Opening Day pics in real time

Courtesy of Mike, who is in attendance at today's Phillies season opener against the Washington Nationals (who made a statement that they are nobody's doormat when they beat the Atlanta Braves, 3-2, in dramatic fashion last night with a 9th-inning walk-off home run by Ryan Zimmerman), we will be posting pics from the ballpark in real time or as close to that as I can (all times approximate).

12:30 p.m. - With a light rain falling, here is a shot of the field:



Updated 12:40 p.m. - So Taguchi:



And Mike reports that Werth is starting in right field.

More updates as they come in...

Updated 4:30 p.m. - I can only assume a combination of the rain and Brett Myers' 5th-inning meltdown has left Mike's phone inoperable as no updates have been forthcoming in the past four hours.

Updated after the final out - I'm looking forward to hearing from Mike (a) why the updates stopped, (b) when he left the game, and (c) if Tom Gordon looked as bad as he sounded on the radio.

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A Day at the Park - On Deck Series - 3/29

Sure, it was windy and cold. But a bad day at the ballpark beats most days anywhere else. While I attended the final preseason game at Citizen's Bank Park in 2007 with Mike, this year I went with my family. Allow me to introduce my wife and our beautiful daughter Paige:



Despite the cold, which prevented her from having her favorite ballpark snack (ice cream in a helmet - with sprinkles), Paige had a good time. I only wish I had gotten a picture or video of her reaction when she first spied the field. It immediately transported me back to my youth as I recalled walking through the Vet's round concrete cavern searching for our section. As we passed each entrance tunnel that led to the seats, I strained my neck to catch that first glimpse of astroturf that seemed a million times greener in person than on television.

My daughter was no different. I held her hand as we walked (okay I walked and she skipped) toward Harry the K's for a pre-game meal (and to catch some sun and avoid the wind). When it came into view, she pulled me to a stop and almost breathlessly declared, "Daddy... there's the field... it's so green..." If my mind hadn't done that Lost time-travel thing taking me back to the Vet in 1977, I probably would have cried. Whew - close call.

Also in attendance and enjoying the experience was my mom (not pictured). Yes, that's right. I chose to go to a Phillies game with three generations of crazy women. And it won't be the last time this season, so stay tuned.

Anyway, we hit Harry the K's for some good food and tasty adult beverages. Paige couldn't take her eyes off the field as the ground crew made it ready for play and the players warmed up. She was a hit, especially with our waitress, Kat (not pictured), who was fantastic and really made my daughter feel special. If you visit Harry the K's and are served by Kat, give her our best. I wanted to snap a pic to include here, but my wife frowned upon that. I also forgot to take a shot of our table, but trust me, it looked similar to when my brother and I went to Game 1 of the 2007 NLDS:



So after our meal, we made our way to our seats and didn't have to wait long for something to cheer about. As will become obvious at some point, I like Pat Burrell. I defend Pat Burrell because his numbers make it pretty easy to do. Not surprisingly, my wife likes Pat Burrell because he's hot. I am fine with that and, in fact, it is one of the reasons we chose the seats we did:



Given all the love for Pat in our house, Paige likes him too - although she likes a lot of the players and will give you a different answer every time you ask her who her favorite player is. So along the way, we taught her to say something when Pat is at the plate, but cautioned her to use it sparingly lest it lose its magic.

Naturally, when Pat came up in the bottom of the 1st with two runners on, I asked Paige, "What do we say when Pat is up?" to which she replied, "Come on Pat! Hit a tater!!" And on the second pitch of the at bat, he did. About 75 feet to our left.

There isn't much to report about the rest of the game, except perhaps for Paige's disappointment after the 2nd inning ended when a crowd of fans got up to visit the refreshment stands or the rest rooms. She looked at everybody walking up the steps and pouted, "Oh... Is it over already? I don't want to go yet..." We just smiled and reassured her that we didn't have to leave and would stay until she got too cold. While this made her happy, she was quite upset that no one hit a ball to her. After she brought her glove and everything. She is just too cute.



She was also disappointed she didn't get to see the Phanatic in person and I tried in vain to explain that she won't get to do that at every game. You see, fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it), Paige actually got to meet the Phanatic at her first game (in 2006) and even gave him a high five. So while her favorite player may change, her favorite "Phillie" is, and always has been, the Phanatic. In the 8th inning when I told her he was probably done for the day because it was so cold, she agreed that we could leave.

