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.
*
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.
*
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.
Comments (61)
I don't see the motivation potential unless the Phillies are all gay and in love with Pat Burrell.
A better motivational t-shirt would be just the number 717. A reminder of the Mets epic collapse last year.
Posted by Joe | February 14, 2008 8:34 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 08:34
No one is a bigger fan of Pat the Bat than me, but there's something slightly... disturbing about that photo. Can't quite put my finger on it...
Posted by John in LA | February 14, 2008 8:36 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 08:36
"Man or machine?" "How about 2nd half Pat"
or "Here's me after the All Star break?" or "Now I'm serious, this is a contract year"
Posted by Anonymous | February 14, 2008 8:37 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 08:37
Actually, Jimmymack might be a bigger fan of Pat the Bat than me.
Posted by John in LA | February 14, 2008 8:38 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 08:38
That picture is disturbing, yet hilarious! Especially with that caption "Man or Machine?" The t-shirt has to be some sort of joke by one of the guys on the team?
Posted by Tim | February 14, 2008 8:52 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 08:52
Anybody have that Pat Burrell image larger... I'd love to make my own Tee. (i'm being serious)
He's sooo Dreamy!!!
GO PHILS!
Posted by RJ | February 14, 2008 8:58 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 08:58
Dreamy? Have you seen him play recently? Nightmarey would be a better description.
Posted by Pops Serutan | February 14, 2008 9:08 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 09:08
I already know what Truth is going to say.
He'll say something like,
Typical Phillies, while teams like the Red Sox are winning World Series and teams like the Mets are signing Johan Santanas, the Phillies are handing out t-shirts to their players to motivate them.
You're all a bunch of sheep.....blah, blah, blah.
Posted by Joe | February 14, 2008 9:15 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 09:15
John...not that there's anything wrong with that...LOL. But my daughters already called me, they love the picture. Good for the blog to hear from ya buddy.
Based on his last few years, I would have put a caption "anyone seen this man"? on front dated April-June then his picture on back with July-Sept.
Joe is right, Truth will say we could have used the T-shirt money to pay Ryan Howard more money.
Thank God, baseball is back. Is it just me or does everyone feel giddy? I'd still like to see Todd do a day in the life string on what it is like covering spring training.
Posted by jimmymack | February 14, 2008 9:40 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 09:40
He should be called "Burrell the Butcher" for his exceptional OF defense.
Posted by The Wiz | February 14, 2008 9:45 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 09:45
Jimmymack, I'm giddy and psyched for the season to start too. I'd feel a whole lot better if the pitching situation was a little more solid but, as every year, I'm blindly optimistic.
Posted by Joe | February 14, 2008 9:49 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 09:49
Hey, I'm not gay, but let's look on the bright side...the T-shirt could have had Charlie in that pose.
Posted by Anonymous | February 14, 2008 10:10 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 10:10
Truth = LOSER
Let me just get that in before he posts anything.
Posted by Bob | February 14, 2008 10:11 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 10:11
I guess they scrapped the Mike Zugurski shirt. Can you picture Zagurski in that pose? The shirt is disturbing, whose idea was it? It's sort of gay, who would wear it besides a chick?
Posted by Case | February 14, 2008 10:12 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 10:12
Man or Strike out Machine?
Pat should worry more about taking the ball to rightfield than a Playgirl shoot!
Posted by Kev | February 14, 2008 10:25 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 10:25
I would sell my mom to get one of those t-shirts. I would wear it with pride.
Posted by Clare | February 14, 2008 10:35 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 10:35
I'm a Burrell fan, but that pose just screams gay.
Posted by Bryan | February 14, 2008 10:37 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 10:37
Who was the wiseacre in the Phils clubhouse who made up and distributed that shirt?
Could Chuck LaMarr have given a wider range for the timetable on Benson's readiness to take the mound. I can see the Notes now:
"Tuesday, Kris Benson will be cleared for long toss..."
"Next week Benson is expected to begin throwing from in front of the mound..."
