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Breaking news: Phils add Belliard to infield collection

Acccording to Todd Zolecki of Phillies.com, the Phillies have made a last-minute deal for an infielder, signing veteran Ronnie Belliard to a minor league deal.

Belliard, who was recently released by the Yankees, joins (among several others) Pete Orr, Michael Martinez, Delwyn Young, and more recently, Luis Castillo and Kevin Fransden as infield inventory added by the Phillies in recent months. Belliard, who will turn 36 next week and bats from the right side, hit .216/.295/.327 with 2 homers in 185 plate appearances for the Dodgers last season. The 13-year veteran was an All-Star with the Indians in 2004 and owns a career line of .273/.338/.414 over 15 seasons with six clubs.

According to Baseball Prospectus' recent annual, Belliard “turned in a particularly abysmal 11-for-66 performance against lefties (in 2010) despite a career spent mostly mashing against them.” For his career, he's been a formidable .279/.357/.459 hitter against southpaws. The guide also points out Belliard’s rotund physique, saying “once the Dodgers cut him loose in early September, he joined Augustus Gloop and Pablo Sandoval on a “Lost Weekend” fudge binge.”

Belliard and his belly will report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. - Written for Beerleaguer by Drew Silverman

Community call for 2011 Phillies season predictions

It's that time again. It's the eve of Opening Day, which means it's time to ask readers where they see the Phillies in seven months. Provide us with your final regular-season record, NL East standing and playoff status in the comments thread below. Tomorrow, I’ll tally the results and reveal my official prediction. Last year, the Berks County Kreskin predicted a 94-68 record and World Series appearance threepeat, and Beerleaguers saw it largely the same way. The Phils finished with 97 wins, but were stopped short in the NLCS.

Poll: How do you feel about the Phillies offense?

The Phillies finalized their roster on Wednesday. Here is a projected look at the starting lineup: Shane Victorino CF, Placido Polanco 3B, Jimmy Rollins SS, Ryan Howard 1B, Raul Ibanez LF, Ben Francisco RF, Carlos Ruiz C, Wilson Valdez 2B. The bench includes Brian Schneider, Ross Gload, John Mayberry Jr., Pete Orr and Michael Martinez.

Phillies finalize roster: Orr, Herndon make the cut

The Phillies have rounded out the bench with a pair of darkhorses who spent last season in the Nationals farm system: Rule 5 pick Michael Martinez and Canadian everyman Pete Orr.

Orr, 31, followed a workman-like season with Triple-A Syracuse (.264/.326/.436) with a well-rounded spring, seeing time all over the field, most noteably at third while Placido Polanco nursed his elbow injury. His ability to man third could have been the deciding factor in keeping him over Delwyn Young, who can hit from both sides of the plate with power, but is a liability at every position. In addition to playing all over the field, Orr is deceptively fast. The Phils outrighted Matt Rizzotti off the 40-man roster yesterday and will now slot Orr into the opening. Martinez, meanwhile, was congratulated by teammates earlier today, according to CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury. Despite an impressive and unexpected push, reliever Mike Stutes has been returned to the minors, meaning David Herndon has clinched the final bullpen spot.

Pirates 4, Phillies 1: The Phillies’ offense isn’t exactly in midseason form, as the team wrapped up spring training with a 4-1 loss to the Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. The Phils managed only two hits, while the starters – the same position players that will open the season Friday – combined to go 1-for-20. The most important hit of the day may have come off the bat of Orr, who laced a stand-up triple in the eighth. After the game, the Phillies announced that Orr made the team over Young, who went 0-for-2 on Wednesday. Orr finished the spring with a .286 average (16-for-56), contributing a pair of RBIs. Young finished the spring at .258 (16-for-62) with a homer and eight RBIs. Among the pitchers who saw work in the exhibition finale were Cole Hamels (2 runs in 3 innings), Joe Blanton (1 run in 3 innings) and newly minted closer Jose Contreras (1 scoreless inning).

The Phils are off Thursday before the season kicks off Friday vs. Houston. - Written for Beerleaguer by Drew Silverman

Report: Mini-Mart beats odds, makes Phillies roster

From Jim Salisbury’s Twitter: “Teammates congratulate beaming Michael Martinez who will be on roster. Official announcement could come tonite. Orr or Young for final spot.”

Beerleaguer: Martinez, 28, becomes the second-straight Rule 5 pick to make the Phillies Opening Day roster, following David Herndon, who stayed on the Phillies' roster for the entire 2010 season. There’s no denying the Phils are among the most gifted players in the Rule 5 market, dating back to their selection of Shane Victorino in the ’05 draft. Aside from getting a versatile player the coaching staff is legitimately amped about, the real feather in their cap was having the foresight to prepare for such a need. Martinez can play a number of positions, including second, short and center field.

You don’t need to force yourself to like Luis Castillo …

… because he’s been released by the Phillies.

Beerleaguer: Thank God. As thin as they are at second, I was loathe to watch a Punch-and-Judy burnout like Castillo live out his golden years draining the lifeblood from an already fragile offense. I’m proud of the Phillies, friend of the aged, for seeing through the smoke and mirrors. Good for you, Luis, you can take a walk against minor league pitching in Spring Training. He’s such a sh*theel, I can’t even stand it. I was rooting so hard against him, you have no idea.

With Castillo kicked aside, Wilson Valdez is expected to start at second base. Meanwhile, Delwyn Young and Pete Orr have been given a new life – one of them will probably make the roster, or they could consider adding recently acquired second baseman Kevin Frandsen, who was signed to a minor league deal Monday. As I said before, I'd go with Young, because at the end of the day, you need a pinch hitter most.

But take caution. Everyone keeps saying that Rule 5 pick Michael Marinez appears to have made the opening-day roster. Yeah, and everyone thought Castillo was a lock, too. Teams have until Thursday morning to finalize their Opening Day rosters, and don't be surprised if they have another move up their sleeve. I love it.

Game chat: The Phillies play their final exhibition game this afternoon at 4:05 against the Pirates. Cole Hamels receives a final tune-up before his first regular-season start, which will come against the Mets next week.

Beer nuts: Phillies bet $37.5M on Lidge, and lost

Aside from a few good spurts, the decision to reward Brad Lidge with a lucrative three-year contract extension has turned into the Phillies’ worst misallocation of resources in recent memory.

The career of Tom Gordon, the Phillies’ last full-time closer, took a dive because of arm and shoulder problems brought on by a partially torn labrum. Today, the Phillies current closer received similar word that a slightly torn rotator cuff will send him to the disabled list to nurse the latest in a long list of ailments (elbow, knee, biceps, shoulder). They all started the moment he was crunched under the pinstripe pile-on following the last pitch of the 2008 World Series.

Ruben Amaro Jr. was still a GM-in-waiting in July of '08 when the Phillies bet $37.5 million that Lidge would shut out the lights for three additional season, four if the Phillies thirsted for more (at the combined total cost of almost $50 million). Without the river card even needing to be flipped, the Phils have already lost the hand. According to Fangraphs’ value metrics, Lidge should fork over $3.6 million for his ’09 debacle. In 2010, he was valued at $1.4 million, $10 million shy of what he actually made.

The early word from Amaro was that his closer would miss between 3-to-6 weeks, but coming straight from the horse’s mouth, Lidge suggested that the All-Star break could be a more realistic timetable. It means that this Phillies closer could suffer the same fate as the former closer, Gordon, who appeared in 34 injury-plagued, barely remembered games during the team’s championship season, a stage when every good inning felt like a bonus.

Roster notes: The Phillies removed Beerleaguer favorite Matt Rizzotti from the 40-man roster and outrighted him to the minors, meaning the slugging first baseman cleared waivers. The move is a likely precursor toward adding Luis Castillo to the 40-man and active roster. Castillo, who was signed to a minor league deal, went 2-for-4 in Tuesday night’s win and has probably won the Opening Day job at second. If the Phillies should need to clear more roster room, they could consider placing shortstop Brian Bocock on the 60-day disabled list. Bocock has been out with a broken hand and isn’t close to returning. Reliever Brian Schlitter has also been out with elbow problems.

Lidge out 3-6 weeks; Contreras named interim closer

Ruben Amaro Jr. has told CSNPhilly.com that Brad Lidge's MRI revealed a posterior strain of his right rotator cuff. Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel has named Jose Contreras his closer to start the season, according to reliable reports from the ballpark. More later ...

Utley taking grounders, but no running or timetable

Chase Utley said the intense stretching and massage program has yielded some positive results to his ailing knee, but he and the club continue to move cautiously and progress appears to be minimal.