As I waited for three generations of gals to use the ladies' room, Mike found me and we chatted briefly. To be honest, I don't remember what we talked about because it was even windier and colder where we were standing than where we had been sitting. It really doesn't matter though because my daughter had fun and Pat hit a tater.  For a preseason game, that was all I needed.

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Hit-and-run

From the Grapefruit League: The Phillies lost to the Yankees, 13-4, last night, ending a stretch of games in which the team had won six of seven. With three more games in Florida, the Phillies' spring record is 11-14-1.

Injury updates: The Phils have placed closer Brad Lidge on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21. Lidge's knee, which required arthroscopic surgery earlier in the spring, is fine, but his arm strength is not where it needs to be because he has had such an abbreviated spring training. He is eligible to come off the DL April 5. RHP Tom Gordon will take on the closer role for the first few games of the year.

RHP Kris Benson, who is likely to take over the role of fifth starter if Adam Eaton should falter, can opt out of his contract with the Phillies if he is not added to the 40-man roster today. Benson felt soreness, which he described as biceps tendinitis, after his March 13 Minor League start. The righty missed the entire 2007 season because of a torn rotator cuff. Benson would become a free agent if he opts out.

LHP Mike Zagurski, who came out of nowhere to become a serviceable bullpen option last season, may need Tommy John surgery, which would knock him out for 2008 and part of '09.

Cuts: Since our last report, the following players have been moved out of Major League camp: C Jason Jaramillo, 3B Brennan King, C Pete Laforest, LHP Fabio Castro, and 2B Casey Smith. Pitchers Scott Mathieson and Francisco Rosario (along with Lidge and Zagurski) were placed on the 15-day disabled list.

That leaves 32 players in Clearwater competing for a spot on the 25-man roster. Four nonroster invitees remain: Benson, LHP Vic Darensbourg, RHP Gary Knotts, and LHP Matt Smith.

Among the players on the 40-man roster, 3B Wes Helms still must be dealt, and SS Ray Olmedo and OF Chris Snelling will almost certainly be sent to the Minors, leaving 13 position players on the active roster. There are currently 12 pitchers on the 25-man, but a move will have to be made when Lidge comes off the DL.

Uniwatch mention: ESPN.com Page 2 contributor Paul Lukas runs a site called Uni Watch that I spend far too much time perusing. Lukas posted this nugget in today's Page 2 column:

It is Uni Watch's sad duty to announce that the Phillies have scrapped the cool alternate cap they've been wearing for interleague games in recent years. On the plus side, they've unveiled a new throwback alternate uniform, based on the team's late-'40s uni, which will be worn for selected home games. It's flat-out gorgeous, with the exception of one small fly in the ointment: The uni numbers on the original design looked like this, so why is the throwback version going with this?

Evil Phanatic: Dude.

Mike & Mike's Phillies Blog will be on location at Citizens Bank Park this Saturday for the Phils' last warm-up of the spring and Monday for Opening Day vs. the Nationals. Look for photos and recaps after the games!

Spring training: More cuts

Two more players have been moved to Minor League camp. LHP Shane Youman was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley; Youman remains on the 40-man roster. RHP John Ennis was reassigned to Minor League camp. Forty-one players remain with the big Phils.

Spring training: Second round of cuts

Six more players have been sent to Minor League camp, leaving 35 roster players and eight nonroster invitees in big-league camp.

Invitee C Tim Gradoville was sent packing Thursday, and he was joined Friday by fellow invitees RHP Carlos Carrasco, LHP Josh Outman, OF Greg Golson, and OF Brandon Watson. Also sent down was OF T.J. Bohn, who occupies a spot on the Phillies' 40-man roster.

The invitees left in Clearwater include: RHP Kris Benson, LHP Vic Darensbourg, RHP John Ennis, RHP Gary Knotts, LHP Matt Smith, C Pete Laforest, IF Brennan King, and IF Casey Smith.

Of the 43 players left in camp, 18 more must be cut by Opening Day.

Minor League spring training info

The Reading Phillies website has information about the Phillies organization's Minor League spring training schedule and the results of the games that have already been played. This gives some insight into where some of the players might land in the farm system.

