The Fightins once again struggled offensively in this their second game of the spring.   They were limited to six hits by the Blue Jays, one each for Jimmy Rollins, John Mayberry Jr., Greg Dobbs, Andy Tracy, Pablo Ozuna and Jason Ellison.   On the hill  Carlos Carrasco,J.A. Happ and Gary Majewski each threw two scoreless innings but Blaine Neal got tuned up for four earned runs in two thirds of an inning. 

Chatter

According to Mlbtraderumors.com the two primary lefty relievers still on the free agent market are cognizant of the need to lower their contract demands and are willing to do so.  Will Ohman seems to be very interested in pitching for a contender and specifically the Phillies.   Nomar Garciappara evidently will be making a choice soon between the Oakland A’s and the Phillies.  Also heard scuttlebutt that the A’s might be looking to relocate out of Oakland in the near future….. what about a return to Philly ?  Could we handle two big league teams again like back in the day ?  Chicago, L.A. and New York have two clubs, why not Philly ?

Fittingly the Philies open the 2009 spring training with pitchers and catchers reporting on Valentines Day!   An offseason love story, spurred by winning the 2008 World Series,  between the team and it’s fans thus comes to conclusion this day as it is time to get back to the true business of baseball….playing !

Skipper Charlie Manuel told the troops that it is time to put 2008 behind and begin the focus on the new season.  Resting on laurels will not be tolerated either by the skip, the veteran core of the team or at the very least, the fans!  I watched an interview with Jamie Moyer and he addressed that very same thing and how anxious he was to get started, so much so that he had trouble sleeping the night before camp opening!

Brett Myers arrived at camp as a much slimmer version, reportedly losing 30 pounds!  Myers vows to start 2009 in a much more positive fashion that he did 2008 and thus dedicated himself to a more vigorous off season workout regimen.   Myers is in the last year of a contract and is eligible for free agency after the season if he and the team do not agree on an extension.

J.C. Romero is in camp albeit will not go north with the big club as he must serve a 50 game suspension for the use of performance enhancing “vitamins”.  Romero tested positive for a banned MLB substance in 2008 and is forced to sit out almost a third of the 2009 season. 

Adam Eaton is also in camp but with little or no chance at making the ballclub, Eaton is due a large sum of cash for the final year of the contract he signed three years ago but has little shot at gaining a starting spot with the Fightins this spring.  Eaton has stated that he will not accept a minor league assignment therefore the Phillies will either have to release him or attempt to trade him, any team that has interest will most likely sit and watch awaiting his release rather than reqlinquish anything in trade.

There will be a battle for the fifth starter’s spot…….. Chan Ho Park, Kyle Kendrick, J.A. Happ and Carlos Carrasco will attempt to impress the skipper enough to earn the rotation spot.  Happ may have the early edge coming in but we will see.

One thing is for certain, Cole Hamels has been named as the opening day starter by the skipper already, coming off the winning of the National League LCS and World Series MVP’s it is well deserved. 

Chatter

Want a true darkhorse to make the ballclub ?  How bout that Sergio Escalona ?  The 23 year old Venezualen is a lefty and might possibly earn the fill in spot till Romero is able to return ?  One to watch perhaps!

The backup catcher spot is also up for grabs apparently, defending champ Chris Coste must defend the spot against newly acquired Ronny Paulino who comes to the team from the Pittsburgh Pirates in an offseason trade.  Both catchers still have minor league options so one most likely will be asked to go the minors as an insurance policy however I have read rumblings that if Paulino wins the job that the Phillies may entertain the Florida Marlins interest in Coste in a trade.  I hope not as Mr. Coste is one of my personal favorites on the club!

As the trade deadline looms the Phillies need of starting pitching makes rumors persist. The team might be in pursuit of Blue Jays starter A.J. Burnett. SI.com has recently reported that a Blue Jays top executive was recently seen in Reading, PA scouting the Phillies double A team. Potential prospects of interest include catcher Lou Marson, pitcher Carlos Carrasco or outfielder Greg Golson. Burnett has top of the rotation type of stuff but has not been consistent with results. He has the option of voiding his contract at year end and becoming a free agent or continue and collect on the $24 million left on the deal.

The team needs to take a risk especially in light of recent trades of C.C. Sabathia to Milwaukee and Rich Hardin to Chicago. Burnett may not be the answer but it is readily apparent the need is not being filled by the present roster. Phillies starters are collectively 31-31 with an E.R.A over 4. Twenty five of those wins are claimed by the trio of Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick. As a lifelong Phillies fan I think the time is now and if it means mortgaging the future a bit by dealing a prospect so be it……….. after all we have only one world series championship and over 10,000 losses as a franchise!