Archive: February, 2013
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — The line drive was falling fast, and Darin Ruf had to decide whether he could catch it or play the hop. A left fielder with more seasoning would have made his choice before the ball arrived. Ruf did not.
It landed as a single for Braves shortstop Ramiro Pena and then bounced past Ruf and dribbled to the wall. Pena took two extra bases on the error and later scored.
For Ruf, it was his second fielding gaffe in four spring games as a left fielder.
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Ask the manager, and he is sure to offer a steadfast defense of Jimmy Rollins batting leadoff. Charlie Manuel has done such already this spring. It is quite likely Rollins is the first Phillies batter to hit April 1.
Naturally, Manuel batted Rollins second Thursday. Ben Revere led off.
"I don't know," Manuel said when asked why he did it. "I just wanted to see it. Actually, it looked pretty good. We won the game and got some runs. Ben, the last two days, he has hit the ball pretty good. We'll see how it goes. That will work itself out."
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — There are no participation awards for Grapefruit League play, especially not for an aging Phillies team that must maintain its health during a relentless 162-game schedule. But there was Ryan Howard, in the lineup Thursday for the sixth time in six days, and still hitting the ball.
And when Howard returned to the Phillies clubhouse after a 2 for 3 day that included an opposite-field blast off firethrowing Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel, Howard saw his name on the travel list for Friday's game.
"I'm out here doing what I have to do," Howard said. "They put me in the lineup, and I go out there. That's it."
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies have only one split-squad day this spring, and it comes Sunday. That will create a spring start for Aaron Cook, the 11-year veteran.
Also on next week's schedule is a Tuesday date with the Dominican Republic team for the World Baseball Classic. The various countries will play exhibition games against big-league teams in preparation for the tournament.
The next day is a rare trip to Clearwater by the rival Washington Nationals. Roy Halladay will start that game.
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — It's February 28, and the public's interest in the Phillies' batting order is fascinating. Spring training is a time for experimentation and tinkering. Nothing more, nothing less.
But whenever Charlie Manuel fields a Grapefruit League lineup, there are myriad complaints from the faithful. Ho hum, I guess.
So Ben Revere is leading off Thursday. And Jimmy Rollins is batting second.
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Phillies want Darin Ruf to accumulate as many at-bats as possible this spring. So when he did not play Tuesday and only pinch-hit in the eighth inning Wednesday, it raised a red flag.
As it turns out, Ruf had been dealing with some arm soreness as a result of his position switch from first base to left field. The strain from a bevy of throwing drills caused it.
"My arm just wasn't used to that yet," Ruf said. "It was a little sore in the bicep area. It's normal. It was feeling great today."
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Only eight starting pitchers have induced ground balls at a higher rate than John Lannan since 2008. Lannan is not an overpowering pitcher. Rarely will he miss bats. So he relies on keeping the ball down in the zone, and then on the ground.
Four of his six outs Wednesday were on the ground, which was a good sign. Lannan allowed one run in two innings during his Grapefruit League debut. A few Twins made solid contact.
"Yeah," Lannan said, "so I'm relatively happy."
- Poll: Who's better: Lannan or Kendrick? (1778 votes)
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Wally Joyner stuck out his left fist for a bump Wednesday as Domonic Brown dashed past the batting cage. When Brown poked one the opposite way a few minutes later, Joyner nodded his head and said, "Atta boy." In between batting practice rounds, Joyner mimicked a swing to make a point while Brown watched.
A day earlier, Brown credited his hot spring start to Joyner, the Phillies' new assistant hitting coach. "It seemed like God maybe sent an angel down toward me," Brown said, citing the strong connection the two made.
When relayed those words Wednesday, Joyner smiled.
- Poll: Who's better: Lannan or Kendrick? (1778 votes)
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- On a visit to the Braves' spring-training site in the shadows of Disney World earlier this week, I ran into former Atlanta manager Bobby Cox.
For what it's worth, Cox really likes the Phillies' acquisition of third baseman Michael Young and believes he will make the adjustment to playing defense at the position.
"Give him some time," Cox said.
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Greetings from one of the outposts of the Grapefruit League. The Phillies have actually brought a few marquee players along for the 130-mile trip.
Ryan Howard will make his fifth start in five days. Charlie Manuel promised to play his first baseman with regularity, and so far he has held to that. Ben Revere is here to see his former teammates. Carlos Ruiz is catching.
But the most notable development has to be Domonic Brown batting third. It's hard to remember a time when Brown batted third in a Manuel lineup — spring or regular season.