Holdzkom done?

It looks like RHP Lincoln Holdzkom's chance to become a Phillie is over. He has been removed from the Phillies' online 40-man roster. As a Rule 5 draft pick, if he is removed from the active roster, he must be offered back to the team he was drafted from: in this case, the Boston Red Sox.

UPDATE: Holdzkom was offered back to Boston, who refused him. He is now a free agent and, as such, could return to the Phillies with a minor-league deal.

Holdzkom last pitched in a game a week ago, giving up a walk, a run, and no hits in one inning. Holdzkom compiled a 2.70 ERA this spring.

UPDATE 2: Boston signed Holdzkom as a free agent Thursday after moving Curt Schilling to the 60-day disabled list.

Spring training: First round of cuts

Big League camp has come to an end for 14 players in the Phillies' system. Four players on the 40-man roster were optioned to Minor League camp and 10 nonroster invitees were reassigned there. Here are the casualties:

Optioned RHP Joe Bisenius, RHP Scott Mathieson, LHP J.A. Happ, IF Brad Harman to Minor Leagues. Reassigned RHP Ron Chiavacci, RHP Zack Segovia, LHP Brian Mazone, LHP Joe Savery, C Tuffy Gosewisch, C Lou Marson, IF Jason Donald, IF Mike Cervenak, IF Andy Tracy, OF Valentino Pascucci to Minor League camp.

That leaves the following 13 nonroster invitees in camp with the big Phils: RHP Kris Benson, RHP Carlos Carrasco, LHP Vic Darensbourg, RHP John Ennis, RHP Gary Knotts, LHP Josh Outman, LHP Matt Smith, C Tim Gradoville, C Pete Laforest, IF Brennan King, IF Casey Smith, OF Greg Golson, and OF Brandon Watson. Combined with the 36 roster players remaining, 49 players are competing for the 25 active roster slots.

Spring training: Phillies split-squad @ Blue Jays and Tigers reviews

Because Wednesday's split-squad games were not broadcast via MLB.com, I cannot contribute much more of a recap than what Phillies.com has to offer. The Phils bested Toronto, 6-1, and fell to Detroit, 6-2.

Today, Adam Eaton tries to rebound from his tough start Saturday when the Phillies take on the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:05 in Clearwater. List on Gameday Audio.

Spring training: Phillies @ Braves review

The Phillies got roughed up Tuesday, falling to the Atlanta Braves, 10-1. Starter Kyle Kendrick and temporary closer Tom Gordon pitched poorly, and shortstop Jimmy Rollins continued his dismal spring at the plate.


The Good

Right-hander Francisco Rosario pitched 3 1/3 surprisingly scoreless innings, only allowing baserunners on two hits. Rosario is on the bubble for a bullpen spot, but he certainly strengthened his case against the Braves. Rosario also made an unheard-of trip to the plate; the pitcher, who is 0-for-1 in his two-year career, struck out Tuesday.

Center fielder Shane Victorino was hot for the second straight day. Victorino collected a single and a double and scored the Phils' only run. His spring average is .385. Victorino was knocked in by first baseman Ryan Howard, who is continuing his strong spring. Howard was 1-for-3 with a strikeout, bringing his average to .438.

Bench player Eric Bruntlett (.467) and invitee Greg Golson (.750) stayed red hot, each collecting a hit in his sole at-bat. Potential backup outfielder Chris Snelling was also 1-for-1.


The Bad

As mentioned earlier, Kendrick and Gordon did not look good against the Braves. Kendrick, the starter, gave up seven runs on five hits in just 2 2/3 innings. Six of Atlanta's starting nine collected hits against Kendrick, including doubles from Jeff Francoeur and Martin Prado. Kendrick also walked two, and hit a single to right field in his one at-bat.

Gordon repeated his horrible performance of Saturday, this time facing eight batters in his one inning of work. Three runs crossed the plate as the result of three hits, a walk, and a fielding error by first baseman Greg Dobbs. The bright spot for Gordon is that only one of the runs was earned.

If Phillies fans are looking for a silver lining in Kendrick's and Gordon's apparent struggles, they might find it when they consider that both pitchers were trying to work new pitches into their arsenals; Kendrick is developing his change-up, while Gordon is mixing in his curve.

