Pitching Could Be Wild Card This Season

PHILS PHACTS:

Plesac Impressed With Young Pitchers – The last time Dan Plesac wore a baseball uniform he threw the final pitch for the Phillies at Veterans Stadium on Sept. 28, 2003. He pulled on a uniform again this week at Bright House Field, where he worked with the Phillies as a guest instructor. Plesac, 53, still looks like he could strike out a hitter or two -- he posted a 2.70 ERA and averaged 10 strikeouts per nine innings in 58 appearances in his final season in 2003 -- but he came to camp to observe, coach and just get back on the field again. "If they want me back, I'll crawl back," Plesac said of the experience, which ended Friday. "This has been a lot of fun." Every team in the big leagues has a host of guest instructors in Spring Training. Some are more involved than others. Some show up, put on the uniform and hang in the outfield. Many more, like Plesac, come to work. Plesac, an MLB Network analyst, sat in his hotel room Wednesday night searching on his iPad for video of Phillies left-hander Jesse Biddle, the club's No. 7 prospect who had a bullpen session scheduled Thursday. He found Biddle's appearance in the 2013 All-Star Futures Game at Citi Field in New York. He wanted to get a feel for Biddle's mechanics and repertoire. "Boy, was he impressive," Plesac said. "Really, really impressive. I've only seen him throw twice on the side. He could pitch for 15 more years and I don't think he's going to throw a better bullpen than the one he threw Thursday. I did this for a living, so I'm living and dying with every pitch he threw. I was like, 'Can he keep this up?' He had everything. Fastball command, great curveball, good slider, his changeup was good. He just really had a good side. Now what does that mean? I don't know, but I know he is a young pitcher the Phillies have a lot of hopes for and I can see why now." Plesac left camp impressed with two of the Phillies' younger pitchers: Biddle and right-hander Nefi Ogando, who the Phillies acquired from the Red Sox in 2013 for John McDonald. Plesac also got to see up close why Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee are so good. "I miss the field," said Plesac, whose 1,064 games rank seventh among pitchers in MLB history. "You get so far removed from it in the studio. It's so nice to stand and watch Cole and Cliff throw a bullpen. To actually see what makes these guys go -- I think the thing that I've been most impressed with is I had no idea the quality and quantity of arms in this camp. That's what shocked me. "I thought about it this morning. It's made me realize how hard it is to do this. You forget when you get out [of the game], because when you get out, the fish get bigger, right? The bear gets bigger. It made me realize, just watching Biddle and Ogando and Lee and Hamels on the side, it took me back. You get excited. It was fun to get back into that -- going to the ballpark with a purpose."

Lee Readies For Return – Any team in baseball that thinks it might need starting-pitching help this season might want to take a peek Thursday at the Phillies' Grapefruit League game against the Astros in Kissimmee. Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee will pitch, which means he is not behind schedule in relation to other pitchers in camp. Lee finished last season on the disabled list with an injured left elbow, but there have been no issues this spring. "Cliff is right on," Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure said Friday afternoon. "He's throwing well. He feels good." Lee, who is scheduled to throw two innings, is one of a host of Phillies veterans that could be traded this season. Phillies right-hander Jerome Williams will start Tuesday's Grapefruit League opener against the Yankees at Bright House Field. Right-handers David Buchanan and Jeanmar Gomez and left-handers Joely Rodriguez and Mario Hollands also are scheduled to pitch. Right-hander Aaron Harang will start Wednesday's game against the Yankees in Tampa. Right-handers Ethan Martin, Justin De Fratus, Paul Clemens, Kevin Slowey and Hector Neris also will pitch. The Phillies play an exhibition game Sunday against the University of Tampa at Bright House Field. Right-handers Clemens, Phillippe Aumont, Neris, Nefi Ogando and left-handers Elvis Araujo and Andy Oliver are scheduled to pitch. The only pitchers in camp that have not thrown to hitters are right-handers Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Pettibone. Both are behind schedule because of a right elbow and a right shoulder injury, respectively.

