The Phillies take on the Twins today. Here’s the lineup:
1. Miguel Cairo, SS
2. Geoff Jenkins, RF
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. John Mayberry Jr., CF
6. Matt Stairs, LF
7. Pedro Feliz, 3B
8. Chris Coste, C
9. Kyle Kendrick, P
There are a few interesting players in there.
Kyle Kendrick tries to dig himself out of the hole he’s dug in the Race for 5th. He’s got a long ways to go to beat out Chan Ho Park and J.A. Happ, so he better take full advantage.
Chris Coste is also in there. He’s been playing a lot since he came back from his hamstring injury. The coaching staff knows what he can do, so it’s going to be tough to keep him off of the team.
Mayberry has also been playing well so far this spring. It’s a long shot for him to make this team with all of the veterans on the team, but he’s looked good so far.
It’s good to see Pete Happy and Chase Utley back in the lineup on a regular basis. Those two being back is going to make it very difficult for some of the veteran utility men such as Miguel Cairo and Marcus Giles to make the team.
Cole Hamels also threw a bullpen session this morning
“For Opening Day, I think it’s tough,” Hamels said. “I think if I can get anywhere from 80 to 90 pitches going into the season, my first start I might just throw 90 to 100. Hopefully, I can compete in a ballgame there.”
From Zo:
Hamels will pitch in a Minor League game Tuesday. If that goes well, he likely would make a Grapefruit League start March 29. He then could start April 3 against Tampa Bay at Citizens Bank Park. That would not put him on schedule to start Opening Day.
Sucks that Hamels isn’t on track for opening day, but as he said, the team is better off with him being healthy for the entire season and not being rushed back in too early.
-KK