"According to the training staff, the stiffness Benson is experiencing is the result of him pushing himself too hard..."
"Tuesday, Benson can resume stretching and long toss..."
"Benson could pitch a minor league rehab start by sometime before the All-Star break..."
etc.
Posted by frankenslade | February 14, 2008 10:43 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 10:43
Somebody photoshopped that head shot on Burrell's body.......
Posted by Mark Johnson | February 14, 2008 10:57 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 10:57
Mark, not only did they photoshop but they airbrushed and shadowed as well-lol
The Phillies are too much!
Posted by Truth | February 14, 2008 11:18 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 11:18
I love that the Phils are a fun loving group of guys...makes me think of the successful '93 squad. World Series in '08? I hope!
Posted by GM-Carson | February 14, 2008 11:19 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 11:19
Can't remember this much excitement surrounding spring training, its great!
On a side note, havent we all forgiven Burrell after his second half last year?
Posted by RG | February 14, 2008 11:22 AM
Posted on February 14, 2008 11:22
Burrell and Lidge are playing for contracts, we all remember how Rowand performed in the same situation last year. Benson doesn't need to be ready until June-July. He is an insurance policy and that's all. Someone should send a "Burrell Shirt" to Billy Wagner's wife, that would set him off!
Posted by Case | February 14, 2008 12:06 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 12:06
I'd be little concerned if anyone actually puts on that shirt.
Might be worse than the "Glenbo" ads with Glenn Wilson back in '86 -- that pretty much guaranteed that his productivity would go straight down the dumper from that point on.
Posted by West Coast Jones | February 14, 2008 12:14 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 12:14
OK. I'm dumb. I love anything that makes fun of the Mets, but why 717?
I seriously hope the shirt is a joke, esp with Burrell being the poster boy.
Posted by TD | February 14, 2008 1:08 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 13:08
next week it'll be jose mesa and charlie manuel in a pool of mud
Posted by Anonymous | February 14, 2008 1:24 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 13:24
for the record...I don't think the real "Truth" wrote the above...he would have stated the phillies were classless
Posted by Bryan | February 14, 2008 1:33 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 13:33
Man, there definitely are a lot of people on this board with no sense of humor. That shirt of Burrell is one of the funnier things I've seen recently--would love to have one.
And I definitely second the notion of sending one of those to Wagner or his wife.
Posted by Grizzle | February 14, 2008 1:33 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 13:33
OK, the Phils have Kris. Now we need Colon. After all, he could pitch in Clearwater until Sept. then we go for the kill! The real issue is , will Eaton actually have a decent Spring and will he be the guy who clinches the 5th spot. If Benson is going to get 5 million, he better be throwing hard at the end of Training and ready to do the 5th role. Pitching for Allentown et al is just silly. We need a guy who can fill that role in April.
Posted by Glenn Koons | February 14, 2008 1:41 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 13:41
Everyone, I'm gay.
Posted by Truth | February 14, 2008 2:17 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 14:17
L. Hernandez = 5mil. Benson = 5mil.
L Hernandez > Benson
I am no mathlet but that makes sense to me.
Why did not snatch up Livan when he was an innings eater, and you know the brass loves that buzz word, at a realistic price?
Posted by Kev | February 14, 2008 2:24 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 14:24
TD, 717 is refering to 7 games ahead with 17 to play. The monumental collapse of 2007.
Truth, this blog is about baseball, the Phillies to be more specific. Most of the people here are fans of the team and want to talk about the upcoming season, players, potential free agent signings, trades, and anything else related to the Phillies.
Posted by Joe | February 14, 2008 2:28 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 14:28
I was under the impression that Benson signed a minor league/incentive laden deal. Is this not a truth?
I did read that if he is not on 25 man roster opening day he can void the deal. If he sticks does he get 5 mil?
Pls advise.
Posted by Truth | February 14, 2008 2:31 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 14:31
Sounds like Benson can earn a maximum of $5m. Hernandez signed for $5 and can earn another $2m in incentives. There is not much risk with Benson's deal. Livan's $5m is guaranteed. I wonder what Lohse will get...the clock is ticking Mr. Boras!