Rollins was 0-for-3 with a strikeout Tuesday, lowering his spring average to .077. Rollins' only hit came February 28 against Pirates minor-leaguer Ronald Belisario.

Outfielders Geoff Jenkins and Jayson Werth were each 0-for-3. Jenkins struck out once.

Second baseman Chase Utley also struck out and went 0-for-2 with a walk on the day. His spring average is a sub-par-for-Utley .250.

Catcher Carlos Ruiz was 0-for-2 with a walk, but makes the "Bad" list for a throwing error on a pickoff attempt in the first inning. The catcher has shown and expressed his over-eagerness to pick off runners at first base, and he has demonstrated how error-prone that practice can be.


The Average

Veteran and invitee lefty Vic Darensbourg tossed a shutout inning but did give up two singles. Darensbourg has compiled a Mendoza-line ERA of 4.50 this spring.

Wes Helms collected his second hit of the spring in a 1-for-3 effort. Helms also struck out. Dobbs, relieving Howard at first base, grounded into a double play in his only at-bat.

Minor leaguers Ray Olmedo (strikeout), T.J. Bohn (strikeout), and Jason Jaramillo (groundout) and invitees Casey Smith (strikeout), and Val Pascucci (strikeout) were all 0-for-1.


Today's Games

The Phillies play two split-squad games at 1:05 this afternoon. Brett Myers will start against the Toronto Blue Jays, and J.D. Durbin gets the ball versus the Detroit Tigers. Neither game is available through MLB.com's multimedia subscriptions, but you can follow live box scores on Phillies.com.

Spring training: Pirates @ Phillies review

I'm working today from the Washington Nationals' Virtual Waiting Room, where I have been attempting for two hours to purchase tickets to the July 30 Phillies/Nationals game at brand-new Nationals Park. In case you want to slow down my transaction any further, go to Nationals.com to get your tickets, which went on sale at 9:00 this morning.

The Phillies pulled out a 3-1 victory Monday over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Phils showcased their young arms -- and got good results -- against a mixture of Pirates regulars, backups, and hopefuls.


The Good

Young left-handed pitchers Joe Savery and Josh Outman rebounded from their awful debuts last week by pitching a shutout over the first five innings. Savery allowed only two baserunners -- both walks -- in his two innings. He also struck out one. Outman allowed three hits and two walks over three innings, but got help behind him from left fielder Pat Burrell, who gunned down Nyjer Morgan at the plate in the third inning to keep the scoreboard clear. Outman struck out two.

Two more prospects, righties Zack Segovia and Joe Bisenius, did not allow a run. Segovia threw two perfect innings against the heart of the Pittsburgh order: Freddy Sanchez, Adam LaRoche, Jose Bautista, and Xavier Nady. Segovia also put down Ronny Paulino and Kevin Thompson. Bisenius allowed only two singles in the ninth.

Backup infielder Eric Bruntlett was the offensive MVP of the game with a 3-for-4 effort, all singles, that knocked in two of the Phillies' three runs. Unfortunately, Bruntlett was less spectacular on the base paths, where he was caught twice -- once trying to steal second and once trying to stretch a single into a double.

Center fielder Shane Victorino had the other RBI on a fifth-inning groundout. Victorino was 1-for-3 on the day.

DH-for-the-day Ryan Howard turned in another solid performance, reaching base with a double and a single. Howard also struck out looking on a borderline pitch to end the first frame.

Backup outfielder So Taguchi doubled a couple of innings after replacing Burrell as a pinch runner and then in left field. Burrell was 0-for-2 at the plate, but got on base with a walk, and his outfield assist moves his performance into the "Good" category.

Nonroster invitee catcher Tim Gradoville was also 1-for-1. After singling, Gradoville stole second and then scored on Bruntlett's third single.


The Bad

There wasn't much to complain about for the Phillies on Monday.

Second baseman Chase Utley went 0-for-3 including grounding into a double play in his first at-bat.

Left-handed reliever J.C. Romero pitched a characteristically shaky-but-effective inning, surrendering three hits but only allowing one run across. He also struck out one.


