The Fightins are eleven exhibition games into the spring season and the record stands at 4 wins and 7 losses.  This following the most recent 12 to 10 loss to the Atlanta Braves.  Kyle Kendrick was hit around pretty good by the Braves and if the “competition” has truly started for the fifth starter spot one would certainly think he is behind in the race.  Comments I have read from pitching coach Rich Dubee do not indicate that Kendrick is in dire straights yet though as Dubee points out that he still has three more spring starts and is working on locating a new pitch, his change up.  Kendrick has been basically a one pitch pony thus far relying on his sinkerball to gain his 21 big league wins. 

Notes

Add Jason Donald to the mix as to potential right hand bats off the bench.  The 24 year old is tearing it up this spring thus far offensively after going 3 for 4 against the Braves.  His spring average to this point is a very robust .379!  Donald may be targeted for Lehigh though to groom as the 2010 third baseman.    Ryan Howard continues to impress offensively as well and leads the Grapefuit circuit in home runs.   Gary Majewski is making a strong bid thus far to gain a bullpen spot as he has impressed in each outing, looks like his velocity is back up according to published reports.

Chatter

The World Baseball Classic has been fun to watch thus far, too bad for the Domican Republic team being eliminated so early but one has to root for the underdog team from the Netherlands as they move into the second round.  I think that the Puerto Rico team may be one to watch along with our U.S. boys to potentially take the crown away from Japan.  I don’t think the tourney is doing so well with attendance or TV viewership but it is a nice twist to spring training in that the games are competitive, the rules sort of remind me of the Little League World Series what with pitch count and all but I am enjoying watching games thus far.   Both Carlos Ruiz and Matt Stairs are back in camp with the Phis as their respective teams Panama and Canada were eliminated in the first round.