Archive for February, 2011

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Francisco proving his Werth

February 28th, 2011 by Mike H. | Comments Off on Francisco proving his Werth | Filed in Baseball, Phillies

Francisco is making his case for Right Field

Ben Francisco is making his case to replace Jayson Werth in right field for the 2011 season. Granted it is only two Grapefruit League games, but against the Yankees, Ben Francisco is 3 for 5 with a double, a triple, and a homerun to his name. His main competition, Domonic Brown, has struggled early going 0 for 5. In a recent interview, MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki revealed that Phillies GM Ruben Amaro visited the training facility in Arizona where Francisco and John Mayberry Jr. train this offseason. Basically, Zolecki stated that Francisco has been told that a strong Spring Training could lead to a starting job come Opening Day. With Brown struggling in the early going, it looks like Francisco may be getting the opportunity he’s been waiting for since coming to the Phillies in Jully of 2009.

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Countdown to Opening Day: 32 Days

February 28th, 2011 by Mike H. | Comments Off on Countdown to Opening Day: 32 Days | Filed in General

As we stumble upon the final day of February, the Phillies split a weekend series against the Yankees. The Phillies lost 7-3 despite a strong outing from Joe Blanton. Blanton managed to go three no-hit  innings and only allowed the first batter of the game to reach base on four straight pitches. The big story of the day, however, was Chase Utley, or the lack there of. (more…)

Countdown to Opening Day: 33 Days

February 27th, 2011 by Mike H. | Comments Off on Countdown to Opening Day: 33 Days | Filed in Baseball, Phillies

Another game, another win for the Phillies. The sweetest part was the fact that it was against the Yankees and, outside of Ibanez and Howard, not one Phillies player from the 2010 Opening Day roster were used. Yankee fans, however, got to see the mainstays. Jeter (0 for 2), Swisher (0 for 2), Teixiera (1 for 2), A-Rod (1 for 2), Cano (0 for 2), Posada (0 for 1), Granderson (0 for 1), and Brett Garnder (1 walk) combined for one unearned run against Hamels in his spring debut. (more…)

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Countdown to Opening Day: 34 Days

February 26th, 2011 by Mike H. | 1 Comment | Filed in Baseball, Phillies

Today marks the first Grapefruit League games of the season. The Phillies will head to Tampa to face the Yankees. The Phillies will send out Cole Hamels, Vance Worley, Ryan Feierabend, Brian Schlitter, and Mike Zagurski. The Yankees will counter with Bartolo Colon, Joba Chamberlain, Dave Robertson, David Phelps, Hector Noesi, and Eric Wordekemper. The game will be televised on MLB Network starting at 1 PM. Hopefully, the Phillies pitching will be similar to what we saw against FSU. Now on to the Countdown. (more…)

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Update on Durbin, right handed bat

February 25th, 2011 by Mike H. | 1 Comment | Filed in General

A little midday update as a we head into a weekend home and home with the Yankees.

Chad Durbin is currently in negotiations with the Indians. It’s not clear what his role will be there. The Phillies had interest on a minor league deal, but there are already roughly 10 guys fighting for 4 spots in the Phillies bullpen.

It looks like the Phillies may not be happy with the current situation regarding right handed hitting. The Phillies reportedly have inquired on the availibility of Nationals INF/OF Mike Morse. The Nationals outfield is already crowded and they are looking for a pitcher that fits into their rotation. I wonder if the Nats would be interested in swapping Kyle Kendrick for Morse. Both are players in their first year of arbitration and are blocked due to depth.

***Update***

Durbin’s agent is reportedly in Arizona talking to interested teams about his client. As far as a potential trade for Nationals outfielder Mike Morse, it seems like the Nationals want to see how Morse will do, as he is making major strides with hitting coach Rick Eckstein.

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Name the rotation challenge

February 25th, 2011 by Mike H. | 2 Comments | Filed in General

CSN Philly and Ryan Howard have issued the fans a challenge. Give the Phillies rotation a nickname. Keep in mind it must include a 5th starter. I say 5th starter just in case Joe Blanton does get traded for some reason. I would also suggest nothing deroggatory, like Fat Joe & the Terror Squad. I doubt something like that would be acceptable. Submit your best ideas to either csnphilly.com or to the CSN Philly Facebook page by next Wednesday to be considered. I’ve already submitted my suggestion. To me, the best defense in baseball is good pitching. So, what is an iconic symbol of defense in America? The Pentagon. That’s my suggestion. What’s yours?

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Countdown to Opening Day: 35 Days

February 25th, 2011 by Mike H. | Comments Off on Countdown to Opening Day: 35 Days | Filed in Baseball

The exhibition season kicked off yesterday afternoon with the Phillies jumping all over FSU early. They batted around in the first inning on their way to a four run first that was kicked off with a two run double by “The Big Piece” Ryan Howard. Drew Naylor started the game for the Phils and went two innings. The impatient FSU lineup made it easy for the starter by only needing 11 pitches to go thru the first 7 batters. On to the countdown.

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