It Begins

The Phillies start the Spring Training schedule tonight, with an exhibition game before the real exhibitions start. Joe Savery will get the ball for at least the first couple innings against Florida State, who is actually one of the better teams in the college landscape. The Mets nearly lost to Michigan earlier, so hopefully the Phillies can blow the Seminoles out of the water again. Before I talk about the game even more, I want to detail the hitters in camp like I did with the pitchers and catchers.

25- On last year's 25 man roster before they expanded in September.
40- On 40 man roster
NRI- Non Roster Invitee
FA- Free Agent Signing
T- Trade acquisition
R5- Rule 5 draft selection

Infielders
Eric Bruntlett, 40T- He's the other guy in the Brad Lidge trade, and I'd imagine he'll play the Abraham Nunez role this season. He should be a little better at the plate than Nunez, but it's scary how his SLG% has dropped significantly each of the last four years. He can play every position, but defensively, he's not as good as Abe. 9/10

Mike Cervenak, NRIFA- Honestly, I'm not sure what this guy brings. He hasn't hit particularly well for a couple years, so maybe he plays good defense? Either way, since it seems he can only play 1B and 3B, I don't like his chances. 0/10

Greg Dobbs, 25- He was the hero of last year's camp, and now he has a bit more job security. With the acquisition of Pedro Feliz, it remains unclear what his role will be this year. Even if he doesn't start a lot, he can still make great contributions off the bench. 9/10

Jason Donald, NRI- Donald had a breakout 2007 campaign in the minors, where he had a great showing with the bat in addition to his highly regarded defense. One problem moving forward is his position. He's blocked at 2B and SS, so can he play 3B? The outfield? He's a pretty polished guy and could continue ascending through the system quickly. 0/10

Pedro Feliz, 40FA- Feliz was a bit of a late addition, but one that made a lot of Phillies fans happy. Defensively, he might be the best 3B in the league. Offensively, as I reviewed the week he was signed, it's a different story. 10/10

Brad Harman, 40- Harman was just added to the 40 man roster this offseason, likely as Rule 5 draft protection. He boosted his stock with a solid 2007, but he has to prove that the improvement wasn't a fluke. 0/10

Wes Helms, 25- Helms was a bit of a disappointment last year. A lot of people were counting on him to add some punch to the bottom of the lineup, but he couldn't deliver. With Feliz and Bruntlett added in the offseason, Helms could be on the move. 4/10

Ryan Howard, 25- The slugger should be happy with the salary debate behind him, and he looks like he's in great shape. Can he improve his defense and eliminate the mental block throwing to second base? That's the only question about him; there's no reason to worry about the stick. 10/10

Brennan King, NRI- Brennan King is back for his umpteenth straight year of big league camp. He gets a lot of time on the field when the regulars have already hit the showers, and he's one of the nicest guys in the game. Maybe he'll get a shot someday. 0/10

Ray Olmedo, 40FA- He wasn't technically a free agent, but he was picked up on waivers today nonetheless. He has a great glove, but he can't hit. Defense is obviously important, but if you're as bad at the plate as Olmedo is, it's tough to justify keeping him on the roster. 1/10

Valentino Pascucci, NRIFA- Random fact: Pascucci was a World Baseball Classic participant for team Italy. Unfortunately, they don't exactly have a rich baseball tradition. He's listed as a 1B, but he's played a little OF in his career. He's been a very good minor league hitter, but he didn't impress in his brief big league stint with Montreal, yes, the Expos, back in 2004. 0/10

Jimmy Rollins, 25- The reigning MVP still has doubters to prove wrong, but it's going to be tough to top 2007. Hopefully, he can continue to progress even more as a hitter and leader and get this team back to the playoffs. 10/10

Casey Smith, NRIFA- I don't know much about him, but judging from his minor league numbers, Smith has to have a great glove. He can play all around the infield, but has not seen any success at the plate. 0/10

Andy Tracy, NRIFA- Here's another 1B/3B hybrid guy. Tracy too did not play well in his brief time with the big clubs, but he's always hit well in the minors. He's pretty old, and I don't see him sticking. 0/10

Chase Utley, 25- Can he make it three MVP's in a row? He might've won it last year if he didn't get hurt. Utley is a franchise player who really has no weak points in his game. He improved his defense tremendously, and he could even win a Gold Glove or two, in addition to the accolades with his bat, by the time his career is over. 10/10

Outfielders:
T.J. Bohn, 40- He was a late season pickup who really didn't see any action with the Phillies organization. I'm pretty sure Pat Gillick was the one who originally drafted him, and that's why he found his way onto the 40 man last year. He doesn't do anything particularly well, so I'd imagine he'll be designated for assignment at some point this year. 1/10

Pat Burrell, 25- In his contract year, Pat Burrell looks to become a little more consistent. His 2007 was almost a tale of two seasons, but when everything was said and done, he had a solid year. We all know he can't run and needs a defensive substitution, but he has some power and a good eye. 10/10

Greg Golson, NRI- The highly talented, highly puzzling Golson will be in his first big league camp. He has all the tools to be a great player, but his game still needs to be refined. Hopefully, working with guys like Manuel and the major league staff will help him adjust his approach at the plate, reduce his strikeouts and make more contact. 0/10

Geoff Jenkins, 40FA- Geoff Jenkins is the replacement for Aaron Rowand in the lineup. He's expected to platoon with Jayson Werth in RF, and those two have a good chance of matching the numbers Rowand put up last season. He also doesn't kill you in the field, which is nice. 10/10

Chris Snelling, 40T- Snelling was acquired for the ever popular cash considerations, and he's a sleeper to make the roster. He's been troubled by injuries over the years, but he's been a pretty decent hitter in his career. Gillick originally signed him as an amateur, so that's probably why we picked him up. 4/10

So Taguchi, 40FA- Taguchi was signed with the expectation of becoming the 5th OF, but I don't think it's as much of a lock as a lot of people do. I think Snelling has more potential, but there's also more risk with his injuries. Taguchi is alright; he's average at the plate, pretty good on the bases and pretty good in the field. That's what you get from a 5th OF. 7/10

Shane Victorino, 25- Victorino will finally make the transition into CF to replace the departed Aaron Rowand. He was a huge asset in RF last year, because of his strong arm and great range. His range will be more tested now since he has to naturally cover more ground in center, in addition to compensating for Pat Burrell. 10/10

Brandon Watson, NRIFA- Brandon Watson had a great hitting streak in the minors last year, and that's his calling card. He's been up in the majors in brief stints with very little success. He's a good minor league player, but he's just one of many who could never take his game to the next level. 1/10

Jayson Werth, 25- After a slow start to 2007, Werth came back from a wrist injury and proved to be an asset off the bench and as a starter. He got hot late in the season, and with the leg injury to Shane Victorino, showed why so many people thought so highly of him as a prospect. This year, he'll see a lot of time in the field from the start in a platoon with Jenkins. 10/10

So that's it. Those are the 2008 Spring Training Phillies. John Ennis was apparently DFA'd. Tonight, their season kicks off against the Seminoles. I expect the regulars to get some cuts in, Savery to pitch a couple innings, and then let the other guys take over. The game will be broadcast here.

However, a late report from Florida says that the tarp is on the field and they're dealing with some rain. The game may be off.

If the game does take place, Scott Lauber has your lineup. Unfortunately, I can't find an actual link.

Rollins SS
Victorino CF
Utley 2B
Howard 1B
Burrell LF
Jenkins RF
Feliz 3B
Helms DH
Ruiz C