any of the Phillies starters last year other than Hamels. It’s also better than Myers’ career IP/G.” (thanks to ae).

Nevertheless, readers remain skeptical as usual that Benson has anything left in the tank. “Benson's problem isn't pitching a lot of innings in games, it's pitching a lot of games period,” noted kdon.

"This notion that Benson is going to be ready to start in April or May is ridiculous," MG argued. "He was supposedly only hitting the gun at mid-70s in December. Maybe he has added a couple of MPH but he isn't going to be ready to start by April. If the Phils were wise, they would give Benson a 1-year with plenty of incentive upside. Basically stash him away for the first few months of the season and let him build up his arm strength. Probably does a few rehab starts in the minors and would be ready to start around the All-Star break."

Beerleaguer: They should strongly consider it. Even if it takes half a season of recovery, chances are excellent the Phillies will need a fresh arm for the stretch run. A one-year, incentive-laden deal would give Benson something to prove.

Rosario pitches six shutout innings: We discussed Fabio Castro’s efforts in the Caribbean Series yesterday, and last night, Phillies right-hander Francisco Rosario topped his teammate by pitching six scoreless innings to lead the Licey Tigers to a 2-1 victory over the Aragua Tigers. Rosario allowed three hits and struck out five, but earned a no-decision.

It’s a nice way to reintroduce Rosario into the conversation. The 27-year-old right-hander hasn't been discussed all winter. I’m sure casual fans have forgotten all about him. I bet Howard Eskin doesn’t remember him. The fact is, he's a definite darkhorse to claim a final spot in the bullpen if he has a nice showing in Clearwater. The 27-year-old right-hander, who missed the last half of 2007 with shoulder inflamation, throws hard, which Charlie Manuel likes in his 'pen, and he’s out of options.

Caribbean: Castro takes loss in battle of unbeatens

Phillies left-hander Fabio Castro started the game for the top-seeded Aguilas Cibaenas and cruised until a seventh-inning rally led to his undoing in a 5-2 round-robin loss to the Licey Tigers in the Caribbean Series. [Link]

Summarizing from an MLB.com report, the Tigres scored the game's first run off Castro in the fourth when Anderson Hernandez scored from second base on a single up the middle by Nelson Cruz. Hernandez reached base with a single to left field and advanced to second on a Castro wild pitch. After that, he cruised until the seventh when Licey scored two on a two-run double by Matt Tupman. Castro was pulled for reliever Santiago Ramirez, who promptly surrendered a two-run home run.

Castro’s final line: 6 2-3 innings, 6 strikeouts, 2 walks, 4 earned runs.

Beerleaguer: Although he took the loss, the 23-year-old lefty held own in what must be considered one of the biggest games of his life. These were the top two clubs in DWL, so the stakes were high. Established stars like Miguel Tejada, Ronnie Belliard and Edwin Encarnacion are among the players battling for bragging rights this series. There's still plenty of time for the live-armed left-hander to develop into serviceable Major League contributor, but command problems continue to limit him.

Programming note: Beerleaguer on 610-WIP tonight

Since there's nothing on television this evening, be sure to join dozens of others in listening to Brian Startare's show tonight at 7:40 p.m. when we discuss the Santana trade and other baseball matters.

NL East: Braves quietly flying under winter radar

While the Mets make headlines - and the Phillies make predictions - the Braves have made an assortment of moves designed to win right now.

The Braves would never publicly declare themselves the team to beat. Their modest approach stays consistent every season, even during their unprecedented run of 14-consecutive division titles. Last year, they tried to limit their playoff drought to a single season by aggressively adding Mark Teixeira, Ron Mahay, Octavio Dotel and Royce Ring in a flurry of deadline deals, but to no avail. They faded from contention, finishing 84-78 and out of the running.

Frank Wren, pulling the strings in his first off-season as Atlanta’s GM, is trying to insert his club back into the conversation. It hasn’t worked, at least in the Northeast.

So let’s pay a visit to our southern rivals, starting with a list of departures. The Andruw Jones era is over. If they’re losing Andruw of two years ago, it’s a loss. If they’re losing the 88 OPS+ Andruw of 2007, it’s a gain. He stank, and it killed them. The Mahay and Dotel rentals expired. Shortstop Edgar Renteria, who they didn’t need because they have a rising player in Yunel Escobar (.326/.385/.451, 319 ABs) was traded for a pair of prospects, including Dutch right-hander Jair Jurrjens, who’s in the early running for a spot in the rotation.

Tom Glavine returns, so besides Greg Maddux, the glory days are partially back. They also made – in my opinion -- the finest “small splash” of the entire off-season when they brought in lefty Will Ohman, who they acquired along with Omar Infante, for a prospect. Rotoworld said they would take Ohman, who’s owed $1.6 million this season, over J.C. Romero. And very quietly, the Braves acquired Mark Kotsay from the A's for Joey Devine, Jamie Richmond and cash considerations. Kotsay is trying to overcome back issues, and if you’re looking for great numbers the last couple seasons, you won’t find them, but something tells me Kotsay is just what they needed to run the show in center and breathe new life into the clubhouse. If he can’t go, another new pickup, Josh Anderson, can.

Kostay represents another winner to go with the preexisting pile of heart. Teixeira settles into his final arbitration year and the latest speculation finds that the slugging first baseman is looking to hit the open market next winter. Chipper Jones remains Chipper Jones, posting the greatest National League season no one talked about whatsoever (.337/.425/.604, 29 HR). Is Jeff Francouer overrated? There’s plenty of time to figure that out; he’s 24. Catcher Brian McCann, who tallied 42 total home runs the past two seasons, will be 24 this month.

Their starting rotation is comparable to the Phillies. Very solid at the top with Tim Hudson and John Smoltz. Crafty and ancient in the middle with Glavine. A little smoke and mirrors at the bottom in Chuck James. A question mark at fifth starter. They’ll experiment with Rafael Soriano at closer and surprising righty Peter Moylan at the setup spot until left-hander Mike Gonzalez returns, expected to happen by mid-season. If they can pull it off, like they hope, they are a dangerous group.

More than one writer says the Mets and Santana will face immense pressure to rebound from last season’s collapse, and the Phillies always have pressure to win, especially following a rare playoff berth.

The opposite can be said of Atlanta, where Wren is blending established stars with new leadership, budding talent and veterans with something to prove, with just a fraction of the urgency seen in Philadelphia and New York.