Ruben Amaro Jr. said the club would not be putting Utley on the 60-day disabled list, although Utley has set a tentative goal to be back by the All-Star break. He flew back to Philadelphia with the rest of the team yesterday. In other health-related news, Brad Lidge is scheduled for an MRI today.

Transactions: A source for Jay Floyd of Phillies Nation and Phoul Ballz confirmed that the Phils have released 10 minor leaguers: Justin Beal, Bradley Blanks, Matt McConnell, Adam Buschini, Drew Rundle, Heitor Correa, Matt Hutchison, Marco Davaillo, Mike Bolsenbroek and Eric Massingham. Correa was once a good-looking young right-hander and rated among the Phillies best pitching prospects, but in 2008, he was busted for performance enhancers and it's been downhill since. In 2010, he was 8-14 with a 6.62 ERA and 85/60 K/BB for Clearwater. He had been working out with the Double-A team.

Report: Phillies to sign utilityman Kevin Frandsen

The 28-year-old former Giant was released by the Padres on Friday. He's reportedly accepted a minor league assignment and doesn't appear to factor into the Phillies' plans for Opening Day. (via Jerry Crasnick, ESPN)

Frandsen started last season with the Red Sox, was placed on waivers and split the rest of the year between the Angels and their Triple-A affiliate, hitting .250/.294/.319 in 173 plate appearances, seeing action at third, first, second and in left field. A former top prospect in the Giants' chain, his best season came in 2007 during a prolonged stint as San Francisco's starting second baseman, posting a .710 OPS in 296 plate appearances. He missed all but one at bat the next season with an Achilles injury and has been floating in and out of the Majors ever since. When he was non-tendered by the Red Sox this winter, the Padres brought him in as a non-roster player to audition for a utility role. The Diamondbacks were reportedly set to sign him this weekend, but it fell through.

Beerleaguer: At his best - in his second season in '07 - we're talking average fielder who's best at second, and below average in every other category, including speed, on-base skills and power. Still, I think it means the Phils are still in the dark by what Luis Castillo has to offer. Signing Frandsen means they have a contingency plan in case Castillo is finished after all. And I think Frandsen, who is the same age as the Phillies' bubbly Rule 5 pick, Michael Martinez, is a pretty interesting grab this late in the game. And if you're still crying over the loss of Jason Donald, well, here he is.

Phillies reach 20 wins in Grapefruit League finale

Ben Francisco put a bow on his sterling spring with a three-run homer in the Phillies 7-6 win over the Astros Monday afternoon.

Francisco finished his spring hitting .385/.467/.677 with four home runs and 13 RBIs. Raul Ibanez raked a double, walked twice and scored two runs, while Shane Victorino went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and an assist from center field. Luis Castillo reached base in both at bats with a hit and a walk, scoring twice. In 22 plate appearances, the second baseman is working a .364 on-base percentage for the Phils. Former Nittany Lion Nate Bump got the win on the mound, scattering eight hits in five innings and surrendering just one run, and Danys Baez contributed a scoreless sixth. Once again, the Phils filled the later frames with a deluge of fresh faces, including relievers Derrick Loop, Mike Cisco and Ebelin Lugo. Having finished with a Grapefruit Leauge-best 20 wins (tied), the Phils head north for the On Deck series with the Pirates. - Written for Beerleaguer by Matt Grassie

Monday: Cholly lavishes Mini-Mart with praise

Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel said that Rule 5 pick Michael Martinez made one of the best defensive plays he's ever seen Saturday in Lakeland.

Let's cut to the chase. Michael Martinez is making the team. From Jim Salisbury's recent piece: “Let me tell you something," Manuel said, "if he (Martinez) plays defense in the big leagues like he has here he'll have no trouble playing. He made some plays [at shortstop in Lakeland on Saturday]. He made three or four plays, a couple of them were off the chart. One of them might have been the best play I've ever seen. But there again, you have to have consistency. Spring training is different than the major leagues. Spring training is a hell of a lot different. I mean big-time different. Ten-thousand-to-one different.” Adding credence was all the face time and positive mentions the Rule 5 pick received during yesterday's telecast. Chris Wheeler was all over Martinez's energy and spirit and suggested that he's added life to the aging Phils.

Technically, Martinez, Luis Castillo, Pete Orr and Delywn Young are still in the hunt, but the prevailing wisdom says that Castillo and Martinez will make the squad. Meanwhile, it seems that Michael Stutes has worked his way back into the bullpen picture. Salisbury tweeted that he'll be brought north for the on-deck series. David Herndon could be the odd-man out.

Bats rounding into form: Yesterday's 6-1 win over the Braves encapsulated many of the Phillies' positives this spring. Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez and Ben Francisco, who will comprise the heart of the Phillies' lineup, continued to drive the ball hard. Francisco, who has big shoes to fill in right and entered camp as one of the great unknowns, finishes up what could be categorized as an MVP spring for his .387/.472/.645. Meanwhile, it was no surprise that the Phillies' best ace finished with the best spring as Roy Halladay twirled three dominant innings to wrap up 21 2-3 innings of one-run ball.

Game chat: The Phillies wave goodbye to Florida today against the Astros. Nate Bump makes the start. The lineup goes Polanco 3B, Castillo 2B, Rollins SS, Ibanez LF, Victorino CF, Francisco RF, Gload DH, Mayberry 1B, Ruiz C.

Transactions: Barfield, Gosewisch, Sardinha demoted

Infielder Josh Barfield is out of the running for a spot on the Phillies bench, leaving Delwyn Young, Michael Martinez, Pete Orr and Luis Castillo fighting for a pair of openings.

Beerleaguer: Assuming John Mayberry Jr. makes the team, as most expect, the club must then decide how best to utilize their roster space while keeping an eye on Placido Polanco's sore elbow. Barfield's numbers have faded since early in camp and he was unimpressive yesterday. Unless you attend IronPigs games, you'll never hear from him again. Pete Orr, it seems, has separated himself from Barfield and is still in the running, but Orr is essentially a Triple-A lifer, too. Quite honestly, the Phils may have already concluded that this entire group is insufficient and may seek last-minute help from the outside the way they did with Castillo, who is still no lock. The club has reportedly been seeking a veteran outfielder who can play center field. Gabe Gross, a veteran former first-round pick of the Blue Jays, who was released by the Mariners yesterday after declining a minor league assignment, could intrigue them since he plays the entire outfield and has ties to the Jays and Mariners, frankly. However, Gross would be a marginal upgrade over the current field, at best, and is primarily a corner outfielder.

As for the catchers, Tuffy Gosewisch represents organizational depth, but his stock seems to be rising slightly among the staff and following a strong second half in Double-A. Dane Sardinha will likely split time with Erik Kratz, who is still in camp, I believe.

Sunday notes: Polanco to play, Doc's final tune-up

Placido Polanco returns to the lineup, and Roy Halladay (3-0, 0.48 ERA) pitches his last game before Opening Day, when the the Phillies play their final road game of spring today at 1:05 against the Braves.

Polanco, who was reevaluated by team physician Michael Ciccotti yesteday after feeling some lingering discomfort in his left elbow, leads off and plays third today. The soreness he's experiencing is reportedly unrelated to offseason surgery and it looks as if he will be good to go for Opening Day. Still, one wonders if the 35-year-old can handle the 162-game grind at this stage. Polanco will be followed in today's lineup by Luis Castillo 2B, Raul Ibanez LF, Ryan Howard 1B, Shane Victorino CF, Ben Francisco RF, Carlos Ruiz C, Wilson Valdez SS, Roy Halladay P.

Blue Jays 7, Phillies 6: Some observations from yesterday's split squad main attraction. Kyle Kendrick was rubbish. He was leaving everything out over the plate and the Jays didn't miss. All five of Kendrick's hits allowed went for doubles. … I couldn't be less impressed with the fact that Castillo can draw walks in spring training. My lasting impression from yesterday was the booted a relatively easy grounder. The second baseman has reached base in six of his last nine plate appearances after yesterday's 2-for-4 with a walk and I think it's a safe bet to assume he'll head north when camp breaks. Still, I could take him or leave him and wonder what will happen when good pitchers challenge him when the games begin for real.

Guys I'm excited about: Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz, Ben Francisco, Ross Gload. Chooch belted a hanging slider for a two-run jack yesterday, and Rollins just looks like he's ready to go; he's clearly in much better shape physically. He's going to hit third, which means he's the key to this. Meanwhile, Francisco has done all they've hoped this spring and it's time to see what he's got. A platoon with Gload could be productive.

