All this week, 69 Sports' Troy Hein and Jim Vaughn will be in Clearwater, Florida for Phillies Spring Training 2012. Don't miss the inside stories, exclusive photos, and latest updates from Jim and Troy. They'll also be keeping an eye on the IronPigs and R-Phils, so check back frequently.
69 News at Spring Training
03/23/2012
Phillies Announce Starting Rotation
Today was our last day in Clearwater. And our trip ended with Phillies announcing their starting rotation for the 2012 season.
Roy Halladay, to no one's surprise, will start the team's season opener at Pittsburgh. He'll be followed by Cliff Lee and Vance Worley.
While Cole Hamels would normally be considered the team's third starter, putting Worley ahead of him accomplishes two things.
One, it breaks up the lefties (Lee and Hamels) in the rotation. And two, it allows Hamels to start the team's home opener in what could be his last season as a Phillie.
Roy Halladay, to no one's surprise, will start the team's season opener at Pittsburgh. He'll be followed by Cliff Lee and Vance Worley.
While Cole Hamels would normally be considered the team's third starter, putting Worley ahead of him accomplishes two things.
One, it breaks up the lefties (Lee and Hamels) in the rotation. And two, it allows Hamels to start the team's home opener in what could be his last season as a Phillie.
03/22/2012
Beautiful Bright House Field
It really is like a mini Citizens Bank Park. With the Yankees coming in tomorrow, this place will be jumping.
Finally, Some Good News
After a spring filled with nothing but bad news health-wise, we finally have some good news today. Domonic Brown and Placido Polanco, who have both missed this entire week due to minor injuries, are both back out taking batting practice this morning.
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come...
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come...
03/21/2012
The View From Dinner
I love it back home.... but the Lehigh Valley scenery just can't compete with this.
Galvis Looking Good
With Chase Utley on the shelf for who knows how long, Freddy Galvis is getting a lot of attention this spring. In fact, he appears to be the leading candidate to be the opening day second baseman for the Phils. Not bad for a 22-year-old kid who's played only 33 games at triple-A... and they were as a shortstop.
I'll have more on Galvis' surprising rise through the ranks at 6pm and 10pm.
I'll have more on Galvis' surprising rise through the ranks at 6pm and 10pm.
Off Day
The Phillies, not at all considering that we have a limited time to cover them down here, have an off day today.
Luckily, the minor league guys are around, so we'll get to catch up with some IronPigs and R-Phils.
P.S. Check back tonight for everyone's favorite part of this blog.... The beach pic!
Luckily, the minor league guys are around, so we'll get to catch up with some IronPigs and R-Phils.
P.S. Check back tonight for everyone's favorite part of this blog.... The beach pic!
03/20/2012
Injury Bug Strikes Again
The injuries to Phillies infielders just keep piling up. With Chase Utley and Ryan Howard already on the shelf, Michael Martinez has become the latest Phillie to get bitten by the injury bug.
Martinez broke a bone in his foot in today's game against the Orioles. The Phillies aren't giving an official time frame for his return, but the guess here is that he misses at least month.
At this rate, I may throw my hat in the ring to play the infield for this team.
Martinez broke a bone in his foot in today's game against the Orioles. The Phillies aren't giving an official time frame for his return, but the guess here is that he misses at least month.
At this rate, I may throw my hat in the ring to play the infield for this team.
Hitting The Road
The Phillies are sneaking in a light, scaled back workout this morning before they hit the road to play the Orioles in Sarasota.
03/19/2012
Our View From Dinner
Beachside dinner at Clearwater hot spot the Palm Pavilion. Great food and view!
VIDEO: Beautiful Day For Baseball
Here's a look at what we're getting to enjoy down here in Clearwater. It doesn't get much better than taking in a spring training Phillies game at Bright House Field.
