Since I’m too busy (read: lazy) to keep up with the Spring Training happenings during the weekend, I’m just going to wrap up the Phillies news from the weekend today. Here we go:
-Jimmy Rollins was a beast for Team USA in the WBC yesterday, but it wasn’t enough, as the U.S. lost to Japan 9-4. Davey Johnson has to be second guessing himself for starting Derek Jeter over J-Roll at shortstop in an elimination game, but he isn’t.
“Derek is the captain. I want him out there,” Johnson said before the game. “Jimmy is going to DH. They’re both going to get, hopefully, four or five at-bats. So that wasn’t really a big decision.”
If they’re both going to get 4 or 5 at-bats, why not put the better fielder in the game. On one play late in the game, Jeter’s two-out throwing error allowed the Japanese to score three runs and put the game out of reach. I’d bet on Rollins to make that play any day.
Shane Victorino was also pinch hit for in a clutch situation. The Flyin’ Hawaiian is as clutch a hitter as anyone in the league. Why not let him bat in that situation?
Poor management and injuries cost Team USA in this WBC. Maybe next time they’ll get a better coach and not have bad luck with injuries.
- Brett Myers struggled with his control as the Phillies lost to the Red Sox 3-0. Myers walked five in his five innings. Raul Ibanez and Carlos Ruiz both hit doubles as the Phillies just didn’t play well against the Sox. Some people were looking at this as a World Series preview, but that’s just stupid. It’s spring training and nothing more. They may still meet in the Series, but this game looked nothing like it would had it taken place in October.
-Cole Hamels felt no tightness or soreness in his elbow following a bullpen session. He doesn’t sound concerned about nothing pitching Opening Night.
“Truly, I think that’s the last thing on my mind,” Hamels said about Opening Night. “I just need to be game ready.
I’m sure many would be disappointed if Hamels isn’t ready for Opening Night, me included, but there is a bigger picture here. If Hamels isn’t healthy for the season, the Phillies are in big trouble. They need him to be healthy if they want to have any chance at repeating as WFC.
-The 25 man roster is no where near being finalized yet. It will most likely come down to the two exhibition games against the Tamp Bay Rays in Philly. Story on Phillies.com. Here are my predictions:
J.A. Happ takes the 5th spot in the rotation with Chan Ho Park sliding into the bullpen. Park won’t be happy with this, but he’s had success with that role in the past. Happ needs to be a starter. He can’t be put into the bullpen at this point in his career and is ready for the majors. This means that Kyle Kendrick will most likely open the season in Lehigh Valley. I alos think that Gary Majewski makes the team as a reliver.
The catching situation is very tight. Carlos Ruiz is a lock with the other spot coming down to a decision between Chris Coste and Ronny Paulino. Coste has been hurt for some of this spring, but the coaches know what he can do. Paulino started out strong, but ultimately just didn’t do enough to take the job from Coste. Ruiz and Coste will be the catchers on Opening Night.
Because Pedro Feliz and Chase Utley look to be back for Opening Night, the spots for infielders on this team are very slim. Ultimately, I don’t think any of the infielders brought in as insurance make the team.
The outfield is a little less certain. Ibanez, Victorino, and Werth are obviously locks. The fourth outfielder likely comes down to Matt Stairs and Geoff Jenkins. I like Jenkins better, but Stairs has a better bat. I think the team opens with both of them on the roster however.
-KK
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