Ex-Phillies on the AL fringe: Endy Chavez, Rangers—Relatively quiet offensively this spring, the slick defender was recently reassigned to Triple-A to start the season. Kyle Drabek, Blue Jays—The former Phils prospect will be part of his team’s rotation. Carlos Carrasco, Indians—Carrasco has made the Tribe's rotation. Pedro Feliz, Royals—He has an out-clause in his contract that he must exercise by Monday. His choices most likely are to accept a minor league assignment or exercise the clause to become a free agent. He's hitting .105 for the Royals. Freddy Garcia, Yankees—With a 5.93 ERA this spring, the former Phillies bust has won a job in the Yankees rotation, beating out Bartolo Colon. Greg Golson, Yankees—The speedy outfielder was sent to minor league camp Wednesday, though he could return if Curtis Granderson isn’t healthy by opening day. Michael Taylor, Athletics—A 7-for-40 (.175) performance this spring, not to mention 11 K’s against 1 BB, resulted in a an option back to Triple-A Sacramento for a second-straight season, where he joins former prospects Adrian Cardenas and Josh Outman. - Drew Silverman

Speed a hidden concern: It will be interesting to see how the absence of Davey Lopes affects the Phillies’ running game. As a team, the Phils are 21 of 29 stealing bases this spring. It’s fair to assume their SB percentage will decline this season with Chase Utley battling injuries, Rollins battling age, and Jayson Werth battling his bloated new bank account in Washington. The key on the base paths might be the contributions of Francisco and John Mayberry Jr. (combined 6 of 7 in steal attempts this spring). - Drew Silverman

Game chat: Phils divide between Clearwater, Lakeland

With the bullpen essentially set, all eyes are on Placido Polanco's elbow and its implications on the Phillies' Opening Day bench when the Phils play two of the final four Grapefruit League games today.

Here is your lineup at home against the Blue Jays: Shane Victorino CF, Luis Castillo 2B, Jimmy Rollins SS, Ryan Howard 1B, Ben Francisco RF, Delwyn Young LF, Josh Barfield 3B, Carlos Ruiz C, Kyle Kendrick P. Here's how it looks against the Tigers: Wilson Valdez 2B, Michael Martinez SS, Ross Gload 1B, Raul Ibanez LF, Cory Sullivan DH, Pete Orr 3B, John Mayberry RF, Brian Schneider C, Rich Thompson CF. Ryan Feierabend P.

What to watch: Orr and Barfield are neck-and-neck statistically, have been given equal opportunities and each start at third. Polanco played yesterday, but felt a twinge in his hyperextended elbow. He will be reevaluated today. Martinez will help his chances with a good showing at short. The needs of the team, with Polanco on the mend, are working against Young at this point. Charlie Manuel will manage the Tigers game.

Transactions: Phillies option Zagurski, Mathieson

The bullpen picture became crystal clear this morning as left-hander Mike Zagurski and Scott Mathieson will head back to Triple-A, meaning Antonio Bastardo and David Herndon have made the final cut.

With these moves, and with Brad Lidge set to begin the season on the disabled list, the Opening Day bullpen will include Herndon, Bastardo, Kyle Kendrick, Danys Baez, Jose Contreras, J.C. Romero and Ryan Madson if the Phillies carry 12 pitchers, as expected. The 'pen has been a bright spot for the Phils this spring, Zagurski and Mathieson included; Zagurski struck out 12 in 8 1-3 innings, while Mathieson struck out 9 in 9 innings, but also walked six. As it stands, the Phillies opted for the most experienced and familiar group, with Herndon and Bastardo set to break camp and head north for a second-consecutive season. It also suggests that Kendrick will be fully repurposed into a relief role instead of staying stretched out as a starter in Triple-A. Beerleaguer: If you swap Lidge for Herndon, this is the bullpen most expected. Even without Lidge, the 'pen could still be a strength and has depth in Zagurski, Mathieson, Mike Stutes and Dan Meyer.

Notes: Placido Polanco will be reevaluated by team physician Michael Ciccotti at 11 a.m. today, according to a Morning Call report. ... Some under-the-radar injuries: Right-hander Brian Schlitter is out with right elbow problems. Infielder Brian Bocock has been out with a wrist injury. Both are scheduled for MRIs (they may have already had them?) ... The Phils split up today in games starting at 1:05. Kendrick starts against the Blue Jays in a game airing on WPHL-17, while The Phils split up today in games starting at 1:05. Kendrick starts against the Blue Jays in a game airing on WPHL-17, while left-hander Ryan Feierabend starts off against the Tigers.

Phillies' arms restore the faith in win over Braves

Behind big games from Joe Blanton and Jimmy Rollins, the Phils took out their chief NL East adversary (albeit a split squad) 3-1 at Bright House Field.

Blanton, the understated fifth ace (pictured right in an understated way), continued his steady showing this spring with six shutout innings, using his off-speed pitch and improved cutter to strike out four. Following Blanton, the Phillies provided a glimpse of what life might look like without Brad Lidge, with Danys Baez working the seventh, allowing a run, but displaying a good curve, and Ryan Madson setting up for “Big Truck” Jose Contreras, who closed it with a perfect inning, including two strikeouts. The Phils haven’t announced who will close. Jimmy Rollins blasted a two-run homer in the first, part of a 2-for-3 afternoon, while Luis Castillo made his case with a hard single, two walks and a double play turned.

Notes: Placido Polanco played but is still reeling from a hyperextended elbow. He could play later this weekend, according to reports. Mike Sweeney will officially retire at the Royals’ spring training complex in Arizona. He hit .231/.310/.385 with two homers in his brief, hug-filled stay with the Phillies.

Breaking news: Sore shoulder will send Lidge to DL

According to reports, Brad Lidge will open the season on the disabled list due to pain in his right shoulder.

Lidge has been battling through arm issues all spring, including soreness in his bicep, but this shoulder issue is reportedly something new, and according to the Inquirer's Matt Gelb on Twitter, is located in a problem area toward the back of his shoulder. Todd Zolecki of Phillies.com said that Lidge is hopeful to be back by mid-April, but that's purely speculative at this point as the beat writers detected some real concern. Ryan Madson and Jose Contreras are candidates to fill Lidge's void, but Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. was unsure which one would close. Lidge started the 2010 season on the disabled list and pitched better as the season went along. He has reportedly been clocked only in the high 80s this spring and has now suffered a multitude of injuries since his perfect season in 2008. The injury will open another spot in the bullpen if the Phillies stay with 12 pitchers.

Beerleaguer: Here's the bright side, and I want to be careful how I word this. A closer is a non-essential part of April baseball. Early season games are very strange. There's no flow. Hitters are behind. Nothing makes sense for a couple of weeks. If the Phillies play .500 ball in April, they're gold. Heck, .500 ball on June 1 has happened many times before and worked out fine. A month-long audition for Madson and Contreras isn't the worst thing, either. Lidge doesn't have a future in Philadelphia as this team's closer, and may not have a future anymore, period, but Madson and Contreras might. I've said before that I'm curious to know if Contreras can become a ninth inning bulldog, while I'd prefer to keep Madson in his eighth inning comfort zone.

Still, Madson and Contreras just became vital pieces to the puzzle, with the four aces being the absolute key. Offensively, Jimmy Rollins is in a contract year, which comes at a good time. Outside of that, I see many struggles ahead as pitchers stay far away from Ryan Howard's power.

Utley will sit on his stool for the start of season

Chase Utley, who has not taken the field in a game this spring and has been limited to fielding grounders while sitting on a step stool, will begin the season on the disabled list, according to GM Ruben Amaro Jr.

Beerleaguer: According to reports, Utley was unable to reach several grounders, which were instead tracked down by a one-legged dog scooting along on a skateboard. Can the Phillies please, please spare Philadelphia's favorite son the indignity of playing pepper while crouched like some old-timer on his chamber pot? I can sniff the game from 1,200 miles away. Asked if Utley would start the season on the disabled list, RAJ said "I would think so," hedging, just in case Utley's status is upgraded from stool to grandma's ottoman in the final five days of spring.

Hamels tagged in 7-3 loss: Cole Hamels allowed six earned on nine hits in 6 2-3 innings, including homers to Delmon Young and Luke Hughes. In his last thee spring starts, Hamels has surrendered 16 runs in 14 innings. His ERA this spring is now up to 6.75. Luis Castillo remains hitless as a Phillie. He was 0-for-4 for the second straight day, adding two punchouts at the plate. Carlos Ruiz and Ross Gload both had multiple hits for the Phils, and Dane Sardinha smoked a two-run double in his only at-bat. Brad Lidge’s spring struggles continue. He allowed a run on two hits and two walks in 2-3 innings of work. - Game summary by Matt Grassie

Phillies roster hopefuls have six games to shine

Players like Josh Barfield and Michael Martinez will be given their assignments when camp breaks on Tuesday.

