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Last week we had readers submit questions for Chase Utley.

Read his answers here. Listen to the audio here.

So at the suggestion of GM-Carson at We Should Be GM's, I asked Mike Schmidt if he would be interested in participating. He said he would. So submit your questions for Schmidt. But please e-mail them to me here. Include your first name, first initial of your last name and city and state where you live. I'll take them for the next 24 hours, so hop to it.

The Phillies announced that closer Brad Lidge had successful surgery on his right knee today in Philadelphia.

It will be three to six weeks before he pitching for the Phillies.

Team physician Michael Ciccotti performed the surgery

"He went in and cleaned out about 15 to 18 percent of it, which leaves him a good 80 percent of the meniscus left," Phillies athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said. "For us, it really was the best case scenario that it was the only thing going on. His other side of the knee that he had repaired (Oct. 1) was fine, so it's pretty simple for us."

Brad Lidge is having surgery on his right knee today in Philadelphia.

He might not fully recover for six weeks.

The season opener is five weeks away. So if the Phillies' timetable is accurate, the worst-case scenario is that Lidge misses a week. The best-case scenario is that Lidge is pitching with a couple weeks remaining on the Grapefruit League schedule. I'm not a big believer in timetables. Tom Gordon spent 2 1/2 months on the DL last season. Brett Myers spent a little more than two months on the DL. Each of their recoveries took much longer than expected.

Of course, they had shoulder problems.

This is a knee.

Does that make a difference? The Phillies consider this surgery a minor operation, so minor that Lidge is expected to begin throwing again next week. But until he's on the mound, he's not on the mound ... ifyouknowhatimsayin'. Until Lidge is healthy, Gordon is this team's closer. The Phillies have no plans to return Myers to the bullpen.

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Jim Salisbury took a stroll to Pat Gillick's office after he heard the news about Lidge's surgery.

Gillick isn't panicking.

In fact, he seemed pretty relaxed. He had plenty of experience handling injuries after Gordon, Myers, Chase Utley, Freddy Garcia, Ryan Howard, Jon Lieber, Shane Victorino and others had them last year.

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Unless there's a catastrophe the Phillies said Myers will remain in the rotation. But here's what Myers told us yesterday about that possibility:

"First of all, the injury just happened. Let's see where Brad is at. I hope he's OK because he makes our team better, if healthy. It makes us better with him there and me in the rotation. That's why I was OK with the move.''

If they came to you and asked if you'd go back?

"I'd do whatever they ever want me to do. I'd do it. I'm a team player.''

But you've indicated you didn't want to move back and forth?

"It's early in spring training. Everyone (pitchers) is doing the same thing. I said I didn't want to be jacked around, but I like closing. It fits my personality. Whatever they want to do, I'll do it. I'd just prefer not to do it after I've made four of five starts. I'm preparing as a starter, but I'd do whatever they need."

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Kris Benson continues to see progress. So do the Phillies. But like Lidge, until he's on the mound, he's not on the mound. (The notebook isn't online today, but click the link to read it below.)

Brad Lidge is having knee surgery tomorrow in Philadelphia.

He said it will take three to six weeks to fully recover.

Lidge, who reinjured his surgically repaired right knee Saturday while throwing live batting practice at the Carpenter Complex, had a MRI today in Clearwater. He said the MRI showed "no big, new tears, nothing substantially wrong. But enough on the medial side of the knee that would warrant a scope. We're going to do a scope and clean out some of the small tears and get that done with, so it won't bother me during the season."

Lidge had two options:

1) Get the surgery.

2) Let it heal naturally.

"The scope has a pretty fast recovery time," Lidge said. "Ideally, if everything went right I wouldn't miss any of the season. That'd be a good 4 1/2 weeks (away). But that'll be based on how it feels, obviously. Right now, if this came up again during the season and we had to do it then, then you're obviously missing a big chunk of the season rather than a big chunk of spring training."

The three-to-six week timeframe is when Lidge could be throwing competitively, he said.

"The first week (after surgery) you're off it, and then you start going pretty good after that," Lidge said. "It's three to six weeks before games."

Lidge had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee Oct. 1. He entered camp with the knee about 80 percent healthy.

So how concerned should Phillies fan be about Brad Lidge's knee?

It's too early to tell.

(Update: Lidge walked into the clubhouse this morning with his knee wrapped, but seemed to be without much of a limp. Of course, walking and throwing a fastball are two totally different things. We expect an update later.)

We could learn more today. Lidge is expected to have his right knee, which he had surgically repaired after last season, examined today. He tweaked it yesterday while throwing batting practice at the Carpenter Complex. He said afterward he felt a pulling sensation. He said the knee later swelled up, and that he expects it to be sore today. He also thinks he will miss the next couple days.

Lidge's knee has been at about 80 percent this spring, but the Phillies have said the knee shouldn't be an issue and he should be ready to go on opening day March 31 ... unless yesterday's mishap is a setback or develops into a bigger problem.

Then there's trouble.

Real trouble.

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So Jim Salisbury takes the short trip to Dunedin on Friday to check out Blue Jays camp, where he runs into Scott Rolen.

So, what's new Scott?

Well, I would have accepted a trade to Philadelphia had they been able to trade for me.

Come again? Yep, Rolen, who left on bad terms in Philadelphia, was so desperate to get away from Cardinals manager Tony La Russa that he would have accepted a trade to the Phillies. The Phillies had concerns about Rolen's contract and health, and understandibly so. But could you imagine an infield for the next three seasons (Rolen's and Jimmy Rollins' contracts expire after the 2010 season -- although the Phillies have a 2011 club option for Rollins) that included Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Rollins and Rolen?

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Read Salisbury's Extra Bases.

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The Phillies said Kris Benson continues to make progress on the mound. He hopes to take another step forward today, although his ability to crack the rotation come March 31 remains a big question.

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Another Phillies commercial.

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A book about the 1977 Phillies is ready to purchase. Go here for more information.

The Phillies said it's nothing serious.

They hope so.

