Phillies Notes: Halladay: Phillies 'doing the right thing' in rebuilding

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Shortly after he arrived Monday at Bright House Field, Roy Halladay met with Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. They spoke, among other things, about the team's rebuilding efforts.

Halladay, in his second spring as a guest instructor in Phillies camp, mentioned Game 5 of the 2011 National League division series (when the Cardinals eliminated the Phillies) as a turning point for both his career and the direction of the organization. The two-time Cy Young Award winner and former Phillies ace feels rebuilding is the right move.

"I really think they're doing the right thing now," Halladay said. "It's tough to let some of those guys go and to kind of start a new chapter, especially in Philadelphia when the players are so loved by the fans, but it's essential. It's essential at some point.

"There's going to be hard feelings. It's not an easy job to dismantle something like that. I know that's not the goal; they still want to be competitive and do the best they can to transition. But at some point you have to kind of say goodbye to some of the mainstays. I think it's best for everybody."

Halladay, 37, helps coach his sons, age 14 and 10. He still has designs on eventually being involved with pro ball. He thinks he could help most by teaching the mental aspects of the game the way the late sports psychologist Harvey Dorfman did for him.

"There's nobody out there teaching the principles that he taught," Halladay said. "It was so basic, but it is a weapon. Absolutely a weapon."

Jesse Biddle was among six Phillies sent down to minor-league camp. The lefthander from Germantown Friends allowed two runs on five hits in three innings of Grapefruit League play. He will likely begin the season in double A.

Fellow starters Adam Morgan, Ethan Martin and outfield prospect Aaron Altherr were also optioned. Starter Sean O'Sullivan and catcher John Hester, both non-roster invitees, were reassigned to minor-league camp.

The Phillies also released minor-league outfielder Xavier Paul.

Domonic Brown was scratched from Monday's lineup because of dehydration. Grady Sizemore started in right field.

- Jake Kaplan