Jim Salisbury breaks down the battle being waged on the Phillies bench: "Even with Castillo in camp, the Phils continue to hold tryouts for the final spot on the bench. Josh Barfield, hitting .302, started in centerfield and went hitless Wednesday. Pete Orr was the designated hitter. He legged out a triple. Delwyn Young saw time in leftfield and had a single in his only at-bat. Another candidate, Michael Martinez, continued to impress. He started at third base, made a nice play on a line drive and added two hits. Phillies officials seem to like his defense and versatility. The question is: Will they carry a player without big-league experience?"

Martinez, 28, split last season between Harrisburg (AA) and Syracuse (AAA), hitting .272/.312/.408 with 11 homers and 23 stolen bases. In five minor league seasons, he owns a .683 OPS. In the field, he's seen the most time at second.

Beerleaguer: Only six games to go and there are several loose ends. My concern with Martinez is that the Phillies will fall in love based on a couple of weeks in spring training and wander down the Rule 5 rabbit hole, wherein they protect a marginal talent for weeks and months, and before you know it, they're in to him for a season. They did this with David Herndon, and although it didn't necessarily hurt them, what did it get them? He's not in the picture, it seems.

Speaking of the bullpen, can anyone explain why prevailing wisdom has Antonio Bastardo coming north while Mike Zagurski goes back to Triple-A? Zagurski has struck out 11 in eight innings. And how about Kyle Kendrick? There's a lot of logic in keeping Kendrick stretched out as a starter in Lehigh Valley, especially when you watch Roy Oswalt take one off the noggin.

Last point: Keep your eyes peeled for a last-minute trade. The Phils can definitely leverage some of their redundancy in the rotation and 'pen to shore up areas like outfield depth.

Today: Cole Hamels and the Phillies host the Twins. Luis Castillo is expected to start. Hamels is trying to finish the spring as strong as he started after stumbling his last few starts.

Ex-Phillies enjoying life on the National League fringe

Updating a couple of former Phils battling for roster spots around league, plus, Beerleaguer becomes the proud father of a 6 millimeter bundle of joy.

Russell Branyan, Diamondbacks—Though he has put up big numbers in Cactus League play (19-for-42, 3 HRs, 11 RBIs), Branyan has fallen behind Juan Miranda in the competition for Arizona’s first base job; Taylor Buchholz, Mets—With nine scoreless appearances (spanning 12 innings) this spring, Buchholz has likely pitched himself into a spot in the Mets’ bullpen; Nelson Figueroa, Astros—Figueroa has been named Houston’s fifth starter after going 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in four spring outings; Jason Jaramillo, Pirates—With a .500 batting average (11-for-22) this spring, Jaramillo appears to be in fine shape to back up Chris Snyder. If the Pirates are able to trade Ryan Doumit, Jaramillo’s roster spot becomes a lock; Jason Michaels, Astros—Michaels is 19-for-46 (.451) with two homers this spring and looks to be in solid shape to make the team as a right-handed bat off the bench. Greg Dobbs, Marlins—Invited to camp as a non-roster player, Dobbs is on his way to securing a spot as Florida's primary left-handed pinch hitter. He's batting .400 in 35 plate appearances. Matt Stairs, Nationals— Stairs, who extended his career by shedding pounds last season with San Diego, is a favorite to make Washington's roster as a fifth outfielder.

All-Kidney Stone Team: God must be a Phillies fan. A day after it was revealed that Beerleaguer will extend its franchise to the Chicago White Sox, Beerleaguer Grand Puba Jason Weitzel was hospitalized with a kidney stone this morning. Fortunately, Jason is doing better, but despite his best efforts, he still was unable to land a spot on the All-Kidney Stone Team: C Fred Payne; 1B Frank “The Big Hurt” Thomas; 2B Donald Ouchterloney (the only minor leaguer on the team; 3B Ed Sicking; SS Travis “Stonewall” Jackson; LF Jeff Stone; CF Ken Griffey Jr., aka “The Kid”; RF John Stoneham; DH Michael Restovich; RHP Roy “Doc” Halladay. – Drew Silverman for the ailing Beerleaguer

Major scare for Oswalt in Phils loss: Roy Oswalt came out of the game in the fourth inning after taking a Manny Ramirez line drive to the back of the neck. Despite the scare, the pitcher rose to his feet under his own power and according to CSNPhilly’s Jim Salisbury, Charlie Manuel expects Oswalt to make his next start. In his abbreviated outing, Oswalt completed three innings, allowing three runs on four hits and striking out four.

Lost in the fray of Oswalt’s brush with blunt trauma was Luis Castillo’s Phillies debut. Castillo, who failed to show up for Tuesday’s game, batted second and went 0-for-4 with four runners left on base. Castillo wasn’t alone in his struggles at the dish. The Phils only managed four knocks in seven innings off Tampa starter James Shields, who allowed no runs and K’d four. Michael Martinez was the only Phillie to notch multiple hits, going 2-for-4 with a stolen base. - Written for Beerleaguer by Matt Grassie

Wednesday: Castillo set for debut, bats second

Luis Castillo bats second and plays second as his limited audition with the Phillies begins today in Port Charlotte against James Shields and the Rays. Roy Oswalt toes the slab for the 17-9 Fightins. Is it Opening Day yet?

Castillo speaks, Lidge on track, Ibanez leads Phils 5-4

Luis Castillo's conspicuous absence got the Phillies off on the wrong foot on Tuesday, but all's well that ends well.

Phillies 5, Blue Jays 4: Ben Francisco and Raul Ibanez had big days at the plate as the Phils knocked off Toronto in Dunedin. Francisco, who is hitting .365 with three homers and eight RBIs on the spring, posted a 3-for-3 day, while Ibanez went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs. The homer is Ibanez’s third this spring. Four of the Phils’ five runs came off prohibitive ace Ricky Romero, a lefty who posted a 3.73 ERA in 32 starts for the Jays last season. Cliff Lee got the win, allowing two runs on four hits in six innings. Lee struck out two and walked two. Lee is 2-2 in Grapefruit League play with a 4.74 ERA. Danys Baez almost gave the game away in the ninth, but persevered. Baez allowed two runs on four hits before eventually securing the final out. - Matt Grassie for Beerleaguer

Lidge to pitch Thursday: Brad Lidge is eyeing Thursday's game against the Twins to make his return. The closer has been slowed by biceps inflammation but is fully expected to be ready for the start of the season. He reportedly pitched a "smooth" inning for the Phillies' Triple-A team. 

Notes: Vance Worley, who followed Lidge, pitched 4 2-3 shutout innings with five strikeouts in his minor league debut. Jarred Cosart also pitched a strong outing for the Clearwater squad. Luis Castillo will make his debut Wednesday following today's mix-up.

Castillo a no-show, 2B scratched from today's lineup

According to multiple reports, Luis Castillo, who will either win a job on the 25-man roster in the next handful of days or be released, has yet to arrive at Phillies camp. According to Twitter reports, Charlie Manuel had him hitting second in today's lineup. Quipped one reader "He must have forgot his magic beans at home." Update: It doesn't end there. The Phillies also posted tomorrow's lineup, and according to reports, Castillo isn't in that one, either. Here passes the Luis Castillo era (March 21 - March 21).

Update 9:19 a.m. ESPNDeportes is reporting that Castillo is flying from Miami to Clearwater, will have a physical and may participate in a minor league game. Word is there was confusion over Castillo's hotel accommodations.

NL East: Braves back at full strength; Johnson ailing?

Are the Braves finally poised to make a run at the Phillies? Plus, updates on Josh Johnson's health and a pair of Mets making noise in camp.

Atlanta Braves – There were all kinds of questions about Chipper Jones’ health, but the 38-year-old has used this spring to demonstrate that he’s just fine. In 53 plate appearances, Jones is .420/.463/.740 with 10 of his 21 hits going for extra bases. Whether he’ll be able to stay healthy for the duration is still questionable but as of right now, he’s swinging the stick like the same old Chipper. After missing some at-bats with a sore back, Jason Heyward has returned without missing a beat. Heyward is hitting .419 this spring with a homer and four doubles in 39 plate appearances. As far as injuries are concerned, the Braves are in pretty good shape. Kris Medlen, a 25-year-old righty who made 16 starts last season, is their only serious concern. He is out indefinitely after Tommy John surgery.

