Posted by Pat Gallen, Sun, February 19, 2012 04:28 PM | Comments: 6
2012 Spring Training, Analysis, News, Opinion, Posts
-As you know, Kyle Kendrick has signed a two-year contract to stick around with the team. Ruben Amaro Jr. has often times talked about cost certainty, and this signing seems to fall within that category.
HOWARD AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
As the beats have announced today from Clearwater (we are not there, but will be for a week in March), Ryan Howard is ahead of schedule according to Charlie Manuel. He’s is schedule to take swings within the next few days. This is fantastic news, although it should be taken with a large heap of caution.
The Phillies will not rush Howard back if they don’t have to. They should be able to stay afloat long enough. David Hale of the Wilmington News Journal says mid-May and I happen to agree with that. Although, Chase Utley was back earlier than expected last year (probably because no one had any timetable on him), this injury is more serious. Howard is a big boy and needs that achillies for the long-haul. No rush.
THOME IN AWESOME SHAPE
There has been a lot of talk – most notably from Jonathan Papelbon – that Jim Thome might be in the best shape anyone has ever seen. It appears Thome is serious about playing a couple of days a week at first base. Jim Jam will get at least 100 at-bats as a pinch hitter, perhaps more, according to Charlie Manuel. The Phillies skipper is hoping for 200 total AB’s for the season.
Again, it remains to be seen how much Thome can give, but if he’s in that sort of shape, it’s only a positive.
UTLEY WILL BE RESTED
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. The Phillies plan on lightening Chase Utley’s load during Spring Training, keeping him and his knee fresh for the long season ahead.
It’s obviously the right move, and really the only move. No sense in having Utley overwork that leg in meaningless ballgames. If he didn’t appear in half the Spring Training games on the Phillies schedule, I’m not sure anyone would care. It looks like the team is taking a very cautious approach…finally. However, he’ll still need plenty of rest during the regular season, too.
If we set the over/under at 140 games for Utley during the regular season, which bet would you place?
CONTRERAS TO THROW
Jose Contreras hasn’t thrown off a mound yet, but that day seems to be approaching. As you know, Contreras missed much of last year with elbow trouble, and has begun a throwing program. He’ll likely throw from in front of the mound on Monday. If they can get this guy 100% healthy for the season, this bullpen could be quite formidable. All about health.
Reports from The Philadelphia Inquirer and Wilmington News Journal were used.
6 CommentsPosts: 0 Brandon Conver
ill take the over on utley and say they play him 150-155 games barring injury
Reply to this PostFlag commentPosted: 05:55 PM on February 19, 2012Posts: 0 Chris
I wonder how many people are in the best shape of their life going into Spring Training.
Reply to this PostFlag commentPosted: 05:59 PM on February 19, 2012Posts: 1306 Pat Gallen
I’m not sure this is always the case. Thome probably went way harder this offseason knowing he might have to play a little 1B.
Reply to this PostFlag commentPosted: 06:10 PM on February 19, 2012Posts: 0 Chris
I think that’s a very real possibility it’s just funny how many “best shape of their life” stories you here every year at this time.
Reply to this PostFlag commentPosted: 06:34 PM on February 19, 2012Posts: 0 Jeff Dowder
All across the country, the two most reported baseball stories over the next few weeks will be “Player X is in the best shape of his life” and “Player Y is way ahead of his rehab schedule”. Just sayin’…
Reply to this PostFlag commentPosted: 06:01 PM on February 19, 2012Posts: 547 Brian Sr. of CO
Not sure what to make of the Utley thing. Last year I said it was probably just precautionary, and he will be fine for Opening Day. We will see. If this year is different, then great! Over/Under 140? Damn near 14 I would say. Granted the report is correct, and they are just going light because of last season, and not because of a re-occurance, I would say over, but only by a SMALL number of games. say 141. Howard? Do NOT rush him, which then leads to Thome. Who cares if a large number of organizations will be saying that about aging players. If it is correct, Pat said it best. “it’s only a positive.” I am sure the Tigers fans are happy to see the same report about Miguel Cabrera. We shall see if Thome’s back can hold up for a game or 2 a week, but if he really has worked harder to get in shape, thats great, and should help his back and his play/hitting regardless.
Reply to this PostFlag commentPosted: 07:14 PM on February 19, 2012 Leave a Comment>> Create a new Phillies Nation account. >> Already registered with Phillies Nation? Log in here. >> Comment without logging in:
Name (required)
Email (will not be published) (required)
Leave a comment below
Please ensure your comments comply with our Comment Policy. .load-hide{display:none} NetworkPostsActivity Login to your Phillies Nation account to comment and access your Network dashboard.
Username:
Password:
Don't have an account? Create a new one here >>
Week In Review - Where Do I BeginPhillies, Kendrick Agree to Two-Year PactJoin Phillies Nation on Road Trips this Season!Your Guide to Spring Training in Clearwater, FLStark on 97.3 ESPN: Utley's Health, Blanton, NL EastThe 2012 Non-Roster Invites: Position PlayersPhillies Prospects Biddle & Schwimer Ready for Spring
Disability Claims Examiner Job Description became a registered member 6 minutes ago · View
Kieran Carobine wrote a new blog post: Week In Review – Where Do I Begin 9 minutes ago · View
Brian Sr. of CO commented on the blog post 40 minutes ago · View
Not sure what to make of the Utley thing. Last year I said it was probably just precautionary, and he will be fine for Opening Day. We will see. If this year is different, then great! Over/Under 140? Damn near 14 I would say. Granted the report is correct, and they are just going light [...]
allenagaldamez commented on the blog post 53 minutes ago · View
Flower girl dresses Wedding Dresses 2010 Bridal Gowns 2010 wedding dress 2010 2010 wedding dresses .With this in mind and when it comes to your funds requirements a choice may always be to print you keep wedding invites. You can buy colour units very cheaply nowadays and good quality paper that will give a look and feel [...]
Job 11 6 became a registered member 1 hour, 30 minutes ago · View
Shop Fan Gear Unlimited for all your Phillies Gear on sale. Check out great deals on stadium seats with backs and great coupons at the Sports Unlimited Facebook page.
2012 Phillies SalariesCharlie Manuel
$3 million
Cliff Lee
$21.5 million
Ryan Howard
$20 million
Roy Halladay
$20 million
Chase Utley
$15 million
Jonathan Papelbon
$11 million
Jimmy Rollins
$11 million
Cole Hamels
$9.5 million
Shane Victorino
$9.5 million
Joe Blanton
$8.5 million
Hunter Pence
$6.9 million
Placido Polanco
$6.25 million
Ty Wigginton
$4 million
Carlos Ruiz
$3.7 million
Jose Contreras
$2.5 million
Kyle Kendrick
$2.45 million
Jim Thome
$1.25 million
Laynce Nix
$1.15 million
Dontrelle Willis
$850,000
Brian Schneider
$800,000
John Mayberry
$414,000
Vance Worley
$405,000
Antonio Bastardo
$405,000
Alliance Tickets Alliance Tickets is your source watching your favorite team live and all your MLB Tickets. We carry a huge selection of cheap Philadelphia Phillies Tickets, Rockies Tickets, Seattle Mariners Tickets, and San Francisco Giants Tickets. Phillies Rumors & News > The Nation on FlickrNot Affiliated with Major League Baseball or the Philadelphia PhilliesPrivacy Policy | Contact Us
Switch to our mobile site Phillies NationLog InSign Up VisitRandom Member
View the Original article
No comments:
Post a Comment