Sunday was an exaggerated disaster but today the games that matter only slightly more begin. Grapefruit League play opens up today in Clearwater for the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees.
1. Phillies open Grapefruit League play today vs. Yankees
Two days after losing to University of Tampa, the Phillies get started with the Grapefruit League schedule with a home game in Clearwater against the New York Yankees. Cliff Lee will get the start, so expect an inning or maybe two before he gets the rest of the day off. You can watch the game live on Comcast Sportsnet or catch the replay on MLB Network tonight. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. from Bright House Network Field.
2. No Utley this week
This is hardly breaking news, but the Phillies will let Chase Utley take it easy this week. Utley said earlier he hurt his ankle when he slipped on a baseball in the offseason. I’ll choose to believe Utley hurt his ankle while slip-sliding with Pat Burrell but believe Utley if you wish. Whatever the story, Utley will stay out of the lineup this week.
3. Howard hitting fourth
With Utley out of the line-up, Ryan Howard will continue to stay in his fourth spot in the line-up. This is the position Howard has batted out of for the large majority of his career, and Utley’s absence will not affect that in Game one of the Grapefruit League season.
4. What to do with Ruf?
With Ryan Howard being locked in the role of everyday first baseman by manager Ryne Sandberg, what exactly is the plan for Darin Ruf? Ruf played left field on Sunday, and it is a position the Phillies have placed him before, but is that really the best option? If Howard were out of the picture then this is a completely different story, but it looks like Ruf will be splitting time in the outfield and backing up Howard when needed. There really is not much else that can be done.
5. Revere needs to bunt more
The Phillies brought Ben Revere back this year, and I am OK with this. He will still be a liability with his arm in center field, and that is a problem. But I am intrigued to see what he does offensively this season. Revere says he wants to use the bunt to his advantage more this season, and I think that is good to know. If Revere is going to be leading off, he needs to get on base. He needs to walk more, hit singles and doubles and find a way to use speed off a solid bunt.
6. What does Biddle do this spring?
One of the players I am most interested in this spring is young pitcher Jesse Biddle. After things went down hill for him last year on and off the field, it is my hope that a new spring brings a fresh approach to the game that serves him well in getting back on track.
7. Phillies fans already giving up on 2015
When the Phillies lost to University of Tampa the other day, everybody got a good laugh at the expense of the Phillies. I am not sure how many fans were anticipating this being a World Series season, but fans are already ready to jump off the bandwagon. It’s OK though, you will all be welcome back on with open arms in September (says the eternal optimist while trying to keep a straight face).
8. Phillies Nation ranks top 25 Phillies prospects
Jay Floyd does good work. Go read it over on Phillies Nation.
9. Is Charlie Brown the worst manager ever?
Yes. Yes he is. That said, in his defense, Charlie Brown can only work with the players he is given and he has a dog at one position and an outfielder that makes Bobby Abreu look like a Gold Glove winner.
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