Closer Brad Lidge, the team's key offseason acquisition that allowed the Phillies to return Brett Myers to the rotation, limped off the field this morning after he caught his spike in the mound while throwing live batting practice on Ashburn Field at the Carpenter Complex.

Lidge had just started to throw batting practice when he stopped after he threw a pitch. Manager Charlie Manuel, pitching coach Rich Dubee and athletic trainer Scott Sheridan conferred with Lidge on the mound. Lidge then limped back into the Phillies' clubhouse with Sheridan.

Lidge had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee after last season with the Houston Astros. He has said his knee is not 100 percent, but would be able to pitch by Opening Day. The Phillies said he stopped throwing for precautionary reasons because he felt some irritation in the knee.

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A video report of Lidge's injury, which includes photo and video of the pitch and the aftermath.

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This Phillies commercial is based off Reservoir Dogs.

Last week I asked loyal Zo Zone readers -- as opposed to you communists out there -- to submit questions to Chase Utley. Well, I combed through countless questions and picked 10 of the best. A few are baseball related. Most are not. And that's why I think you'll like the Q&A with Utley in today's Inquirer.

Listen to the audio here.

My personal favorite:

Question: There are two cages over a pit of lava and both are descending. In one cage there are blueprints for revolutionary emissions-free technology. In the other is Shane Victorino. You can only save one. Which one do you save? - Greg G., Washington, DC.
Answer: OK ... I'm going to have to save my centerfielder. I'm saving my centerfielder, yes. I have his back. Hopefully he'd do the same for me.

The look on Utley's face when I asked that question was priceless. If he thought I was crazy before, he certainly thinks so today. But give the guy credit, he rolled with the punches and answered the questions well.

I plan on picking a new player, coach, manager or front office official every week for you guys -- as long as I don't get blown off, which is always a possibility. So keep checking the blog for next week's Q&A participant/victim. And remember: e-mail me your questions with your first name, first initial to your last name and residence.

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The Phillies see Carlos Carrasco as a top of the rotation starter, but he remains a few years away. Phillies assistant general manager Mike Arbuckle explains why.

"He's matured every year, but I think he still has more maturing to go," Arbuckle said. "Both physically and mentally. I think he needs another full year at the minor-league level. At least. He can alter that timetable for us by what he does, but my gut is that he needs another full year. ... But I think he can be an upper part of the rotation guy. The stuff is there. Athleticism. Body strength. All the raw ingredients you look for are there. Realistically, I don't think you know if a guy can be a No. 1 or a No. 2 until he gets there. Because you get to see their mental make up then. But the stuff is there definitely to pitch up there.")

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The Phillies have sold 250,000 individual tickets already. They had sold 150,000 at this time last year. ... Lefthander Joe Savery, the team's first-round pick last year, will start Tuesday's exhibition against Florida State at Bright House Field. He will throw two innings. ... The Phillies signed righthander Kyle Kendrick, infielders Greg Dobbs and Brad Harman and outfielder T.J. Bohn to split contracts. Split contracts mean the player is paid one amount if they are on the 25-man roster, and a different number if they are in the minor leagues.

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Yankees To Play Exhibition Game Against The Media

OK, I promise today will be the last day we talk about Ryan Howard and salary arbitration.

Really, I swear.

But because it's only one day after Howard's big victory over the Phillies, it's still worth another look.

If you're a Phillies fan, this is a big deal. It's a big deal because if you were wondering, "Why don't the Phillies just sign Howard to a multiyear contract already like Chase Utley?" you're really underestimating the situation. Because now that Howard, who is in his first year of arbitration, is earning $3 million more this year than Albert Pujols earned in his first year of arbitration, you can expect Team Howard to stick to its guns even more than before.

Not that they were pushovers to begin with.

There are indications that Howard, who acknowledged his father Ron's role in negotiations, is seeking much more than the eight-year, $136 million contract Alfonso Soriano signed last year. We're not saying it's going to approach Alex Rodriguez's last contract. But anything that totals $200 million or more isn't out of the question. Think about that for a second. That's a TON of money. And unless the Phillies suddenly decide to really pump up their payroll -- paging billionaire John Middleton -- they're going to have some terribly difficult decisions to make in the future.

Fortunately for the Phillies, Howard can't become a free agent until after the 2011 season so they have time. Unfortunately for them, they could face three more arbitration hearings with Howard. And Howard could keep producing like he has, which means his asking price will keep going up.

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Jim Salisbury tells us why yesterday's ruling is ground breaking and game changing. It absolutely is.

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Chris Coste's new book hits stores March 18. He got a look at the first official copy.

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Talked with the Sports Radio 950 Morning Show. Listen to the podcast here.

Ryan Howard has won his salary arbitration hearing against the Phillies, a baseball source told The Inquirer this morning.

He will make $10 million this season.

The Phillies had offered $7 million.

"We'll talk after," Howard said before the team's workout this morning at Bright House Field. "I've got to get dressed now."

Howard smiled easily as he talked on his cell phone outside the Phillies' clubhouse. Teammate Jimmy Rollins gave him a high five on his way back to his locker. The $10 million is a record for a player who has won a salary arbitration hearing. Alfonso Soriano earned $10 million from the Washington Nationals in 2006, but he actually lost his case after seeking $12 million. Andruw Jones had won a record $8.2 million from the Atlanta Braves in 2001.

The Phillies suffered their first loss in arbitration. They are 7-1.

Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the team negotiated with Howard's agent, Casey Close, about a contract "in a variety of lengths" as late as yesterday morning before the hearing at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg. He said they thought they were close to a deal, but it's uncertain how close.

"Close doesn't get it done, though," Amaro said.

Amaro wouldn't say if this ruling will impact the potential for a multiyear deal.

"I think it's a little fresh in our minds right now," he said. "We'll just worry about getting ready for the season and moving forward."

It is believed reaching an agreement with Howard on a multiyear contract is going to be difficult. He could be seeking a contract far in excess of the seven-year, $100 million contract extension St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols received in 2004.

"This is too fresh in our minds right now to even start dealing with that kind of stuff," Amaro said. "I think what we're focused on now is, one, it's over with. And, two, we've got to go play baseball now."