Posted by Case | February 14, 2008 2:37 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 14:37
Thanks Joe.
I agree with the sentiment, but this year needs to be about the Phils and how they are going to challenge themselves.
Posted by TD | February 14, 2008 2:37 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 14:37
Livan was also a group B free agent and would have cost the Phils a draft pick. They currently have 3 of the top 49 picks and are looking to rebuild the system.
Posted by RG | February 14, 2008 2:43 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 14:43
That pic is some funny sh!t, I laghed my a$$ off!! Totally has to be a joke on Pat, just wonder who was the culprit? My guess, Victorino!
Posted by clinton, nj | February 14, 2008 2:59 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 14:59
Group B free agents do not cost teams draft picks...
Posted by Neduol Caz | February 14, 2008 3:15 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 15:15
From what I've read, Case is right about the Benson deal. Benson will have to play for his 5 million while Hernandez is guaranteed it.
Benson signed a minor league/incentive laiden deal. If he is not on 25 man roster opening day he can void the deal.
I'd still rather have seen Hernandez signed.
Posted by Joe | February 14, 2008 3:16 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 15:16
Would not have cost them a pick for Livan, the rule changed, type B yields a sandwich round pick.
I like the Benson move, the 5 mill is the max based on incentives. If he never gets added to the team, I suspect he gets very little. If he is healthy, he can be more effective than Livan. His numbers last year weren't much better than Eaton, except his hitting may have been somewhat better.
Posted by Notorious C.R.M. | February 14, 2008 3:18 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 15:18
Thanks for the correction, my mistake.
Posted by RG | February 14, 2008 3:22 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 15:22
Hernandez numbers weren't much better than Eaton? Can anyone verify this?
Posted by Joe | February 14, 2008 3:38 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 15:38
That picture was actually a screensaver the Phillies had available on their website a few years ago for fans to download for free, so it is a real official pic.
Posted by L | February 14, 2008 3:44 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 15:44
Hernandez: 204IP, 11W-11L, 4.93 ERA, 247 Hits
Eaton: 161IP, 10-10, 6.29 ERA, 192 Hits
Posted by Case | February 14, 2008 3:55 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 15:55
You can pretty much assume 200 IP for Hernandez he has a rubber arm.
Eaton will be on the DL/laughed outta town by June 1st....
Big difference!
Take off the rose colored glasses.
Posted by Truth | February 14, 2008 4:10 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 16:10
Livan is money in the post-season, but he was a bit of a mutt during the regular season last year. #5 Pitchers don't make or break your season. Hamels-Myers-Kendrick have to be effective or it won't matter if Steve Carlton is our #5. Eaton should have a better season, if not, Benson will be in the rotation.
Posted by Case | February 14, 2008 4:26 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 16:26
Benson will pitch in the minors, maybe this year. His contract offers him little more than people who care rooting for him...I will say this once more. Hammel is in trouble right now! If he is active 1/2 a season it will be a miracle. Give a healthy pitcher a contract now, or there won't be any to be found come April....
Posted by jay segovia | February 14, 2008 4:30 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 16:30
Ok, first fo all, Jay, it's HAMELS, not Hammel and second of all, what makes you think he's "in trouble"? Just an FYI, if Hamels gets hurts, there is not and won't be anyone out there to replace him anyway.
Truth, you were talking about the Phillies signing "retreads" like Lohse and Benson the other day and you're going to bring up Livan Hernandez' name?!?!? C'mon now...he's a perfect example of a retread. Like I said before, you're a joke!
Posted by Bill | February 14, 2008 5:30 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 17:30
I don't think 717 would be a good inspirational shirt... I think 28 or 2-8 would be better to remind the Phillies they not only started last April 2-8 but they started 1-6 in 2006 and 2004, and 1-3 in 2005.