Florida Marlins – There is some concern in Florida that Josh Johnson hasn’t fully recovered from the strained back muscle that ended his 2010 campaign prematurely. In 15 innings this spring, Johnson has a 6.60 ERA, allowing 21 hits and striking out just nine. Gaby Sanchez and Hanley Ramirez look to be in midseason form. Sanchez is hitting .400 on the spring, while Ramirez’s average sits at .357. Mike Stanton has been out longer than expected with a strained right quad. He is expected to DH in a minor-league game today and could be back with the big club by March 24. Lastly, Phils fans probably haven’t seen the last of Greg Dobbs, who is establishing himself as Florida’s top bench bat. In 30 plate appearances this spring, Dobbs is hitting .400 with one homer, five RBIs and just two Ks.

New York Mets – The Mets released the enigmatic Oliver Perez on Monday. After 9 2-3 innings of work including a failed bullpen audition, Perez had posted an 8.38 ERA with eight walks and 21 hits allowed. Carlos Beltran, who has been battling tendinitis in his left knee, is expected to be ready by opening day. The 33-year-old outfielder ran sprints on Sunday with minimal discomfort. Offensively, the Mets have been pleasantly surprised by two players who entered the spring under the radar. With two homers, seven RBIs and a .425 average this spring, Scott Hairston is legitimately pushing Jason Bay in left field. And Josh Thole has cemented himself as the opening day starter behind the dish thanks to his .400/.442/.625 spring.

Washington Nationals – Ryan Zimmerman is making D.C. fans nervous with his strained groin. He resumed baseball activities on Sunday, but the Nats are still taking his game participation day-to-day. Drew Storen has had an equally unnerving effect on the Washington faithful with his performance this spring. In 7 2/3 innings, the Nats’ “closer of the future” has allowed 12 runs on 16 hits. On the bright side, Mike Morse is tearing the cover off the ball. With five homers, 11 RBIs and a .333 average, Morse looks like a lock to start in left field for Washington on opening day.

- Written for Beerleaguer by Matt Grassie

In progress: Phils host Sox in nationally aired bout

ESPN is carrying today's matinee between Roy Halladay and the Phillies and Jon Lester and the Red Sox. After one inning, the two aces have matched eachother pitch for pitch. It will be a good test for Michael Martinez, who starts at second, and Josh Barfield, who is at third. Brian Schneider does the catching.

Budget cap, concern for Chase, materializes in deal

Luis Castillo may have been the Phillies’ only choice. (AP Images)

The Phillies are screwed at second. If it hasn’t already sunk it, it will today when Castillo reports to Phillies spring training and gets fitted for his new uniform. Chase Utley could be gone for a long, long time, with signs pointing toward inoperable arthritic knees. Castillo, rejectamenta from the meager Mets, is poised to arm second with his whopping six extra-base hits from a season ago, in stark contrast to the rich 30-homer, 40-double threat the Phils once had in Chase.

Castillo’s greatest asset lately has been his ability to punch cheap hits into the Citi Field morass. The switch-hitter became Sandy Alderson's fall guy on Friday, followed by today's release of Oliver Perez, who is owed $12 million. In Alderson's haste to distance himself from the Omar Minaya regime, he may have inadvertently bailed the Phillies out of a jam.

More importantly for the Phils, perhaps, is that Castillo won’t bogart Scott Proefrock’s books. By signing a minor league deal, the Phillies won’t even need to pay him the league minimum unless he’s added to the 40-man roster.

Biddle starts strong: First-round pick Jesse Biddle needed just 48 pitches to navigate 3 2-3 scoreless innings in Saturday’s Low-A minor league game, according to the R-Phils blog. The left-hander also pitched two shutout innings earlier in the week.

Breaking news: Phillies sign Castillo to minors deal

Sources for CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury have confirmed that 35-year-old former Met Luis Castillo will come aboard on a minor league deal.

Castillo, who was released by the Mets on Friday, hit just .235/.337/.267 in 299 plate appearances in 2010 and was hobbled by foot problems. His release was anticipated as far back as last season and the Mets will be on the hook for $6 million in salary, minus the minimum he'll get from the Phils if he makes the team. Castillo's speed and range have reportedly disappeared, but the Phillies are hoping that his experience and lingering on-base skills will help them cope with the loss of Chase Utley, who will be out indefinitely. Although Castillo slugged an abismal .267, which is a sin for a regular with that many plate appearances, his on-base percentage held steady at .337, which was higher than Wilson Valdez, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and only a fraction lower than Placido Polanco a year ago. The season before, it went as high as .387, but that was before his foot problems.

The three-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner (2002-05) will likely compete with Josh Barfield, Michael Martinez, Delwyn Young and Pete Orr for one of the two open roster spots, but it could just be a way for the Phils to decide in two weeks whether or not Castillo is cooked. A minor league deal is absolutely appropriate.

Metsblog: "As far as I’m concerned, this is great news. For the exact reasons I didn’t want him on the Mets (old, no range, only slap singles, poorly-timed bunting, and moping around), I’m happy he's filling in for Chase Utley."

Clout Day: Roster battles still too close to call

It’s our 4th Annual Clout Day on Beerleaguer, marking the date when it's acceptable to assess Spring Training performance and draw educated and responsible conclusions.

Clout Day is a day in which we honor Hall of Fame Beerleaguer, clout, (artist rendering right) and his mission to curb reader enthusiasm over scrubs who perform well in a limited sample size. Clout once listed March 20 as the exact date in which it’s OK to cite spring training performance when making a case in a comments thread. That rule applies to someone like fringe infielder Josh Barfield, who reportedly booted a pair of double play opportunities yesterday. Barfield is locked in a roster battle with Delwyn Young, Michael Martinez and Pete Orr for two open positions. The job could come down to which player makes the fewest blunders. Offensively, they’re in a dead heat.

Meanwhile, it’s acceptable to allow oneself to feel a smidgen of joy over John Mayberry Jr., who cranked his fifth homer yesterday and has been called “a lock” to make the roster by at least one reputable scribe. Wilson Valdez has also been outstanding and has been this way for months (DWL numbers also strong), terrific news since he’s projected for the Opening Day lineup. Finally, Ross Gload’s bat is talking its way off of the bench. Charlie Manuel has hinted at a right field platoon. Overall, the good outweighs the bad from the Phillies’ bat rack this spring.

Pitching-wise, the team ERA is a tick over 5.00, inflated by Cole Hamels’ rising totals, a couple of bad innings by Cliff Lee and a handful of big numbers by pitchers no longer in camp. The good news is that almost the entire projected bullpen has pitched well, from Ryan Madson down to Antonio Bastardo and Danys Baez, who is being stretched out for multiple innings.

Phillies host Yankees: Victorino CF, Martinez 2B, Rollins SS, Howard 1B, Francisco LF, Mayberry RF, Ruiz C, Valdez 3B, Blanton P. Martinez is clearly the player to watch this afternoon. At 15-8, the Phils own the best record in the Grapefruit League and continue to steal games late.

Celebrate Clout Day: Give us your projected Opening Day roster below.

Game chat: Phils swing into Sarasota for tilt with O’s

Cole Hamels makes his fifth start of spring when the Phillies (14-8) visit the Orioles (9-10) in a game airing at 1:05 on TCN and MLB Network.

Notes: Catcher Brian Schneider has returned to the team after stepping out for personal reasons, but has not made the trip today. Erik Kratz, who is slated to open the season in Triple-A, will call it for Hamels. Kratz, who has good power numbers, reportedly homered in Thursday’s B game. Lineups are posted: Rollins SS (.559 OPS), Victorino CF (.980), Ibanez LF (.794), Gload DH (1.016), Francisco RF (1.104), Mayberry 1B (1.106), Orr 3B (.969), Barfield 2B (.978), Kratz (.538) C. Hamels P (4.61 ERA). David Herndon and Scott Mathieson will also pitch today. … In other news, the Phillies are believed to be among the clubs who will reach out to Luis Castillo, according to FoxSports scribe Ken Rosenthal.

Manuel twitter thread warns of impending doom

No, Charlie Manuel hasn’t joined Twitter, but ESPN's Jayson Stark tracked down the Phillies skipper and tweeted his fears heading into the season.

Manuel told Stark that he’s “concerned about right field,” particularly the defensive end of it, but it isn't stopping him from “strongly considering” playing Ross Gload in right a few times a week; Gload has had a good spring swinging the stick, but is not the greatest fielder. Manuel also hinted that he’s worried about an offense that will be without Jayson Werth and Chase Utley to start. Manuel also didn’t give a ringing endorsement to the non-roster and young players vying for spots, mentioning that none of them put up big numbers in the minor leagues last season.

Beerleaguer: Quite honestly, the lineup could use more Gload the way it projects for Opening Day. If Gload starts in right against Brett Myers April 1, I’m perfectly fine with it. In the words of Larry Andersen, Gload can “flat-out hit,” which I transcribe as a guy who'll give you a good, professional at bat and make solid contact.