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See video of Howard and Amaro here.

Listen to audio of Howard's interview with reporters here. Listen to audio of the Amaro interview here.

Today is Decision Day.

$7 million?

$10 million?

Both sound like pretty sweet salaries to me, but if you're Ryan Howard, you definitely feel $10 million is the just number. Howard had his salary arbitration hearing yesterday at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg. Howard said a few words after the hearing before his agent, Casey Close, rushed him away.

Close said they will have more to say today. The Phillies, who detoured out a side door to avoid reporers after the hearing, also are expected to speak. It should be interesting, both in the ruling and what the parties have to say afterward.

What do we talk about after Howard's case is finished?

Baseball?

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Jimmy Rollins met with reporters yesterday at Bright House Field. He talked about his new shoes, his contract (what a bargain), the Mets, Carlos Beltran and going deeper in the playoffs this year.

Listen to audio of the complete 25-minute Rollins interview here. Or check out a five-minute video clip of the Rollins interview here.

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Scott Mathieson received good news from orthopedist Lewis Yocum about his right elbow.

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Aaron Rowand has turned Bowling with Phillies into Bowling with the Giants.

Now we wait.

Ryan Howard's salary arbitration hearing concluded a couple hours ago at a St. Petersburg hotel, but the result isn't expected until tomorrow. Howard is seeking $10 million. The Phillies have offered $7 million.

"It was cool," Howard said. "It was a different experience being in there, but as far as a result we'll find out tomorrow."

Houston Astros president Tal Smith prepared and presented the case for the Phillies. He runs Tal Smith Enterprises, which specializes in representing management in baseball arbitration cases.

"You don't leave happy until you have a result," Smith said. "Both sides would like to win, but it's not contentious. Really, it's not what people think. They think it's a lot of animosity, but that's not so. It's a debate about what's the appropriate salary. I don't think there's any ill feelings."

Howard gave conflicting signals afterward. He smiled often and said he was upbeat, but when asked for his take on the hearings after Smith said they weren't contentious, he said, "Ah, I don't know about that, but we'll see tomorrow."

But then in the next breath, he said, "I'm always upbeat. Did you think I'd be anything different? I'm always upbeat regardless. We went in. We had the process. We find out tomorrow how it goes, but either way it is what it is."

Service time no doubt was a big part of the Phillies' argument against Howard.

"That's certanly a major portion of the criteria," Smith said. "It's the length and consistency of the career. Basically that's what the discussion is about. There's no denying his performance. It's a question of how that slots in with the rest of the criteria."

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Actually got booted by some "security guard" at the hotel. But me and a couple other writers snuck back in and purchased some beverages to make ourselves official paying customers. Why is there no love for the media?

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Check out The Inquirer's video report: Jimmy Rollins meets the press.

Hey everyone, this is Jonathan Tannenwald, host of the PhilliesCast, coming to you from the mother ship on North Broad Street.

I just got word from Todd down in Clearwater that Ryan Howard's salary arbitration hearing has ended.

Howard hasn't emerged yet, but his Escalade is parked in front of the building where the hearing is taking place. Tal Smith, who prepared the case for the Phillies, said the hearing wasn't contentious.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE: Todd filed this story earlier this afternoon, and there are some good quotes in it from Smith.

"It doesn't need to be [contentious], it's nothing more than a continuation of the debate that the parties had during the negotiation [process]," he said. "I don't think it's anything degrading or demeaning at all."

Smith also discussed how Howard's three years of service in baseball factored into the hearing.

"That's certainly a major portion of the criteria - length and consistency of a career. Basically, that's what the debate is about," he said. "There's no denying his performance, it's a question of how that slots in with the rest of the criteria."

Ryan Howard's arbitration hearing has begun. It could take a long time before it concludes, but even when it does we don't expect a resolution. That might come within 24 hours.

Stay tuned.

The day is upon us.

Ryan Howard has his salary arbitration hearing today. In case you've been living under a rock for the past month, Howard is seeking $10 million from the Phillies, which would set a record for the most money won in an arbitration ruling. (Alfonso Soriano lost his case with the Nationals in 2006, but still picked up $10 million. Ah, to be a loser and still make $10 million.) The Phillies have offered Howard $7 million, which ties the most money offered a player in his first year of arbitration eligibility.

Who's the favorite?

I'm giving the Phillies a slight edge, based on their 7-0 record in arbitration cases and the fact that Howard's service time might come into play. Howard has less service time than the biggest arbitration winners: Soriano, Andruw Jones and Miguel Cabrera. But Howard's historic start to his career -- no player has hit 100 home runs faster than Howard -- could come into play.

Put it this way, I wouldn't bet my house on either side.

But what exactly happens behind those closed doors? Jim Salisbury talked with one baseball executive and two player agents about just that. It's a good look at how these things work.

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The Phillies held their first full squad workout yesterday. Charlie Manuel addressed the team, and while he thought he had given better spring training speeches, he seemed to get his message across.

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Mike Schmidt likes what he has seen so far from Pedro Feliz.

Got a question for Chase Utley?

Every week this season I would like to ask a Phillies player, coach, manager or front office official questions submitted by Inquirer readers (that's the plan, but it could blow up in my face). Utley has been kind of enough to kick off this thing for me. So if you have a question for Utley, shoot me an e-mail here. Please include your name and where you're from. They can be baseball questions, but I'd also like to mix in a few off beat questions as well. So try to be creative and have some fun with this. I'm going to shoot for 10 to 15 questions.

I'll take questions for the next 24 hours.

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Check out The Inquirer's video report from the first full squad workout here.

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Check out this week's Philliescast here.

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Click here to see video from Kyle Kendrick and Brett Myers' appearance on The Today Show.

It's hard to believe, but Pat Burrell has more tenure than any other Phillies player.

He enters his ninth season in a Phillies uniform.

This could be his last.