The Average

The rest of the Phillies turned in mediocre performances. Wes Helms got the start at first base and collected his first hit of the spring, moving his average to .111 after a 1-for-3 game. Right fielder Geoff Jenkins was also 1-for-3, and third baseman Pedro Feliz had one hit in four trips to the plate. Helms and Feliz each scored one run.

Right fielder Jayson Werth worked a walk in his one plate appearance. Outfielders Greg Golson and Chris Snelling and infielder Ray Olmedo each was o-for-1 in the late innings. Olmedo struck out swinging.


"B" Game

Again, little news on the "B" game front. Phillies.com offers us this tidbit about Monday's early-morning game:

[Right-hander Jamie] Moyer had little trouble handcuffing the Pirates in an early morning "B" game at Bright House Field.

The veteran worked four scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out three. Moyer said he threw 54 pitches, including curveballs, fastballs and changeups. He will mix in his cut fastball in his fourth outing.


Today's Game

The Phillies are going to Disney World today, where they will play the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 p.m. Gameday Audio has the game, as righty Kyle Kendrick makes his second spring start.

Hit-and-run

Just announced on MLB.com's game broadcast: Davey Lopes is taking a six-week leave of absence to be treated for prostate cancer. Jerry Martin will take over as first-base coach while Lopes is out.

Saturday provided the first opportunity of the season to see the Phillies in action on TV... Unfortunately, the game coincided with my mid-afternoon crash, and I was asleep for the second half of the game... When I was awake, I heard the TV commentators make reference to the bulked up chest of Carlos Ruiz. I didn't notice that, but Chase Utley seems to have put on some muscle, especially in the lower body... Utley also seems to have modified his batting stance a bit. It looks more exaggerated than last year... Apparently, the going rate for a can of Skoal is $10 million. Ryan Howard sported the new chew-in-cheek look Saturday afternoon... Something that didn't change from last year is the look of Pat Burrell watching a called third strike. (I expect a response from tmmullen on that one.)

Cole Hamels, diva? First, there was chiropractor-gate. Now, this. Regardless of who's right, I hope this relationship doesn't remain as high-maintenance as it has been so far.

Something I forgot to mention about Friday's game: We are now able to project that the Pittsburgh Pirates have the worst broadcasting team in baseball. The Philadelphia guys did not carry Friday's game, so I was forced to listen to the MLB.com feed of Pittsburgh's broadcast. Somewhere around the fifth inning, the play-by-play ceased to exist and we were subjected to the Pittsburgh Pirates talk show. Bats were cracking in the background, cheers and boos were raining on the field, substitutions were being made, but no acknowledgment was given to any of that by the radio team. In fact, it's difficult to call it a radio "team" at all, because the commentators were openly bickering among themselves. They also managed to knock themselves off the air for almost an entire half inning and they had trouble modulating the volume of the broadcast. All around horrible. Thank God for Larry Andersen.

Post your comments on all this and more below.

Spring training: Phillies vs. Yankees weekend review

The Phillies and Yankees hooked up Saturday and Sunday, resulting in a 9-3 loss and a 7-7 tie for the Phils. Granted, the Phillies were competing against the high-powered offense of the Yankees, but the story of the weekend was terrible pitching, especially from those in competition for the fifth starter spot, as well as Cole Hamels and Tom Gordon.


The Good

The weekend's best performance came from nonroster invitee outfielder Greg Golson. Golson was 2-for-2 at the plate with a home run. Golson swiped a bag as a pinch runner Sunday, and showed off his fielding skills on both days. Golson also homered in Friday's "B" game against the Pirates.

Also impressive was pitcher Carlos Carrasco. The 20-year-old pitched three scoreless innings Sunday, surrendering three hits and fanning three. Carrasco is the Phillies' number-one pitching prospect, and he is showing he deserves that billing. Be sure to catch him in action in Reading or Allentown this year before he gets the call to Philly.

Other Phillies to turn in solid performances versus the Yankees included first baseman Ryan Howard (2-for-2 with a double and a walk), catcher Carlos Ruiz (2-for-2, a double, and a run scored), catcher Chris Coste (2-for-3 and an RBI), reserve outfielder So Taguchi (2-for-5, one run, one RBI), and second baseman Chase Utley (2-for-6 with a double and an RBI).

