Utley, Rollins only two regulars not playing against FSU
A quick afternoon update. . .
Utley, Rollins only two regulars not playing against FSU
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
A quick afternoon update. . .
1) The Phils play their first game of the spring tomorrow, when they will host Florida State in an exhibition at Bright House Field.
2) The only two regulars who will not start the game are Jimmy Rollins, who has been excused to attend the Motown tribute at the White House, and Chase Utley, who Charlie Manuel says is suffering from some body soreness due to his intense training thus far.
3) Pete Orr will start in place of Utley at second base. Wilson Valdez will start in place of Rollins at short stop.
4) I didn't get a chance to catch Cole Hamels live batting practice session today, but everybody I've talked to said he put on a show. Manuel's eyes lit up when I asked him what his gut feeling was about Hamels this season. Hamels shattered a few bats today, including those belonging to Valdez and non-roster invitee Brandon Moss.
5) Speaking of Valdez, he's agreed to terms on a contract for 2011. It's pretty much a procedural thing. I don't have the terms.
6) Drew Naylor is scheduled to start tomorrow against FSU. Cole Hamels is scheduled to start Saturday in the Grapefruit League opener against the Yankees (it is on the road in Tampa). Hamels will be opposed by Bartolo Colon. On Sunday, Joe Blanton will face Ivan Nova in Clearwater.
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Murph, you are in Clearwater to cover spring training. What excuse can you possibly have to miss the Hamels session?- Since you asked. . .
I was transcribing Mike Schmidt's comments and then blogging them, transferring videos from my computer to our platform and from our platform to our iPhone app, transferring audio from my recorder to my computer to our platform to our app, and talking to folks in the office about all of the above. - Given he's still under team control, I'd assume Valdez's contract is for league minimum.— Phylan
- There's probably a small raise built in since he was on the squad last season. But yes, I'd estimate that it is probably be around $420,000
- Don't listen to any of these jokers, Murph. You do a great job with the Phils— Armyofthe15Monkies
- I'm unspeakable excited for the beginning of the Pete Orr era.— Jeffrey
- "unspeakably." damn it. — Jeffrey
Comment removed.- Thanks for all the updates, Murph. Living out in San Diego now, I am starved for anything and everything Phillies since nothing out here is. I appreciate the fans' point-of-view comments and updates. You are doing a bang-up job. Keep it up!— phillyinsd
- Thanks for the hard work Murph.— johnny eagle
- Thanks guys - I wasn't looking for props. It was a legit question. And if my editor was wondering the same thing, now he has the answer ;)
- I Popa Chubby every time I think about opening day.— Grazman
- I agree: Really good job with the columns Murph. I really feel like Hamels is coming into his own. Getting the three other studs only helps to make Cole better in my opinion. Looking forward to seeing him throw some real games.— s
I am getting chills about Hamels ....its a nervous excited. I cant wait.- Cole, our #4 pitcher who will probably have the best year of all of them even if he was pitching in the #1 spot Cole :) will be the man this year in our stacked rotation.— pattymac3