He talked about that possibility yesterday at Bright House Networks Field. Burrell is in the final year of a six-year, $50 million contract. It seems unlikely he returns, but you never know. It has been an up and down career for Burrell. He had a tremendous season in 2002, when he hit .282 with 37 home runs and 116 RBIs -- his first full season in the majors. The bottom fell in 2003, when he hit .209 with 21 homers and 64 RBIs. He struggled a bit in 2004, but rebounded in 2005 when he hit .281 with 32 homers and 117 RBIs.

He started last season terribly, hitting .201 on July 1 before he finished at .256 with 30 homers and 97 RBIs overall.

He said yesterday he is 100 percent open to talking with the Phillies about returning after this season. Those talks likely would not happen until after the season, if they happen at all. But Burrell seemed to have things in the proper perspective yesterday. He opened up and talked for about 30 minutes, which might be the longest stretch he has ever talked to reporters -- at least since I've been on the beat.

Maybe he's a changed man. Or maybe he senses the end is near.

Or maybe he just wanted to get us out of the way.

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A photo slideshow from Monday's workout.

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Phil Sheridan thinks the Phillies should tank tomorrow's arbitration hearing with Ryan Howard.

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In the Phillies notebook: Wes Helms talks about his future, Mike Schmidt arrives as a guest instructor, Kyle Kendrick is getting tired of talking about the prank, Eric Bruntlett arrived at camp and Scott Mathieson visited orthopedist Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles.

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Oh, yeah, today is the team's first full squad workout.

Jimmy Rollins is expected to make his first apperance this morning as well. Update: Rollins is here, and he quickly put on his Burrell shirt.

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We're not worthy! We're not worthy!

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Jim Salisbury attended the Andy Pettitte news conference in Tampa.

What a zoo.

Wes Helms met with reporters yesterday and talked about his uncertain future with the Phillies.

Listen to the interview here.

Helms appears caught in a numbers game. If the Phillies carry 12 pitchers, they have room for five bench players. Unless there is an injury those jobs appear headed to Chris Coste, Greg Dobbs, Jayson Werth, So Taguchi and Eric Bruntlett. If the Phillies carry 11 pitchers, Helms has a shot. But even then he might need to out play Chris Snelling.

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Check out The Inquirer's video report from Monday's workout here.

"So this year, to Jimmy Rollins, we are the team to beat." - Carlos Beltran

"He's just trying to pull a Jimmy, when you can't have a sequel. Sequels are always terrible." - Brett Myers

Sequels can be bad. I mentioned a couple bad ones in today's story about the Phillies' reaction to Beltran's boast. Caddyshack II and Teen Wolf Too immediately came to mind. Terrible, terrible movies.

But some sequels are good.

Aliens.

Empire Strikes Back.

(At least in my opinion.)

The Mets hope to be better than that.

At least this back and forth between the Phillies and Mets makes life more interesting this season. Rivalries make for great drama. If it takes some trash talk to get it started, fine. I like that. And while I know some players shrug off the talk, they can't ignore the energy in the stadiums in Philadelphia and New York, which absolutely feels different than the energy in Atlanta or Florida or Washington or anywhere else for that matter. These games are bigger. They mean more.

Beltran's boast just adds to it.

"Different guys have different ways to pump up their team," Mets third baseman David Wright told Mets reporters. "Personally, I don't feel the need to declare anything, because talk is cheap, especially in February."

"I thought what David Wright said was interesting," centerfielder Shane Victorino said. "Talk is cheap in February."

It might be cheap, but it'll last for the next eight months.

And that's a good thing.

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The folks at Baseball Prospectus would agree with Beltran: the Mets are the team to beat in the National League East. Its PECOTA projected 2008 standings has the Phillies finishing a distant third in the NL East at 84-78, behind the Mets (96-66) and Braves (86-76).

Baseball Prospectus has nailed the 1-2 spots in the NL East the past two seasons, so the projections can't be completely dismissed. PECOTA simply thinks the Phillies pitching staff is going to continue to struggle. The projected Phillies' rotation looks like this: Cole Hamels (14-8, 3.45 ERA last season), Brett Myers (11-7, 3.83), Kyle Kendrick (11-14, 5.35), Jamie Moyer (8-7, 4.25), and Adam Eaton (7-8, 5.18). Compare that to the projected Mets' rotation: Johan Santana (17-8, 2.94), Pedro Martinez (9-6, 3.37), John Maine (10-9, 4.03), Oliver Perez (9-8, 4.22), and Orlando Hernandez (6-6, 4.08).

But who trusts computers anyway, right?

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Jim Salisbury talks with J.C. Romero, who was a big reason why the Phillies overcame the Mets last September.

The Phillies are on the hook for just $100,000 with Kris Benson.

Jim Salisbury thinks that makes Benson a smart bet. If Benson performs like the Phillies hope, he could make as much as $5.1 million this season. But that's only if he makes 30 starts and reaches 200 innings.

It's a bargain if he does that.

If he doesn't, they obviously pay much less.

Benson's out clause says he must be on the big-league roster by March 25 or be released. But it sounds like Benson will use that clause only if he thinks there's no chance of making the team, or if the Phillies basically tell him there's no chance. If he thinks he can help the Phillies at some point, he said he'd be willing to make some starts in the minor leagues to get his arm strength back to where it needs to be.

Listen to his interview with reporters yesterday here.

Read Extra Bases from the Sunday baseball column.

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Here's the story about yesterday's prank on Kyle Kendrick. Check out the blog post from yesterday as well. Bugs & Cranks has Comcast SportsNet's Kendrick footage here.

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Read the Phillies notebook here, which includes Benson's thoughts on the stir his wife Anna Benson can create.

"It just goes along with the territory," Benson said. "It doesn't bother me one bit. Some of the stuff that's written, like I read the other day that she's a Penthouse model. Come on, man - she's not in Penthouse. Look up her name and show me some pictures where she was in Penthouse. You just run into that kind of stuff. It's not a big deal. She has fun with it. I have fun with it."

"It's entertaining. Baseball is a little boring sometimes, so you've got to spruce it up a little bit. It keeps me one my toes and keeps you guys on your toes. As long as you guys don't talk too much smack it's all good."