Invitee infielder Casey Smith continued his strong spring, going 1-for-2 and scoring a run. Another invitee infielder, Brennan King, was 2-for-3 with two RBI; King was Sunday's starting first baseman. Invitee outfielder Brandon Watson had an RBI single in his only at-bat of the weekend.

Left fielder Pat Burrell found his home run stroke Sunday, but otherwise was 0-for-4 with a walk and two strikeouts.

On the mound, righty Ryan Madson gave up two hits but no runs in his one inning of work. Righty John Ennis, who cleared waivers and was re-signed by the Phillies, ended the disaster created by Gordon with a strikeout in his one-third of an inning. Scranton native and Kutztown graduate Ron Chiavacci, a nonroster-invitee right hander, struck out two and didn't allow a base runner in his one inning Sunday.


The Bad

On the other side of the spectrum, righty Adam Eaton continued his woes from last season. Eaton allowed three runs Saturday on a first-inning home run by Shelley Duncan. Eaton allowed two other hits in his two innings of work. Eaton claims the shoulder that bothered him last season is better, but he is now feeling the effects of a sore back. Good thing the Phillies have chiropractors now.

Things didn't get much better when new acquisition Chad Durbin took over for Eaton on the mound. Durbin allowed two runs on three hits in two innings.

Combined with Friday's disappointing performance by J.D. Durbin, the prospects for the Phillies' fifth starter look dim. Australian southpaw Travis Blackley, selected in the Rule 5 Draft, is also in the running, and he turned in a solid showing Wednesday. The other pitcher in the discussion is another new acquisition: Right hander Kris Benson is still recovering from rotator cuff surgery.

The Phils' number two starter also looked shaky this weekend. Lefty Cole Hamels gave up two home runs (to Jason Giambi and Yankees invitee Jason Lane) that accounted for four runs over two innings Sunday. Hamels also uncharacteristically walked two batters.

Another young lefty, Fabio Castro, gave up two runs on four hits over two innings Sunday. The Phillies' other Rule 5 selection, righty Lincoln Holdzkom, was charged with the blown save Sunday when he allowed a run on two hits in the eighth inning.

Gordon, the interim closer, demonstrated why Phillies fans are desperately praying for a speedy recovery for Brad Lidge. Gordon gave up a two-run home run Saturday to Wilson Betemit in the top of the ninth inning -- a sight not unfamiliar in 2006 and 2007. The long ball also did in middle reliever Clay Condrey (the only hit he allowed over two innings) and invitee left hander Vic Darensbourg (the only hit in one inning).

Offensively, shortstop Jimmy Rollins was 0-for-6 on the weekend.

Other hitless Phillies included backup third baseman Greg Dobbs (0-for-3), platoon right fielder Jayson Werth (0-for-3, one walk, one strikeout), and bench player Eric Bruntlett (0-for-3). Right fielder Geoff Jenkins and center fielder Shane Victorino, who also worked a walk, went 0-for-2.

Among the prospects, catcher Jason Jaramillo was 0-for-3 with a strikeout. Infielder Ray Olmedo was 0-for-2, infielder Brad Harman struck out in his only AB, and outfielder T.J. Bohn was also 0-for-1.

Utility player Val Pascucci got the nod as Sunday's designated hitter but turned in a pitiful 0-for-3 showing -- all of them strikeouts -- as well as a walk. Other invitees without a hit were infielders Andy Tracy (0-for-2 with a walk that led to a run scored) and Mike Cervenak (0-for-1).


The Average

Third baseman Pedro Feliz stayed consistent with one hit in three trips to the plate. Feliz also scored a run. Outfield contender Chris Snelling played the entire game Saturday and turned in a 1-for-4 performance, including a strikeout.


Today's Games

The Phillies welcome the Pirates to Bright House Field again today at 1:05. Last year's first-round draft pick, Joe Savery, is expected to start. Listen to MLB.com's exclusive online broadcast.

Oldie-but-goodie Jamie Moyer was scheduled to start today's "B" game, which was to get under way at 9:30 this morning.

Spring training: Phillies @ Pirates review

The Phillies pulled out a 5-4 win Friday over the Pittsburgh Pirates with a ninth-inning home run by nonroster-invitee infielder Casey Smith. The Phils also won an early-morning "B" game, 4-3.