But back to the topic at hand, this fear of the unknown. Take it with a grain of salt. I have no idea what Spring Training means to a veteran squad like this one. Cliff Lee has quietly had a bad spring, and who gives a crap. Utley’s going to be out for a long time, and it’s a problem. Werth is irreplaceable. We already knew that. They'll need a career year from someone (Francisco) to pick up the slack. But everything else seems fairly standard. Doesn’t Brad Lidge pitch through soreness every spring? Placido Polanco will be fine. And if things get too bad in any one area, they’ll deal with it then. The time to worry is not March 18.

Castillo: Count me among those who believe the Phillies will strongly consider recently released second baseman Luis Castillo for his experience and situational strengths alone. Delwyn Young, Josh Barfield and Pete Orr can be sent down to Triple-A and their flaws will be easily exposed once the games count. Castillo, 35, has appeared in over 1,700 games, and there’s something to be said for that when you’re trying to round out a winner.

Gosewisch lifts Phils past Pirates: Tuffy Gosewisch’s two-out, walk-off single in the ninth scored the tying and winning runs of the game as the Phillies topped the Pirates 3-2 at Bright House Field. Pete Orr was 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored and Ryan Howard added two hits and a double as the Phils bagged their ninth Grapefruit League win in ten tries. Roy Oswalt worked six solid innings, allowing two runs (both unearned) on five hits while striking out five and walking none. Jose Contreras, J.C. Romero and Ryan Madson each contributed scoreless innings.

Stutes among latest cuts; Utley and Lidge updates

The Phillies purged seven players from the roster today, including pitchers Mike Stutes, Vance Worley, Juan Perez, Dan Meyer, infielders Freddy Galvis and Jeff Larish and outfielder Brandon Moss.

Among the group, Stutes made the biggest impact this spring and has worked his way into the bullpen picture as someone the Phillies could rely on at some point this season. Worley defaults as the team's seventh starter currently, but could be the pitcher the Phils turn to first in an emergency depending on the context, for example, if Kyle Kendrick assumes a long-man role and pitches the night before. For now, Worley will anchor Lehigh Valley's rotation. Perez was signed as minor league depth, and since he's a lefty, earned a longer look. Meyer, an intriguing reclamation project, walked 4 and allowed 6 hits in his 5 1-3 innings of work, numbers worse than Perez. The cuts mean that Mike Zagurski and Antonio Bastardo, who've both been solid, are battling for the second lefty spot. In a perfect world, Jeff Larish should have worked his way into the third base picture as an option to push Placido Polanco over to second as a way to deal with the loss of Chase Utley. But he had a lousy go of it and looks to be nothing more than a Quad-A mercenary. As for Moss, he's Triple-A depth and won't be knocking at the door to Philadelphia unless they suffer several injuries.

Trade talk: Even if Clout Day is still two days away (March 20 marks the unofficial date when spring training performance can be discussed intelligently), we can start to look around the league at some opportunities that could unfold as teams finalize their rosters. Luis Castillo can sign at the minimum after being cut by the Mets. The White Sox are looking to deal Mark Teahen, who seems like a high-priced Greg Dobbs in his prime. Teams have glaring needs. A team like the Mariners, for example, has almost no bullpen to speak of. It's just a fraction of what's floating in the ether. Talk amongst yourselves.

Utley, Lidge take positive stapes: Chase Utley took batting practice today, according to reports. Brad Lidge threw a pain-free bullpen.

Game chat: Roy Oswalt is on the hill in Clearwater against the Pirates today. For the Phils, it's Jimmy Rollins SS, Shane Victorino CF, Raul Ibanez LF, Ryan Howard 1B, Ross Gload RF, Pete Orr 3B, Carlos Ruiz C, Michael Martinez 2B. As you can see, the Phils continue to weigh their utility options.

Site notes: Light posting over the next few days while I gear up for games that count.

Very minor notes: Games underway for farmhands

Roy Halladay's five-inning appearance with the Triple-A squad yesterday highlighted the Phillies' second full slate of minor league games.

Doc reportedly put in 80 pitches of work in front of a large crowd of aspiring Major Leaguers, allowing four runs (three earned), on seven hits and a walk. The bigger news for our purposes is that the players have divided into groups, providing some early indication of where these lads could play this season. It's a crowded field in the high minors and will become even more jammed once the Phillies finalize their 25-man roster. Chris Frey, Tyson Gillies, Jeremy Slayden, Mike Spidale, Cory Sullivan, Steve Susdorf and Rich Thompson are penciled in to the Triple-A outfield picture, and it's a similar situation with the infield and pitching staff. Without getting into too much granular detail, I'll defer to the minor league minutiae, Phuture Phillies, which provided the official list of workout groups last week. There, you'll find a whole list of new, international signings, including Group 2 outfielder Sabastien Boucher, who was signed out of the Can-Am League. For spring training game recaps, check out the official BlueClaws Blog.

Today: Lee.

Latest Phillies rumor carries outfield implications

Jayson Stark says the Phillies have shown interest in Cardinals lefty-hitting outfielder Jon Jay with hopes of adding depth to the roster.

Jay, who turned 26 yesterday, hit .300/.359/.422 with four homers in 323 plate appearances as a rookie last season, posting a .791 OPS against right-handed pitching. Blocked by Colby Rasmus, Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman, he's expected to become the Cards' fourth or fifth outfielder, having played every outfield position a season ago. Baseball Prospectus calls him "an incomplete player who isn’t quite rangy enough for center or quite powerful enough to start in a corner.”

Beerleaguer: I totally get this. Stark says "insurance for Victorino," which makes a lot of sense, but there's more to the story. He's an affordable, controllable body who's ready for the majors as the Phillies prepare for life beyond Raul Ibanez. By now, the team must think they can get something useful out of Ben Francisco or John Mayberry or both against lefties at the very minimum. Make this move and Francisco and Mayberry will never need to see a nasty hook from a right-hander if the Phils can help it. Meanwhile, the Phils can truely take their time with Domonic Brown, who they'd rather see assume a full-time role or nothing at all. Add Jay, and the Phils can eye Ibanez's 2012 exodus as Brown's estimated time of arrival, when they will hopefully hand him the car keys to left field entirely.

Jay doesn't have Brown's ceiling, but he has several projectable assets to suggest the Phils could do worse than having him start a few games against right-handed pitching, or fill in for Victorino during his inevitable 15-day trip to the repair shop. In other words, he would become the '11 version of '09-'10 Francisco. I actually like that he's a lefty bat. Imagine an all-righty Sunday lineup, plus Ryan Howard and a healthy Chase Utley, against, say, J.A. Happ, with Mayberry and Francisco staring down a true fastball for a couple of turns, and when the Astros turn it over the 'pen, the Phils are locked and loaded with a couple of lefty options in Ibanez, Jay and Ross Gload.

This revelation doesn't do much for Delwyn Young's stock. On paper, Young's versatility plays favorably, but when the wheels meet the road, I don't get a sense - from having listened to the telecasts - that Young can be trusted to play the game at a high enough level. Jay reportedly does the little stuff well.

Phillies' five-holers flex their muscle in 13-7 win

One of the lingering questions of the spring is: Who is going to protect Ryan Howard? Several of the leading options to bat fifth enjoyed big days at the plate against Toronto on Tuesday. (AP Photo)

Raul Ibanez went 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBIs. Ben Francisco was 3-for-3 with a solo homer. Even Shane Victorino, who could be an occasional option in the five-hole, singled, walked and scored two runs. Wilson Valdez and Michael Martinez each drove in three runs for the Phils, who topped the Blue Jays, 13-7. Meanwhile, Joe Blanton logged four innings, allowing two runs and seven hits. Danys Baez, however, saw his scoreless streak end at five appearances (6.1 innings). He yielded a run on two hits and a walk in one inning. Placido Polanco was taken out of the game with a hyperextended left elbow, in the same area as his surgery, but the soreness is considered unrelated and is not believed to be serious. With the win, the Phillies improved to a Grapefruit League-best 13-7 record with 16 days until Opening Day.

Up next: The Phillies have their only off-day of spring training Wednesday before the Blue Jays visit Clearwater on Thursday.

- Written for Beerleaguer by Drew Silverman

Tuesday: Barfield gets another look at 2B today

Josh Barfield, who is 10-for-21 with a pair of stolen bases, earns another look at second as the roster picture continues to get muddy.