There will be no smack talking here.

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Any Hulkamaniacs out there? Ran into Hulk Hogan -- almost literally -- walking out of a Clearwater sushi restaurant last night. Got to be honest, I thought he'd be bigger. I mean, I think Ryan Howard definitely could throw the Hulkster around a little bit.

If I ever wrestled anybody, I think it'd have to be Hornswoggle. Brock Lesnar I am not.

Carlos Beltran has made a prediction:

“Let me tell you this: Without (Johan) Santana, we felt as a team we have a chance to win in our division. With him now, I have no doubt that we’re going to win in our division. I have no doubt in that. We’ve got what it takes. We have good chemistry as a team. He fits great because he’s a great guy. He’s one of the best pitchers in the game. Who doesn’t want to have him on any ballclub? Without him last year we did good until the end of the season. So this year, to Jimmy Rollins, we are the team to beat.”

Better back up those words, Carlos.

The Phillies traded Kyle Kendrick today.

To the Yomiuri Giants.

In Japan.

For Kobayashi Iwamura.

“Do they have good food in Japan?” a dazed Kendrick asked reporters. “I don’t know what to think right now.”

Unbelieveable, huh?

Completely unbelievable. The Phillies pulled an elaborate prank that involved Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., manager Charlie Manuel, director of team travel and clubhouse services Frank Coppenbarger, Kendrick's agent Joe Urbon, pitcher Brett Myers and pretty much everybody else in the clubhouse -- including the media, who was asked to hold an impromptu news conference at Bright House Networks Field.

Kendrick absolutely believed he had been traded to Japan. Nevermind that players can't be traded to Japan.

"Are you shocked now?" a reporter asked Kendrick.

"Yeah," Kendrick said.

"You know what I say?" Myers chimed in. "You got PUNK'D!"

The clubhouse erupted in laughter and cheers. Kendrick totally had been had.

"I've never been so happy. Seriously," Kendrick said.

Listen to Kendrick being interviewed in front of his locker HERE. Watch video HERE. Kendrick seriously is stunned, then relieved when Myers breaks the news that he's been punk'd.

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Kris Benson threw 60 pitches off the mound today. He's hopeful he can be ready to pitch by Opening Day, but he seems realistic that it might take him longer than that. Listen to the Benson interview HERE. Hang until the end to hear him talk about his wife Anna.

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Eleven players have agreed to split contracts for 2008: pitchers Joe Bisenius, Fabio Castro, Clay Condrey, John Ennis, J.A. Happ, Lincoln Holdzkom, Shane Youman and Mike Zagurski; and catchers Chris Coste, Jason Jaramillo and Carlos Ruiz.

So everybody seems a little freaked about the Ryan Howard contract stuff.

Don't be.

Relax.

Jim Salisbury puts this whole thing into perspective. He writes:

"Oh, what's that you say, he could bolt in November 2011? OK. That's four seasons away. The Phillies have won one World Series in 125 years and zero playoff games in the last 14. So pardon us if we don't break out in hives worrying about something that might - repeat, might - happen after the 2011 season.

"Don't buy all that stuff about the relationship's being irreparably fractured if the Phillies don't meet Howard's price. Money can have tremendous healing power."

Exactly. All this talk about how Howard is going to be so upset if he loses his hearing, if he doesn't get a multiyear extension immediately, is ridiculous. If he loses his hearing Wednesday and next winter the Phillies come to him with a multiyear extension he thinks is fair, he's going to sign.

Of course, word is Howard is looking for significantly more than the seven-year, $100 million contract extension Albert Pujols signed in 2004. Much more. So it's unknown if the Phillies and Howard can come to such an agreement. But the point is there is time to figure out things like that.

So relax.

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A reporter asked Howard who is calling the shots on his side: he, his parents or his agent? Howard's family has gone through three agents in recent years. One of his former agents, Larry Reynolds, actually requested a trade for Howard before the 2005 season. Howard, who wouldn't answer questions about his contract situation, declined to answer.

"Where's the speculation coming from?" Howard asked. "I want to know. I'm trying to find out who's speculating about the speculations. I mean, there's some speculations going on."

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There's a lot of talk about service time with Howard because it plays a huge role in these hearings.

He has 2 years, 145 days of service time. He also is in his first year of salary arbitration eligibility. He is seeking $10 million, which would be the highest salary ever awarded for a player to win a hearing. The Phillies have offered $7 million, which ties the most ever offered a player in his first year of arbitration eligibility.

Compare his situation to these three players:

Alfonso Soriano. He picked up $10 million from the Washington Nationals in 2006, the most ever awarded a player in an arbitration hearing. But he actually lost his hearing after seeking $12 million. He had more than five years of service time and was in his third year of arbitration.

Andruw Jones. He won a record $8.2 million from the Atlanta Braves in 2001. He had more than four years of service time and was in his second year of arbitration.

Miguel Cabrera. He won $7.4 million from the Florida Marlins in 2007. The Marlins had offered $6.7 million. He had almost four years of service time. He was in his first year of arbitration.

Howard has less service time than each of those three players. Soriano and Jones also were further along in the arbitration process. That could be a big point the Phillies make during their hearing Wednesday.

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Check out the photo slideshow from Day 2.

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Kris Benson is expected to be in camp today.

No word on Anna.

Ryan Howard ultimately met with reporters today after a media availability had been cancelled earlier this morning.

The Phillies announced this morning that after speaking with Howard's agent, Casey Close, they came to a mutual agreement that Howard would not speak to reporters about his contract status until it is resolved. Howard and the Phillies are scheduled for a salary arbitration hearing Wednesday in St. Petersburg. Howard is seeking $10 million from the Phillies, who have offered $7 million.

But Howard talked with reporters after his workout at Bright House Networks Field. He just avoided specific questions about his contract status or the situation in general.

"We're just going to wait and see what happens," Howard said. "But we can talk about spring training. ... I'm focused here. I'm focused on trying to come out here and get better and get ready for the season. All the other stuff, the outside stuff, that's outside. But I'm here. I'm working and I'm going to try to be the best I can for the team."

Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said he considered Howard's early appearance a good sign. Position players don't have to report until Tuesday.

"Oh, absolutely," Gillick said. "He doesn’t have to be here. He’s here and I think he’s getting himself ready for the 2008 season. And if there was a problem he wouldn’t be here. So consequently I think him being here is a very positive show by Ryan that he is happy with what happened last season, going to the division championship and I think he’s got his mind headed that way."

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You can listen to Howard's interview by clicking here.

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Check out The Inquirer's video report from Day 2.

I think I already got too much sun.

Ryan Howard had been scheduled to speak with reporters today.

But the Phillies said that after a conversation with Howard's agent, Casey Close, they have mutually agreed it would not be beneficial for Howard to speak with reporters about his contract situation until it is resolved. The Phillies also pointed out that an official news conference had never been scheduled. It was a "media availability."

Howard is seeking $10 million from the Phillies this season. The Phillies have offered $7 million. Unless the sides reach an agreement, they are scheduled for a salary arbitration hearing Wednesday in St. Petersburg.

You probably remember last September when Cole Hamels said he never would have spent more than a month of the season on the DL had the Phillies just hired a chiropractor like he requested.

Hamels believes very strongly in chiropractic care.

He still believes it would have helped him last year.

But Hamels received good news yesterday when he heard the Phillies are planning to hire a chiropractor for 2008. The doctor might not be on site full time, but he would be made available to the team in Philadelphia. And when the Phillies are on the road, they will use a network to allow players to seek that care on the road.

"Really?!" Hamels said. "I've always thought it was beneficial. Ever since I've used one, it's done wonders for me. This is nice. It's great that they're going out of their way to get a network going. I know I do have a bunch of guys in a vast majority of the cities that I've been able to go to. If they're able to get those guys, that's great. But it doesn't matter. They're putting in the effort, which is good. I definitely can't complain."

Hey, Hamels should be allowed to offer a cigar and rum to Jobu if he think it will help.

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Jim Salisbury has a cool story about Jamie Moyer, who is the oldest player in baseball at 45. The question everybody keeps asking about Moyer is this: how in the world can he still be pitching?

"He can hit a fly's ass from 100 yards," said Phillies special assistant to the general manager Charley Kerfeld, who pitched against Moyer in the minor leagues. "That's why he's still pitching."

Guess that's why I never made the majors. I couldn't hit J Lo from 10 yards if I tried. Oh, and I also couldn't crack 70 mph on the gun without feeling a sharp pain in my right shoulder. But I am getting pretty good at Guitar Hero III.

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Kris Benson passed his physical yesterday in Philadelphia. He could throw tomorrow in Clearwater.

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The Inquirer's video report for Day 1 of spring training. And check out a slide show from Day 1, too.

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Hamels talks to reporters about a few topics on Day 1. Listen to him here.

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Ryan Howard is scheduled to meet the press this afternoon.

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Tom Gordon took a nice first step yesterday when he threw off the mound. Gordon barely threw at all last spring, which foreshadowed a slow start to the season when he lost his closer's job and landed on the disabled list.

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ESPN.com's Jayson Stark ranks Aaron Rowand as the third-worst free agent signing in the off-season.

From The Onion ...

The Spring Training 2008 Countdown Clock has finally hit 0:00:00.

Pitchers and catchers report today.

Make no mistake: pitching remains this team's biggest issue. Sure, Charlie Manuel has said he feels much better about his bullpen. Brad Lidge, Tom Gordon, J.C. Romero and Ryan Madson seem to form a formidable four in the back of the pen. But there are questions there: Can a change of scenery really work wonders for Lidge? Is his right knee healthy? Can Gordon and Madson stay healthy for an entire season? Is Romero really as good as he pitched last year? How much can Chad Durbin help?

And the bullpen probably is this pitching staff's strength.

The rotation -- Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Kyle Kendrick, Jamie Moyer and Adam Eaton/Kris Benson/whomever -- has more question marks. Yes, the Phillies won the NL East last season despite inferior pitching. But they don't want to play that game again. They had a 4.76 ERA last year, the second-highest ERA of any playoff team in National League history.

Only the Colorado Rockies in 1995 were worse (4.97).

The Phillies beat the odds once.

Can they really beat the odds again?

You can listen to Cole Hamels give his thoughts on the start of Spring Training by clicking here.

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Benson takes his physical today in Philadelphia. He is scheduled to throw his next bullpen session Saturday in Clearwater.

According to a source with knowledge of the negotiations, Benson this season can make just over $5 million in salary, signing bonus and incentives based on time on the active roster, innings pitched, and starts.

"Hopefully sometime from opening day to the first of June somewhere in that timetable. . . he should be ready to go," Phillies director of pro scouting Chuck LaMar said.

Benson has an out clause in his contract. A player with big-league experience who signs a minor-league deal has a clause that states he must be on the 25-man roster by a certain date or be released. Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said there was a chance that Benson could pitch for triple-A Lehigh Valley but that it would be up to Benson.

That scenario seems unlikely, however. It's more likely that if Benson is not ready to start the season, he would go on the disabled list to continue to build arm strength until he is ready.

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Jim Salisbury writes about the scene inside the Phillies' clubhouse at Bright House Networks Field, where players watched the Roger Clemens Zoo on ESPN.

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Scott Mathieson received good news about his right elbow Tuesday in Philadelphia. He thinks he could be throwing again late next week.

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The Phillies found special T-shirts in their lockers yesterday. On the front was this exact picture of Pat Burrell with "Man or Machine?" written under it. The message on the back was "Winning Starts Now." It seems every spring somebody makes some sort of motivational t-shirt for the team. I remember Larry Bowa made "Now Is The Time" t-shirts before the 2004 season. Relief pitchers bought superhero t-shirts in 2006 to play off Flash Gordon's success as a closer.

We'll see if these motivate anybody.

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David Aldridge was in DC for the Clemens mess. Phil Sheridan offers his take on the hearings as well. He said the more Clemens speaks, the less he is believable. I agree. You just can't believe that guy.