Heck they were even 1-6 at one point last year. That way whenever they see the number on the shirt they remember how poorly they been starting all these years and work that much harder and are that much more determined to win.
Sorta like when the Titans lost the Superbowl by 1 yard they all had 1 More Yard t-shirts the following training camp.
Posted by Chewy59 | February 14, 2008 7:16 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 19:16
Enough of the Pat Burrell cheese shot. Save it for Men's Health magazine. We need him to hit in the clutch not flex in the hutch.
"Pat the Bat" keeps posing like that he won't be sitting down much this season. Let's move on to baseball and not pocketball.
Posted by TonyO | February 14, 2008 7:29 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 19:29
RJ....Here's a Google link to that pic. Enjoy!
http://bp1.blogger.com/_5mxw-sYc_F0/RjA6jC3XhcI/AAAAAAAADXs/Nth-cSCU4TM/s1600-h/pat_burrell1l.jpg
Posted by Norma | February 14, 2008 7:39 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 19:39
Truth, What size tee do you wear? I'll try to cop one for you when I'm in Clearwater!
Posted by Norma | February 14, 2008 7:41 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 19:41
Case, LOVE the idea of sending a tee to Wagner's wife!!!!
Wonder if the pic could be downloaded and then have Pat's image printed on a slew of other things to send to Mrs. Wagner. Maybe a nightie and pillowcase. LOL!
Posted by Norma | February 14, 2008 7:44 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 19:44
Let's say Benson in his prime threw a 90 mph heater. According to the F.O. types he is throwing only at 60-70 percent of his former self. A 75 mph fast ball will not get it done other than in the local twilight leagues. This guy is done. Let's be honest. He is not coming back anytime soon. He can only be on the DL for 60 days. So lets move on to someone who can throw in the 90's now like a Rosario or a Holdzkom and see what they can do for that final starting and bullpen spots.
Posted by Steve D | February 14, 2008 8:29 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 20:29
Awesome... Thanks for the link Norma.
I'm making the T-shirt.
Posted by RJ | February 14, 2008 8:38 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 20:38
You're welcome, RJ!
Posted by Norma | February 14, 2008 9:07 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 21:07
Norma, you naughty girl, wanting to send things like that to poor Mrs. Wagner, LOL!
I, on the other hand, would love to have that pic on my pillow and nightie...Just bought some t-shirt transfer paper to try at home...Hmmm...maybe I should get busy.
Posted by Patch57 | February 14, 2008 10:01 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 22:01
The chicks will love that shirt. Major League players don't need motivational shirts and sayings. That's for junior high. The Phils are gonna sell that tee shirt to teenage girls. Man they'll make a bundle.
Benson could be a good signing. He was 10 - 11 for a pretty bad Orioles team last year. Granted his arm strength has to come back but it will. All the Phils need in the last 3 spots in their rotation are three consistent pitchers. Guys who keep you in the game nearly every time their day comes up. Benson fits that role.
What a great time of year. What's better than the start of Spring Training. Hot Damn!! It's gonna be fun.
Posted by johnny p | February 14, 2008 10:51 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 22:51
Pat The Cheese Man. He looks good in the cheesecake shot and has more holes in his swing than a slice of swiss cheese.
Posted by Peter M | February 14, 2008 11:20 PM
Posted on February 14, 2008 23:20
Chase Utley stole the idea for these shirts from my group of friends. We had the same exact picture with the same exact slogan. I would like for Chase Utley to admit stealing this idea.
Posted by Joe Philly | February 15, 2008 6:33 PM
Posted on February 15, 2008 18:33
I have just read all the posts hear until now. This was my idea. I created this idea because it was a ridiculous nonsense picture. Chase Utley is a thief. Come up with your own ideas Chase. Matter of fact why don't you pay for the strippers you take to the Champaign Room. Instead you should use a cheese eating line like "I had the winning hit in todays game against the Met's so I don't have to pay for anything." Oh wait you did use that line. Loser!!!!
Posted by DVON | February 15, 2008 6:39 PM
Posted on February 15, 2008 18:39