The Good

The star of the show was Smith, who played Triple-A ball in the Angels' organization last year. Smith was 3-for-4 -- all extra base hits -- with two RBI and two runs. Smith played the entire game, giving Chase Utley the day off. Smith seems to have a lock on a spot with Triple-A Lehigh Valley where he can try to improve his value on the trade market.

Center fielder Shane Victorino found his swing in the lead-off position, going 2-for-3 with a triple and a run scored on a wild pitch. Backup third baseman Greg Dobbs kept his hot spring going with a hit in his only at-bat.

Pitchers J.A. Happ, Joe Bisenius, and invitee Gary Knotts pitched two shutout innings apiece. Happ made his Major-League debut in a spot start for the Phillies last year, and started 24 games for Triple-A Ottawa. Happ did not give up a hit, walked one, and struck out one in his performance Friday.

Bisenius, a reliever, also made his debut in the Majors last year, pitching in two games for the Phillies. He appeared in 35 games for Ottawa in 2007. Bisenius allowed only one baserunner -- the result of a walk -- over two frames Friday.

Knotts, who broke into professional baseball in 1996, started 2007 in independent ball but was signed midseason by the Phillies. Knotts worked three starts each for Reading and Ottawa. Friday, Knotts gave up one hit, hit one batter, and struck out one. A crowded pitching roster may force Knotts to start the year in Reading, but a strong early-season performance could send him to the Lehigh Valley.


The Bad

"The Real Deal" J.D. Durbin gave up two runs on five hits, including a Jack Wilson home run, in his first start of the spring. Durbin also walked one in a performance that does not strengthen his bid for the job of number-five starter.

The worst pitching performance of the day for the Phillies came from new acquisition Shane Youman. Youman was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh in November. The lefty gave up a hit and walked four batters, forcing in two runs in his only inning of work.

On offense, first baseman Ryan Howard went a disappointing 0-for-3, lowering his spring average to .250. The bright spot is that none of Howard's outs were Ks.

Backup third baseman Wes Helms continued his hitless spring with an 0-for-2 day. Helms' stock continues to drop while his salary does not -- not a good combination for the Phillies.

Catchers Pete Laforest, Jason Jaramillo, and Chris Coste all were 0-for-2. Laforest, who signed a split contract in the offseason and expects to land on the IronPigs' roster, struck out in both ABs. Jaramillo is still hitless this spring, as is Coste.

Outfielder T.J. Bohn, who is on the 40-man roster, lowered his average to .333 by striking out in his two at-bats.


The Average

Right fielder Geoff Jenkins was 1-for-3 with an RBI, raising his average to .222. His platoon comrade Jayson Werth walked in his sole plate appearance. Left fielder Pat Burrell was 0-for-1 with a walk.

Third baseman Pedro Feliz cooled off his spring average to a .571 after going 0-for-2. Utility player Eric Bruntlett also cooled down to .429 with an 0-for-3 day. Invitee third baseman Brennan King went 1-for-2 with a run scored.

Long-shot infielder Ray Olmedo is still searching for his first hit as a Phillie, as he went 0-for-1 Friday. Outfielder Chris Snelling, who has a slim chance of making the active roster, continued his hitless spring, going 0-for-2 in the game.


"B" Game

Information for Friday morning's "B" game is hard to come by. The game was not aired on MLB.com's Gameday Audio and no box score is available. Phillies.com has this summary:

Earlier in the day: Philadelphia defeated the Pittsburgh, 4-3, in a seven-inning "B" game at Pirate City on Friday morning. Opening Day starter Brett Myers earned the win. The right-hander scattered six hits over three innings, fanned three and allowed an earned run. Myers threw 39 pitches, 29 of them for strikes.

Leadoff hitter Brandon Watson walked to start the game, and scored Philly's first run on a Jason Donald double to the gap in right-center field a moment later. The Phillies struck twice in the second inning, once on a Greg Golson single and again when Golson scampered home on a passed ball.

Golson homered to left-center field off Mike Thompson in the seventh inning for the final tally.

Southpaw J.C. Romero allowed one hit and faced just batter one over the minimum in his two innings of work.

Today's Game

Tune in to the CW 57 or MLB.TV this afternoon at 1:05 to see the Phillies host the New York Yankees in their fourth Grapefruit League game.