The Phillies have come to minor-league contract agreement with free agent righthander Kris Benson.

The contract is pending a physical.

The Phillies have seen Benson throw three times this off-season: once in December and twice recently in private sessions with Phillies scout Chuck LaMar. LaMar said today Benson only is throwing at 60 to 70 percent, which makes it seem doubtful he can break camp with a spot in the Phillies rotation. In fact, LaMar said Benson could be ready anywhere from Opening Day to June 1.

You can listen to LaMar's interview with reporters by clicking here.

You can also listen to Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., talk about the Benson signing by clicking here.

One of the team's most important pitchers arrived at camp yesterday:

Adam Eaton.

That's right, Eaton.

OK, he pitched terribly last year. But while he certainly isn't the most popular pitcher in Philadelphia, the Phillies badly need him to bounce back from his 2007 struggles. Because while the Phillies appear comfortable with Cole Hamels and Brett Myers at the top of their rotation, there are question marks the rest of the way with Kyle Kendrick (sophomore slump?), Jamie Moyer (oldest player in baseball) and Eaton (6.29 ERA last season).

And remember what happened last year.

They had six starters (Hamels, Myers, Moyer, Eaton, Freddy Garcia and Jon Lieber) and just one (Moyer) went the entire season without a trip to the DL.

Crazy things can happen.

So to think the Phillies don't need a big bounce back from Eaton -- to think he isn't be a key factor to this team's success -- is inaccurate. He thinks he can turn things around. He talked about physical and personal issues that might have contributed to his problems last year.

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But the Phillies aren't pinning their hopes on Eaton, either. There's a very good chance Kris Benson is in camp with the Phillies before the weekend. If he signs, he will be competing with Eaton for that last spot in the rotation.

"We have made significant progress over the last 24 hours," said Benson's agent, Gregg Clifton. "There is a very good possibility that in the next 24 to 36 hours, Kris will have an opportunity to reach an agreement with the Phillies."

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Ah, simpler times. Courtesy of Randball.

Found this on Bugs & Cranks.

Found this at The 700 Level.

Where is this old Phillies commercial?

The Phillies could reach a conclusion in the Kris Benson sweepstakes as early as tomorrow.

The Phillies continue to talk with Benson’s agent, Gregg Clifton, about a one-year contract. Benson has thrown for the Phillies three times this off-season: once in December and twice recently in private sessions with Phillies scout Chuck LaMar.

If Benson, who missed last season recovering from right shoulder surgery, signs with the Phillies, he would compete for a starter’s job with Adam Eaton, Chad Durbin, J.D. Durbin and Travis Blackley.

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Righthander Scott Mathieson could have suffered another setback to his surgically repaired right elbow. He has experienced more discomfort there, and was scheduled to see team physician Michael Ciccotti today in Philadelphia. Mathieson is likely to see orthopedist Lewis Yocum in the near future.

“Hopefully we’ll find out good news from that,” Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.

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Lefthander Mike Zagurski still isn’t 100 percent after he had surgery last year to repair a torn hamstring. He will be slowed this camp.

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Lefthander Matt Smith still is recovering from Tommy John surgery last year. He will not be competing this spring.

I made it.

My luggage made it, too. That's always a trick when flying US Airways.

Phillies pitchers and catchers open camp Thursday, but many already have arrived like Cole Hamels and Adam Eaton. So have position players like Pat Burrell, Chase Utley and Chris Coste. (Coste's book comes out March 18, by the way. Random House is the publisher and it sounds like they're going to promote the hell out of it.)

Phillies officials, including coaches, have been in meetings the entire day, so there's not much action going on here. But I promise to try to come up with something entertaining every day.

Or at least mildly entertaining.

Or maybe just informative, but you get the idea. I'll try.

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Thanks to the suggestions from renaming The Zo Zone. I have notified The Powers That Be what my favorite name is.

Hopefully we'll have an announcement soon.

The Zo Zone has been very successful since we launched in April.

In fact, it's one of the most popular blogs at philly.com.

Maybe in the entire world.

Thank you.

But The Powers That Be have asked me to rename the blog. Why? Because The Zo Zone doesn't exactly scream, "It's a Phillies blog! It's a Phillies blog!" But because I couldn't come up with anything I liked, I'm asking you. What should we call this thing? So please post your suggestions here. I'll pick the winner. Of course, there's one catch: the word "Phillies" must be in the title. Now I know that's going to hurt the creativity aspect of this contest, but thems the rules.

Putting "Phillies" in the title accomplishes two things:

1) It makes the blog easier to find on search engines and draws more traffic to the site. That's important because I get a buck for every hit. OK, I get nothing, but I'm a team player so let's make it happen.

2) If I get hit in the head with a foul ball and go into a coma, the blog lives on without me. In other words, we can't have Joe Shmoe authoring The Zo Zone ... although, I hear he does fine work.

The prize for the winner(s)?

Pride!

Bragging rights!

Yeah!

So let's go, folks.

The Phillies open spring training Thursday, when pitchers and catchers report to camp in Clearwater.

Finally, huh?

The Phillies have several issues this spring, but none bigger than Ryan Howard's contract status.

I examined his situation in Sunday's Inquirer. First, Howard is seeking $10 million in salary arbitration while the Phillies are offering $7 million. It seems like they are headed to a hearing Feb. 20 in St. Petersburg. The parties are far apart in those talks, and in long term contract negotiations. Howard is seeking much more than the seven-year, $100 million contract extension Albert Pujols received from the St. Louis Cardinals in 2004. It's a contract that likely would well surpass the eight-year, $136 million contract Alfonso Soriano received from the Chicago Cubs before last season.

That's a lot of moolah.

Howard has every right to ask for that money. He's one of the most feared hitters in baseball and already has accomplished so much in a short period of time. But because he cannot become a free agent until after 2011, it will be tough to get the Phillies to pay him $150 million over seven years, for example. This is the way baseball's economic system works. Teams have the advantage before a player reaches free agency. Players have the advantage once they reach free agency. It's a system both parties agreed to. The reason Soriano got that much is because he was a free agent. So it's hard to see the Phillies giving Howard a more lucrative deal than Soriano when Howard is four seasons away from free agency.