Interesting Images At Photo Day – Before the Grapefruit League season opens Tuesday and Phillies players face real competition with real results that matter, reporters have asked Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg if anybody has stood out in camp. Phillies left-hander Mario Hollands, 26, has stood out, but for more than his pitching. Hollands is sporting stirrups, which have gone the way of the no-flapped batting helmet and zip-up jerseys. No Phillies player has worn stirrups on an everyday basis since Jim Thome in 2012. No Phillies player had worn them regularly before Thome since Jamie Moyer from 2006-10. "If I have half the career they had, I'd be very happy," Hollands said Friday morning at Bright House Field. Stirrups have died among players -- the team keeps four-inch and nine-inch stirrups on hand, mostly for coaches -- for several reasons. Most players wear long pants, so the cuff rests below the ankle, making stirrups unnecessary. Socks also can be more comfortable. But another reason is traditional baseball cleats (cut below the ankle with the oversized tongue that flips over the laces) have been replaced by high-top cleats. Stirrups with high-top cleats are a bad look. Hollands said he has a few pairs of Cliff Lee's old cleats, which he will use during the season. They work well. Hollands wore the four-inch stirrups on Sundays last season. He is giving the nine-inch ones a shot this spring because they fit better. The four-inch ones had bad elastic, so he had to tape them up before every game, which is not exactly convenient. "Right now I'm going to wear them," Hollands said. "But the first time I struggle, they're gone."

Pierre Retires – Juan Pierre, the catalyst of the Marlins' 2003 World Series title team and one of the most prolific base-stealers of his generation, has announced his retirement. The 37-year-old speedster is walking away from the game after an impressive 14-year career. Pierre, who lives in south Florida, is now a self-proclaimed "stay-at-home dad." He also isn't ready to accept a coaching position at this point. The outfielder broke in with the Rockies in 2000 and was dealt to the Marlins in 2003. Immediately, his speed made an impact, as he set the franchise stolen-base record (65). The Marlins created chaos on the bases in '03 with the combination of Pierre and Luis Castillo at the top of the order, leading the way to an NL-best 150 stolen bases, 50 more than the runner-up. A career .295 hitter, Pierre posted 614 stolen bases, the 14th most in MLB's modern era, which is recognized as starting in 1900. The veteran outfielder also compiled 2,217 hits. News of his retirement is not surprising, since he last played in 2013, wrapping up his second stint with the Marlins. Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill twice has asked Pierre if he is willing to coach in the organization. The first was following the 2013 season and the second came during this offseason. Pierre's response on both occasions was he is not yet ready. In a conversation with MLB.com in January, Pierre said he is happy being a "stay at home dad." Pierre appeared in 1,994 games with six different teams -- Rockies, Marlins, Cubs, Dodgers, White Sox and Phillies. Pierre's first stint with the Marlins was from 2003-05, and he returned in '13.

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.

Pat Gets A Plaque, Frenchie Has A Chance

PHILS PHACTS:

Burrell Headed To The Wall – The Phillies offered Pat Burrell a pretty sweet farewell from Philadelphia in 2008. Burrell led the World Series championship parade down Broad Street. He then signed with the Tampa Bay Rays a short time later, ending his nine-year career with the Phillies. But the Phillies are bringing Burrell back to Citizens Bank Park on July 31 to induct the slugger onto the organization's Wall of Fame. "He was a big part of our team," former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Thursday at Bright House Field. "People in Philadelphia were excited about him. They stuck with him even when he would hit some slumps or wouldn't do so good. He became a big leader on our team." The Phillies made Burrell the first overall selection in the 1998 First-Year Player Draft. He debuted with the Phillies in 2000 and delivered a double in the seventh inning in Game 5 of the 2008 World Series, which led to the winning run in the series' final game. He hit .257 with 251 home runs, 827 RBIs and an .852 OPS during his time with the Phillies. Only Mike Schmidt, Ryan Howard and Del Ennis have hit more homers in Phillies history. Burrell's 827 RBIs rank 10th on the franchise list. "It's a tremendous honor and privilege to be added to the wall next to Philly's all-time greats," Burrell said in a statement. 

