Pitchers and Catchers Report to Camp

It’s finally that time of year again!  Time for the heartaches of last year to get put behind and the high expectations of this year to begin.  The Phillies pitchers and catchers finally reported to Clearwater, FL this past Sunday to start workouts for the upcoming year.  Some other notables that also returned were Chase Utley, Jim Thome, and RYAN HOWARD!  Yes I said it, Ryan Howard.  ‘The Big Piece’ was caught on tape taking ground balls like he didn’t just destroy his Achilles last October.  As for the pitchers, they were all saying the right things about this upcoming season. 

Cole Hamels contract talks have been the big story this off season and after one day at camp he put those talks to rest by making it known he wants to stay a Phillie.  You have to love when players can put this situation behind them and start concentrating on the real goal here.  Cole came out and said “I don’t have a deadline.  I think the only deadline that is set by major league baseball is five days after the World Series”.  How much has this guy grown since being named the 2008 World Series MVP.  Just incredible!  Jonathan Papelbon was also seen throwing with Cliff Lee at camp and he is looking forward to the pressure.  One thing about this guy is that you know he can handle the pressure since he was the closer for the Red Sox for the past six seasons.  The only worry is that he will not live up to his $50M contract.  As for Roy Halladay, Cliff, and Vance Worley I think you know exactly what you are going to get there.  They were three of the most consistent pitchers last season and Worley looking to repeat the incredible season of last year. 

The fifth starting spot in the rotation by the time the season rolls around is the big question.  Rumors are flying that the Phillies are examining the possibilities of trading Joe Blanton because of the Luxury Tax threshold.  Teams could be somewhat weary of taking on that kind of salary or they can be worried about how healthy he is.  These are the two biggest worries for the Phils.  With Kyle Kendrick signing a two year $7.5M contract I think the Phillies have no choice but to shop Blanton.  It’s hard to believe they awarded this guy that type of contract just to fill in as necessary and watch the Phils throughout the playoffs.  I mean I know he filled in alright last year but let’s use our heads here Ruben Amaro!  They could have bolstered their bullpen for that kind of money!  I guess I can’t complain if he is the only complaint about our pitching staff.  Other teams got bigger fish to fry with starting/relief pitching!

All-in-all I am confident in the team this year!  Bring the Commissioner’s Trophy back to the City of Brotherly Love!