Game 5: Lineup vs. TB
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Domonic Brown is getting a serious look here early in spring.
Game 5: Lineup vs. TB
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Domonic Brown is getting a serious look here early in spring.
He'll make his third consecutive start in right field as the Phillies take on Tampa Bay in a Sunday matinee at Bright House Field. It's the only home game over a five-game stretch that began Friday.
Brown is 4-for-8 this spring and has thrown two runners out from right field and also made a diving catch against the Pirates on Saturday.
J.A. Happ takes the mound for his first Grapefruit League start and his second of the spring (the first one came vs. Florida State). Phillippe Aumont will also get back on the mound for the first time since his shaky debut.
The Phillies will play the majority of their regulars. Meanwhile, Pat Burrell gets the start in right field for the Rays. Yes, right field.
1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Placido Polanco 5
3. Chase Utley 4
4. Ryan Howard 3
5. Raul Ibanez 7
6. Ben Francisco 8
7. Domonic Brown 9
8. Ross Gload DH
9. Brian Schneider 2
TODAY'S PITCHERS
Happ will start. Scheduled to appear in relief are Aumont, Drew Naylor, Jesus Sanchez, Yohan Flande and Joe Savery.
IN TODAY'S INQUIRER
Read how fatherhood has given a more mature Cole Hamels a different outlook (plus, new details about some frustration with Carlos Ruiz).
Also, the Grapefruit League games may have little bearing on the opening day roster for the Phillies, but they could be important down the line for some players.
ON DECK
The Phillies head to Tampa on Monday to face the Yankees for the second time this spring. Kyle Kendrick will make his first start (second appearance) of the spring and Jose Contreras, Chad Durbin and Scott Mathieson will relieve him.
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Brown is likely a springtime phenom who is being played for Werth's benefit. The Phillies are not only exploring their options, but are nudging Werth into considering an extension to his contract. Brown will be up at some point, but I'm guessing he'll start in Allentown.— phineas- Brown needs a little more time but he's the truth. Great arm, great bat speed, good speed and an all-around good guy. His modesty and work ethic will do well in Philly. He does need some work in route running in the OF but he has the talent and mind to handle it. You'll see why Amaro wanted to keep him.— RodeoJones
- I've been saying it for a while, Victorino is the one leaving, maybe not this year... but you never know. Don't get too excited with Brown early success in Spring Training yet. Remember Jason Donald hitting all those home runs two years ago? He needs more seasoing. Brown and Gillies will be playing at AA and could get a promotion to AAA late in the season and a September call up with the big club. There is no need to rush the kids... The future looks good for both of them.— EL Zorro
- Also, if Kendrick continues to improve and Happ is not a one year wonder, Blanton and his $8 million contract could also be expendable in order to keep Werth. They'll have roughly 24 millions to expend by trading Vic and Blanton and with Jaime's contract off the books also. Then Ibañez contract will be off the books in 2012. Then you hope that one of the kids, Carpenter, Flande or Savery, could get the 5th spot by 2011.— EL Zorro
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- El Zorro: Why would the Phils sign Victorino to a three year contract, then trade him? That makes no sense at all.— philliesphan93
- I saw him play for Clearwater last spring and he was unbelievable. He's not ready for the Show yet, though. He could use another year of seasoning in the minors, preferably at AAA where he'll face better pitching night in and night out. Still... jeez what a future that kid has.— Jerome99RIP
- Brown is clearly being considered for Werth's position in 2011. It is obvious to me that the Phils won't resign Werth and are only going to make a token effort. Now we will have to hear posts like these for the next 9 months - "People saw Werth going to the Phillies offices so that means a deal will get done". I remember laughing at all that stuff with Rowand. Here we go again.— MDefl
- Hy Philly listen to this one, called WIP, Mike misonelli, etc. If you or I did what Roger Clemons did we would be sitting in jai. (Lying to sub-committee. How come he wase'nt prosecuted. Everything got thrown under the tale. None of radio stations wold comment.— Anthony Pitman
- Brown is the real deal. They made mistakes years ago in not pushing Howard and Utley up faster. They absolutely have to give him a good look, because if there;s a good chance that he's close to ready, they need to act. I'll look forward to seeing him in Reading but I won't be surprised if he gets moved up quickly.— Bob1
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