Archive: March, 2012
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — After Rich Dubee saw Jake Diekman throw off a mound for the first time in February, the pitching coach was smitten. He saw vast promise from the 25-year-old's left arm, and a deceptive delivery that had catcher Carlos Ruiz raving.
Dubee pulled Diekman aside that day, offered a few pointers, and watched as Diekman did nothing but impress in Grapefruit League play. On Tuesday, he told Diekman he was headed back to the minors.
"I asked him first if he had an agent," Dubee said. "He told me he did. I said, 'Fire him. Because I'll jump on and be your agent and hopefully I'll be able to retire soon.' I think he's got tremendous upside. Seriously. That's what I told him. I expect to see him this year. If the call comes, I expect him to be ready."
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — And so we've reached the final stretch of the Grapefruit League. This morose Phillies spring has been consumed with questions regarding Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. But now, as life without them, draws closer to reality, the Phillies are faced with the task of actually fielding a 25-man roster.
That will be a challenge. The viable options in camp are limited, and in the wake of Michael Martinez's broken foot, there are spots to be had.
So the drama of this spring is whittled to Pete Orr starting at shortstop against the Pirates, Hector Luna manning left field in a minor-league game, and debating the value of Juan Pierre vs. Scott Podsednik.
Philly.com Sports
Video: The Phillies have six starters for five spots in the pitching rotation, and while they could use Joe Blanton as trade bait, at this point he's the No. 5 guy, the Inquirer's Matt Gelb reports from Clearwater.
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Sunday was a day of rest at minor-league camp, as the Phillies made their cuts and assembled the rosters for their four full-season minor-league affiliates. The most recognizable names cut were 22-year-old infielder Geancarlo Mendez and 23-year-old righthander Paul Cusick (a Penn grad and 2011 29th rounder).
But the more interesting factoids are the working groups the Phillies have established. Again, these aren't set in stone, but they are what the Phillies intend to use right now in Lakewood, Clearwater, Reading and Lehigh Valley.
Three of the four so-called "Baby Aces" are slated to begin at double-A Reading. Brody Colvin, as expected, will start at single-A Clearwater. Trevor May, Jonathan Pettibone and Julio Rodriguez are with the Reading group.
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Seven days from now, the Phillies will travel to Orlando for their 32d and final Grapefruit League game. They'll hop on a charter flight from MCO to PHL in the early evening and then officially head north.
And we're still very much at a loss for what the roster should look like come then.
Such questions remain: Who will fill out the bench and where will they come from? Do they take 11 or 12 pitchers? Is Jose Contreras ready? Are the Phillies being truthful when they say Freddy Galvis is the guy at second?
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Placido Polanco tested the injured left ring finger that had kept him out of the lineup the entire week by playing in a triple-A game Saturday morning at the Carpenter Complex.
The appearance confirmed that Polanco can get out of bed and hit, and it also left him feeling good about his recovery as the Phillies' third baseman went 3-for-3, hitting one line drive to right field and two others to left field.
He said his first game at-bats since suffering the injury March 17 diving back into first base against Toronto went better than he anticipated.
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
CLEARWATER, Fla. – If you’ve been waiting to see Jim Thome play first base, tune into the Phillies’ televised game Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles.
After a couple weeks of reacquainting himself with the position during minor-league games at the Carpenter Complex, Thome will make his first Grapefruit League appearance in the Phillies' split-squad game with Baltimore at Bright House Field.
“I’m ready for the big show,” Thome said. “I feel good.”
Philly.com Sports
Video: Chase Utley returned to Phillies camp on Friday and is expected to address the media on Sunday. The Inquirer's Bob Brookover reports on that and more from Clearwater.
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — When Tim Kennelly finished his work at minor-league camp Thursday afternoon, he was summoned inside the Carpenter Complex. There, he was told to pack up and head next door. He's with the big leaguers now.
How's that for a surprise?
"Absolutely," Kennelly said.
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Placido Polanco took a big step toward returning from a sprained ring finger on his left hand when he participated in batting practice Thursday morning at Bright House Field.
"I felt pretty good hitting," said Polanco, who has been out of the lineup since Sunday after he jammed his finger diving back into first base on an attempted pickoff throw. "It hurts a little bit."
Polanco's injured finger was wrapped in tape, but most of the swelling is gone, according to Polanco. He said he will not be able to return to the lineup until he has less pain gripping the bat, but he will continue to take batting practice.
