The Phillies kicked off their exhibition schedule with an 8-0 victory over Florida State on Thursday afternoon. Seven Phillies pitchers combined on the four-hit shutout. [Box score]
Ryan Howard ignited a four-run first inning with a two-run double, while Carlos Ruiz and non-roster invitee Pete Orr knocked in runs later in the frame. Orr started at second base in place of Chase Utley, who was experiencing some general body soreness. Jimmy Rollins, who was at the White House for a Motown Tribute, was the only other Phils regular who did not play. Drew Naylor got the start and pitched two scoreless innings. Justin De Fratus and Scott Mathieson each logged a pair of strikeouts in an inning of relief, while Mike Stutes struck out three. In all, Phillies pitchers combined to allow just four hits while striking out 11 Seminoles. The Phils begin Grapefruit League play Saturday in Tampa against the Yankees. – Written for Beerleaguer by Drew Silverman
Reader report: “Good atmosphere. FSU was weak with mid-80s pitching so credit to Phillies for being patient. Looks like some battles will shape up for the bench. Naylor showed a pretty decent curveball. Can see a future Defratus/Mathieson combo down the road. Mathieson was 98 and its early, but more impressed with the splitter. Looks like Bruce Sutter did his job as it was plain nasty. Watched Brown in warmup and he has a huge arm.” - Artvandelaythegame
Durbin to join Tribe? Chad Durbin could be headed to the Indians, tweets SI.com’s Jon Heyman. Durbin, who has reportedly been holding out for a Major League contract with a contender, would become one of the top relievers for Cleveland, which is coming off a 69-93 campaign. A workhorse for the Phillies the last three years, he went 4-1 with a 3.80 ERA in 64 appearances last season. His 2.33 K/BB ratio and 8.3 K/9 were personal bests. The 33-year-old right-hander could also potentially start for the Indians or another suitor, though he hasn’t started a game since 2007. The Phillies, Rangers, Red Sox, Rays and Royals have been liked to Durbin in various reports. The Phils would only bring him back on a minor league deal. – Written for Beerleaguer by Drew Silverman
15 pitchers,15 hits,6 walks,2 errors,a hit batter,all in 2:16. It's amazing how fast they can play when they want to get to the beach,the pool,or the golf course.
Posted by: goody | Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Durbin is a three inning starter.
Posted by: Meyer | Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Bye, Durbin. Cleveland rocks!
Posted by: Jamie de la Moyer | Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 11:18 PM
Chad Durbin, "The Decision..."
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 11:38 PM
Ryan Howard was safe at second. Safe and Secure...with New York Life.
Posted by: Greg | Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 11:54 PM
it behooves sutter to invent the slutter.
and how lomg does son of kalas' voice have to marinate in the "minors" before he is ready? he needs to smoke more.
Posted by: bullit | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 12:47 AM
I wish Durbin nothing but the best of luck, unless of course he faces the Phils then which I hope he gets bombed.
Posted by: GM-Carson | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 07:17 AM
bullit. LOL.
What's this about Kalas' son's voice in the minors?
Posted by: awh | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 07:18 AM
162-0.
Posted by: Cliff | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 07:51 AM
Yea, me thought Todd Kalas worked for the team formerly know as the Devil Rays...
Holla.
Posted by: muchacho peligro | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 08:49 AM
New thread yall
Posted by: Tim from Williamsport | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 09:33 AM
Doesn't Durbin remember what happened to Chan Hoe Park? Better a future shot with a world series contender than a guarantee to be in the cesspool of baseball with the american league version of the Washington Nationals. Maybe he has been talking with Jayson Worthless?
Posted by: Reuben Amaro Jr. | Friday, February 25, 2011 at 09:43 AM