Beerleaguer: The bench picture is less complicated if the Phillies carry only 11 pitchers, but the Phils are reportedly leaning toward 12, which I think makes the most sense to start out a season, particularly if Brad Lidge is less than 100 percent going in. If I had to guess, you'll see Kyle Kendrick, Danys Baez and the lefty with the hottest hand, either Mike Zagurski or Antonio Bastardo, round out the 'pen. Don't be surprised to see the Escalona Express Shuttle make several trips between Philly and Lehigh Valley this season, with bodies coming up and down frequently based on recent performance and upcoming match-ups. I see a lot of interchangeability with the bullpen.

So assuming the Phillies carry a five-man bench, the Phillies will juggle between several priorities, including second base and outfield depth, speed, versatility, pinch-hitting prowess, looming out clauses and Rule 5 guidelines. First, I think John Mayberry has won a spot on the roster and will be initially woven into the lineup as a pinch hitter/defensive replacement, but could work his way into the right field picture more over time. Wilson Valdez will assume most of the starts at second, but could take on a hybrid role, in which he also works as a double-switch defensive replacement, meaning another player could earn starts in the infield. Barfield could be that guy, based on his OK bat and the fact that he plays passably at second and third; he's seen action at both this spring. Matt Gelb of the Inquirer believes Barfield has an out clause. Rule 5 pick Michael Martinez is a dime-a-dozen banjo hitter who can play a number of positions, none of them exceedingly well, but he's a switch hitter with speed and can play in center field. The Phils could lose him back to the Nationals if they don't retain him on the roster. Lastly, Delwyn Young's versatility and ability to play right, and at second, might actually take a backseat to the fact that he's a decent pinch hit option, a switch hitter with power and good lifetime numbers as a pinch hitter. I see Young making it, too, and I'm leaning toward Barfield for the other spot, but could go either way.

Game chat: Blanton today. J Roll SS, Victorino CF, Ibanez LF, Howard 1B, Polanco 3B, Gload DH, Francisco RF, Ruiz C, Barfield 2B. Blanton P.

Game chat: Phillies battle ‘Stros, sans Lidge

Summary: Closer Brad Lidge did not make the trip to face the Astros in Kissimmee this afternoon because of bicep tendinitis, CSNPhilly.com reports. Lidge, along with pitching coach Rich Dubee, downplayed the injury, stating that if it were the regular season he would play through it. Lidge hasn’t had the best spring. In five games, he’s 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA, two walks and four strikeouts, although in his last outing, he was working on his fastball exclusively. Meanwhile, Cole Hamels takes the hill and will be backed by Jimmy Rollins at SS, Shane Victorino CF, Raul Ibanez LF, Ryan Howard 1B, Placido Polanco 3B, John Mayberry RF, Carlos Ruiz C and Josh Barfield 2B. The Phillies have played to a 11-7 mark, the fourth-best winning percentage in the Grapefruit League.

Monday: Edell puts out the fire in Phillies debut

In the latest edition of “Know Your Phillies,” we introduce you to lefty Ryan Edell, who split 2010 between the Cleveland and Oakland systems.

Edell, a 27-year-old southpaw who apparently signed on as a six-year minor league free agent, got the call in the seventh inning yesterday and helped defuse a bases-loaded jam set in motion by Matt Anderson’s wild exhibition, in which he uncorked two wild pitches, nearly decapitating Jim Thome with one of them. Edell would allow one of Anderson’s runs to score on a wild pitch, making it 6-3, but he escaped the inning and pitched a scoreless eighth, finishing the day with three strikeouts. A starter throughout his career, he was 11-5 with a 3.73 ERA and 110/24 K/BB in 26 games (25 starts) between Akron (Cleveland) and Midland (Oakland). In six seasons, the former eighth-round pick of Cleveland is 36-31 with a 3.65 ERA and 520/133 K/BB. The scouting reports say he’s a strike thrower with flyball tendencies and average stuff.

Extra reading: Michael Stutes stating his case (CSNPhilly.com); Young playing his way onto Phillies roster (MLB.com). Brad Lidge has bicep soreness. (Philly.com) Talk about burying the lede.

Game chat: Phils face Twins as roster race heats up

The ‘pen will be on parade when the Phillies send a handful of relievers to the hill today in Fort Myers. First pitch is 1:05 airing on WPHL-17.

Mike Stutes, spring’s standout pitching prospect, Danys Baez, Dan Meyer and Mike Zagurski are scheduled in an all-relief slate against the Twinkies. It’s the same theme in the field where the Phillies will observe several bench and depth players. The lineup reads Barfield 3B, Valdez CF, Francisco RF, Mayberry 1B, Young LF, Larish DH, Kratz C, Martinez 2B, Galvis SS. John Mayberry, in particular, continues to make a very strong case to head north once camp breaks. He went 3-for-4 with three RBIs in yesterday’s 11-4, 16-hit thrashing of the Pirates. Josh Barfield could also help his chances today with a good showing at third base. … Elsewhere, Roy Oswalt will reportedly start a minor league game.

Game chat: Kendrick, Worley set for split squad starts

Kyle Kendrick takes on the Rays in front of the home crowd and Comcast SportNet cameras in a game set to air at 1:05, while Vance Worley has the ball against the Pirates in Bradenton.

Rays at Phillies: Although the Phillies made a series of roster cuts before yesterday’s game, a number of minor leaguers will be in action for today’s splitter, including Jim Murphy and Matt Miller, who will start at 1B and DH, respectively, against the Rays in Clearwater. Murphy, 25, spent all of last season in Clearwater and hit .239/.316/.363. Miller, who's been used mostly as a DH this spring, was reassigned to the minors yesterday. The lineup card reads Rollins SS, Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Francisco LF, Young RF, Ruiz C, Miller DH, Murphy 1B and Martinez 2B, taking the field behind Kyle Kendrick, who has quietly had a nice spring. This will be Kyle’s second official Grapefruit League start and third appearance overall. He’s allowed just three hits and hasn’t walked anyone in five innings of work.

Phillies at Pirates: Meanwhile in Bradenton, the Phillies will monitor several key depth players in their game against Pittsburgh. The lineup card reads Orr 2B, Gload DH, Ibanez LF, Howard 1B, Moss RF, Mayberry CF, Valdez 3B, Kratz C, Galvis SS taking the field behind Vance Worley, making his first official start of spring and fourth appearance overall. All parties, including Galvis, are technically still part of Major League camp. Among the veterans, Gload, Mayberry and Valdez are having nice springs.

Breaking news: Amaro to remain GM through 2015

CSNPhilly.com has learned that Ruben Amaro Jr. and the Phillies have finalized a four-year contract extension.

Amaro joined the Phillies as an assistant general manager under Ed Wade when his playing career ended in 1999. Since then he worked for Pat Gillick before taking over the GM position after the 2008 World Series. “Since becoming our general manager in November of 2008, Ruben has done an outstanding job,” team general partner David Montgomery said in a statement released by the team. “He has been an excellent leader for our baseball operations personnel, surrounding himself with a very capable staff which he uses very well. Ruben has shown great judgment in his player moves and enjoys a strong relationship with [manager] Charlie [Manuel], our coaches and the players.” - Courtesy of CSNPhilly.com

Transactions: Phils release Quinlan, make other cuts

According to Todd Zolecki, the agent for the veteran infielder asked for his release after he was reassigned to minor league camp.

Beerleaguer: A forgotten man in camp, and without serving a true purpose for depth, the Phillies willingly granted Robb Quinlan his release. The 33-year-old corner infielder spent most of last season in Triple-A Salt Lake (Angels) hitting .258/.336/.305. A non-roster invitee, Quinlan registered only nine at bats and was not in the mix for any of the bench vacancies. He and several others were officially assigned to minor league camp today as the Phillies made their first round of roster cuts. Brian Bass, Eddie Bonine, Andrew Carpenter, Ryan Feierabend, Michael Schwimer, Joel Naughton, Tagg Bozied and Matt Miller were assigned to minor league camp. Among 40-man roster prospects, Justin De Fratus, Drew Naylor, J.C. Ramirez, Harold Garcia, Cesar Hernandez, Carlos Rivero and Matt Rizzotti were optioned down. Mike Stutes should be considered a notable non-cut at this point. De Fratus was a hot name about a month ago, but this early cut goes to show he needs more seasoning.

Meanwhile in the fourth inning, the Phillies and Orioles traded early runs with the Phillies leading 4-3 after 4, sparked by Raul Ibanez's two-run homer. Cliff Lee lasted only three innings, giving up 5 hits before giving way to Danys Baez. Update: 8-3 Phillies after 5.

Finally, according to sources for CSNPhilly.com, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has told people that he and the Phillies have reached an agreement on a contract extension.

Reader draws comps between Mayberry, Chamberlain

This could be the year John Mayberry Jr. makes his presence felt in a lasting role with the Phillies, but he will need to be used correctly.