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Here are some other issues the Phillies face this spring.

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Here is the Phillies' spring training roster.

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Jim Salisbury takes a look at the national baseball scene for spring training.

Ryan Howard has teamed up with adidas and Dick's Sporting Goods for a "Pop-In" campaign, where Howard shows up at youth baseball practices unannounced.

Click here, then click “Watch Video” in the upper right and click on the Howard “Pop-In” 2 minutes. It's pretty entertaining stuff.

The Phillies continue to talk with Gregg Clifton, who is the agent for free agent righthander Kris Benson.

The Phillies have seen Benson throw three times this offseason, once in December with several teams and twice recently in private sessions. Today could be an important day in their negotiations because Benson is scheduled to throw for a handful of teams tomorrow. If other teams like what they see, it could drive up his asking price. But Benson has indicated that he wants to play in Philadelphia, so perhaps that won't be a major factor.

But the Phillies feel Benson is healthy enough to continue talks with Clifton. They certainly could use some depth in their rotation, and a little competition for Adam Eaton wouldn't hurt.

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The first Philliescast of 2008 is up. From what I hear, you can actually subscribe to this podcast through iTunes. So, yes, you can download the Philliescast and hear my melodic voice while you're at the gym -- I guarantee my voice will help you lift twice as much as you ever had lifted before (for me that's going from a 20-pound bench press to a 40-pound bench press) -- or trying to fall asleep.

From a Phillies news release:

"Infielder Eric Bruntlett avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract with the Phillies, Assistant General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today.

"Bruntlett, 29, will earn $600,000 this season, plus performance bonuses.

"Acquired from Houston this past November, Bruntlett hit .246 with 14 RBI in 80 games for the Astros last season. In 320 career games, he has a .250 average with nine home runs and 50 RBI. He was a ninth-round selection by Houston in the 2000 draft out of Stanford University.

"Additionally, to make room for third baseman Pedro Feliz on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated righthander Anderson Garcia for assignment."

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Obviously, Ryan Howard remains unsigned and likely headed to arbitration Feb. 20.

Could the Phillies have more interest in righthander Kris Benson than they have let on?

It seems that way.

Benson has thrown privately twice for Phillies scout Chuck LaMar in the past week. LaMar apparently has liked what he has seen because Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the Phillies have interest in Benson. Benson, who missed last season because of shoulder surgery, is looking for a one-year contract with incentives.

That's a low-risk, high-reward contract for the Phillies, if they're confident Benson's arm is healthy.

Are they convinced enough?

If they are, it's worth a shot. Unless they're absolutely convinced Adam Eaton is going to bounce back, and I don't think they are.

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Because the Phillies have absolutely no bragging rights over the Red Sox, maybe this shirt would be appropriate come the Phils/Sox series June 16-18 at Citizens Bank Park?

Then again, maybe not.

It's not like the Eagles have bragging rights over anybody either, you know?

It's Super Bowl Sunday.

That means baseball is off the radar. But fortunately for you and me, Jim Salisbury's Sunday baseball notes come through in the clutch.

My personal favorites from the column:

III. The Johan Santana trade affected the odds in Las Vegas. According to Las Vegas Sports Consultants Inc., the favorite Mets opened at 4-1 to win the National League pennant and went to 5-2 after the trade. The Cubs are next at 9-2 and the Phillies third at 15-2, up from 6-1 after the trade.

V. Our spies tell us former Phils closer Ricky Bottalico beaned a hitter in fantasy camp. It was accidental, and everyone lived to laugh about it.

XXI. Baseball America ranks the Phillies' farm system 22d out of 30 teams.

XXII. The Phils have a chance to do some significant restocking of their system in the June draft, provided they're willing to spend on top talent. They have three picks in the top 50 and six in the top 107.

XXV. There's not much interest in Wes Helms, so look for him to be in camp for a while with the Phils.

XXVI. The White Sox are counting on former Phillie Gavin Floyd to hold down a spot in their rotation.

XXVII. While all indications point to Ruben Amaro Jr. becoming the Phillies' GM after this season, it's worth noting that Yankees GM Brian Cashman is entering the final year of his contract. Cashman admitted to having the Phillies' job on his radar screen when it went to Pat Gillick in November 2005. At that time, Cashman wasn't sure if his contract with the Yankees would be renewed.

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Enjoy the game today. Or if you're a Packers fan like me and suffered through the NFC Championship game a couple weeks ago -- in person, I might add -- enjoy beverages that help numb the pain.

Even though there appeared to be stumbling blocks along the way, you had to know the Mets and Johan Santana would agree to a contract extension.

Read more about the deal in the New York Post.

The Phillies introduced Pedro Feliz at a news conference yesterday at Citizens Bank Park.

Feliz must be looking forward to hitting at the Bank, although he downplayed it a bit.

But how about this quote from Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.: "We feel like we shored up the best infield in baseball."

Other tidibts from Jim Salisbury's story:

- The Phils haven't closed the door on re-signing free-agent pitcher Kyle Lohse, although Amaro Jr. said the likelihood was "fairly low."

- The team plans to take another look at Kris Benson when the free-agent pitcher throws for scouts again next week.

- Amaro on the Mets' pending acquisition of two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana: "There's no question, if he's on that club, he'll help them. He's one of the best in the game. But we have to focus on our club." Asked whether the Phils tried to get Santana from Minnesota, Amaro said only, "We inquire about every available starting pitcher."

A baseball source with knowledge of Santana's thinking said the pitcher would not waive his no-trade clause to come to Philadelphia. That deal was never in the cards, however, since the Phils have neither the minor-league prospects to get Santana nor the inclination to meet the pitcher's reported demands of a long-term contract worth about $20 million per season. General manager Pat Gillick repeatedly has expressed a reluctance to sign pitchers to contracts of more than three years.

- The Phillies signed two international players - Czech infielder Jakub Sladek, 17, and Australian pitcher Todd Van Steensel, 17.