“Call me crazy but I am liking Mayberry's chances of being a pleasant surprise this year if they use him properly with about 200 at bats with 70-80 percent coming against left-handed pitching. I could see him giving the Phils a line of .260/.320/.460 with 10-12 homers.

"Is Mayberry in 2011 the equivalent of Wes Chamberlain in 1993? Both are 27. Both had serious questions coming into the year about whether they could hit right-handed pitching and off-speed stuff. They both kill fastballs. Both are noted for struggling behind in the count chasing junk out of the zone. Both are moderate pull hitters although not extreme.

"Chamberlain had played a fair amount in ’91 and ’92 because the Phils were terrible and their outfield stunk with the exception of Dykstra in center field. For some reason though, Fregosi actually had Chamberlain face more righties than lefties in ‘93, but it didn’t matter. Chamberlain killed left-handed pitching that year to a line of .328/.374/.612 with nine homers in just 134 at bats.

"They differ in a few key areas. Mayberry has two tools that Chamberlain clearly didn’t have: defense and speed. From what I’ve heard, Mayberry is a guy who listens to what the coaches have to say, works very hard and keeps himself in great shape. He looks absolutely ripped this spring and just kind of glides around the bases and in the field. Chamberlain was a guy who was supposedly very difficult to coach, and by the time he was traded from the Phils in ’94 was kind of chunky.

"I don’t think Mayberry has a 116 OPS+ season in him like Chamberlain did in ’93, but I could see Mayberry become a fixture on this team ending the year with a 1.0-1.5 WAR.” – MG

Beerleaguer: Thanks to MG for this terrific comps. Meanwhile, today the Phillies make their first batch of roster cuts. It will be guys like Harold Garcia, Freddy Galvis, Brian Schlitter and Drew Naylor.

Postgame: Phillies recharge bats, put away Yankees

Roy Halladay retired the first 10 batters and tossed six shutout innings, while the Phillies’ bats provided plenty of support, in a one-sided 7-0 win over the Yankees. Offensively, it was another good showing by the guys who’ve had the best springs. Josh Barfield tripled and scored the game’s first run. John Mayberry homered through the wind for his third round-tripper of spring. Ben Francisco went 2-for-4 and hammered double into the gap off Mark Prior, who is hard to watch anymore. Mike Stutes, J.C. Ramirez and Mike Schwimer rounded out the shutout with scoreless frames. Ramirez looks like a prospect to me. (AP Photo)

Game chat: Doc, CC meet in a duel of aces today

Roy Halladay and the Phillies face CC Sabathia and the Phillies for the fourth time this spring when the two sides play a 1:05 matinee at Bright House Field. Sabathia has had a rough spring, while it's been all business for his former AL East counterpart. Lineups are posted: Rollins SS, Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Francisco LF, Mayberry 1B, Young RF, Ruiz C, Miller DH, Barfield 2B. Halladay P. Barfield is 5-for-10 in five spring training games and has been given several looks at second recently. Delwyn Young trails only Jimmy Rollins in plate appearances. He's hitting .321. This is Matt Miller's first crack at the starting lineup. The game airs at 1:05 on TCN.

Phillies, Manuel finalize extension; presser at 10 a.m.

The Phillies have signed field boss Charlie Manuel to a two-year extension taking him through the 2013 season.

“We are pleased to have come to terms with Charlie,” said general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., in a statement released by the club. “He has been an integral part of the success we’ve had over the past several years. There was little doubt that he was going to continue to be our skipper past his current contract and we look forward to the next three years with the hopes of continued success.” In six seasons under Manuel, the Phillies have a 544-428 record - the best in the National League. The team has captured four consecutive division titles (2007-10), two NL pennants (2008-09) and one World Series (2008).

Beerleaguer: A no-brainer extension. He's presided over the most successful run in Phillies history. The only discussion point is the length of the extension and the idea that Ryne Sandberg is waiting in the wings.

Postgame: Blanton, bottom of lineup boost Phillies

Joe Blanton pitched five innings for his first spring win, while the lower half of the lineup accounted for most of the Phillies scoring in a 5-3 victory over the Tigers in Lakeland. Jeff Larish and Brian Schneider homered for the hometown nine. In other news, sources tell CSNPhilly.com that manager Charlie Manuel is close to a contract extension. Click here for the reported contract details. >>>

Developing story: Surgery still on table for Utley

12:29 p.m. CSNPhilly.com reports that surgery is not off the table for Utley. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. says they'll stay the "non-operative" course, but could always reconsider. "Now, it may turn out we have to do something as far as operations are concerned, but the goal is try to get him well without doing it," Amaro said. "We don't know exactly when he's going to be playing for us. I expect him at some point, hopefully, in the early part of the season."

9:29 a.m. According to Beerleaguer's sources, the writers are waiting for a less-doctor-speak follow-up from Ruben Amaro Jr.

9:15 a.m. Phillies team physician Michael Cicotti issued a statement saying that the pain in Chase Utley's right knee has persisted despite treatment. The Phillies will continue "non-operative" treatment and consider other options. A second MRI confirmed the initial diagnosis.

8:57 a.m. Via the Inquirer’s Matt Gelb on Twitter: “The beat writers have been sequestered in a room. We are anxiously waiting for a Chase Utley update. Or we're being held hostage.” Utley has been out of action all spring with what was first diagnosed as patella tendinitus. He received a cortisone shot last Friday, but the treatment apparantly had no effect.

Wednesday thread: Never bet against a bullpen vet

So it looks like Danys Baez will win back his job in the Phillies bullpen.

A few weeks ago, I made a bet that if Baez makes the team, I’d order a custom Baez jersey and wear it to every game this season. Guess I’ll go with the batting practice reds. Baez pitched another strong inning yesterday and hasn’t walked a batter in 3 1-3 innings.

What’s worse than shelling out coin to have a small-time journeyman on my back is knowing that even after seven years, I’m making the same old mistakes, none greater than overvaluing prospects in the dead of winter. Justin De Fratus, Scott Mathieson, Mike Stutes – nice prospects and all – but none of them have the right amount of polish to overthrow a seasoned vet in spring training, especially on a team vying for it all. Not to mention that, historically, breaking in as a reliever has been harder than it has for starters. When was the last time a Phillies prospect bullied his way into the bullpen picture? You’d have to go all the way back to Ryan Madson, who was eased onto the club through the ‘pen in 2004, only to flop as a starter in 2006. After that, how does Geoff Geary grab you? And after Geary, one could make a reasonable case for Antonio Bastardo. The Phillies have been far more successful at grooming starters with any kind of staying power: Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ, Kyle Kendrick among them. Barring a meltdown, Kendrick will make the squad as their longman.

Meanwhile, there’s a never-ending list of hot-handed relief prospects who’ve come and gone, and more than a few from this “Mathieson” class will inevitably join them. At least I didn’t pre-order a Zagurski jersey.

Phillies win, but table-setters slow to get it started

The Phillies walked off on the Orioles, but the bats are still stagnant.

Phillies 4, Orioles 3: Cole Hamels did not have his best control early, but settled in during Tuesday’s win over Baltimore. Hamels walked the first two batters of the game and allowed an RBI double and a sac fly in the first inning. However, Hamels retired the side in order over the next three frames. Brad Lidge allowed a run in his only inning. He’s been scored upon in three of his four spring appearances, surrendering five hits, a walk and two hit batters in four Grapefruit League innings. Lidge did strike out a pair of batters in his lone frame Tuesday, as did Jose Contreras and Danys Baez. Ryan Howard sparked the offense with his third homer of the spring – an opposite-field blast off Justin Duchscherer. Shane Victorino ignited the top of the lineup with a 2-for-3 afternoon with an RBI double, but Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco and Raul Ibanez went hitless in eight at-bats. They are, respectively, hitting .185, .202 and .182 this spring. Infielder Carlos Rivero’s walk-off single capped a ninth-inning rally off minor leaguer Adrian Rosario to pull the Phillies to 6-6 in Grapefruit League play. – Drew Silverman

Beerleaguer: The table-setter thing is something to keep tabs on, not because J-Roll, Polly and Ibanez have lousy Grapefruit League statistics, but because of Chase Utley’s uncertain situation, and if their seasons mirror 2010, J-Roll, Polly and Ibanez will be unexceptional catalysts at best, galling production sucks at worst. There’s no substitute for Utley. Ibanez and Polanco can’t replace him, and in turn, nobody can do what they do elsewhere in the lineup. The Phlis can’t ignore that Rollins and Victorino couldn’t hit right-handers last season. It all adds up. If you feel uneasy about some things you've seen this spring, you're not alone.