Frenchie Has A Chance – Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said last week he hopes to help Jeff Francoeur's swing and get him back to the big leagues. "Hopefully, we can get him back to where he was a few years ago," Manuel said. The true tests will come once Grapefruit League games begin on Tuesday, but so far Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg has liked what he has seen from Francoeur, a non-roster invitee who could make the team as an extra outfielder. "He's fun to be around," Sandberg said following Thursday's workout at Carpenter Complex. "He's a guy that's very welcome in camp as far as everybody is concerned. For a right-handed bat, he's making some adjustments. He's trying some things differently. He's shown some very good swings of the bat off the coaches so far in camp, so I'm anxious to see him in game situations." Domonic Brown, Ben Revere, Grady Sizemore are locks to make the outfield. Darin Ruf has a good shot at a spot because he can also play first base. Rule 5 Draft pick Odubel Herrera has a good chance to make the team, too. Francoeur could battle Ruf for a roster spot because both hit right-handed, or both could make the team if the Phillies decide to carry only one utility infielder or one fewer relief pitcher in the bullpen. "He's shown to have a good arm in right field, and he's a good outfielder," Sandberg said. "He brings a good attitude to the clubhouse. It seems like every time I look at him he's got a few guys around him. I think there's a good reason behind that. Players tend to go to him." The Phillies want infielder Freddy Galvis to think down and think easy. Sandberg said the coaching staff has been giving Galvis a few key reminders in the batter's box. "'Abajo' is down and the other key is 'suave' to take it easy, take it easy," Sandberg said about the native Venezuelan. "When he swings easy, the ball jumps off his bat. Then he has a chance to get bigger from then on out. I think just taking it easy and putting a consistent bat on the ball and a short swing for Freddy will help him. He'll have to fight that a little bit. It's a part of his game, but he has to go forward to help us win games."

The Phillies Fleeting Options – The Phillies can remove another potential landing spot for closer Jonathan Papelbon. The Brewers and Francisco Rodriguez on Thursday agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract, effectively making him Milwaukee's closer this season. The Phillies have been trying to trade Papelbon for nearly two years. They had been talking seriously with the Brewers earlier this year, but the talks stalled in recent weeks. The Phillies also have been talking to the Blue Jays, although those discussions had been considered less serious than those with Milwaukee. Of course, anything can change with one phone call. Papelbon told CSNPhilly.com he would welcome a trade to Toronto. "Yes, Toronto interests me -- if it interests [general manager] Ruben [Amaro Jr.]," he said. "I know some of the guys on their coaching staff. They're a good team. If Ruben can do a deal with them, I'd be interested." Papelbon has a limited no-trade clause and could block a trade to Toronto, but the closer has indicated in the past it would not be an obstacle. He is set to make $13 million this season with a $13 million club option for 2016 that automatically vests if he finishes 48 games in 2015.

Aiming For Opening Day – Nearly every time a Rule 5 Draft pick enters Spring Training, somebody likes to mention Rule 5 success stories like Johan Santana, Dan Uggla, Shane Victorino and Joakim Soria. They are the best of the best. There are many more times a Rule 5 pick does not survive camp and returns to his former team, or survives the entire season with his new team but fails to make a significant impact at the big league level. The Phillies hope Odubel Herrera, whom they drafted with the eighth overall pick in December's Rule 5 Draft, leans more toward Victorino (2004 pick) than Michael Martinez (2010 pick). "I feel good about it and excited about it when I received the news," Herrera said Thursday morning at Bright House Field. The Phillies jumped at the opportunity to draft Herrera, who won the Double-A Texas League batting title last season and the batting title this winter in the Venezuelan Winter League. He has played mostly infield in the past, but this spring, the Phillies are looking at him as an outfielder. He played exclusively center field in Venezuela, but he also will see time in camp in left and right. Because the Phillies aren't counting on making the postseason in 2015, Herrera has an excellent chance to make the Opening Day roster and stick with the team for the entire season. Domonic Brown, Ben Revere, Grady Sizemore and Darin Ruf figure to have the inside track at four of the outfield jobs. Herrera could be the fifth. "We feel like we're taking a shot on a prospect," Phillies pro scouting director Mike Ondo said in December. "We've always viewed this guy as an offensive utility guy. The difference is this year, toward the end of the year, he started playing in the outfield. He's a good athlete. He has some speed. He obviously has a feel for hitting. We like the bat speed." Herrera hit .321 with 16 doubles, four triples, two home runs, 48 RBIs, 12 stolen bases and a .775 OPS over 96 games for Double-A Frisco in 2014. His OPS ranked 10th among Texas League hitters with 300 or more plate appearances. He then hit .372 with 14 doubles, three triples, six home runs, 27 RBIs, eight stolen bases and a .988 OPS in winter ball. The 23-year-old showed more pop in Venezuela. How much more does he have? "You're going to see," Herrera said with a smile. In the previous 10 Spring Trainings, the Phillies had 10 Rule 5 picks in camp. Three made the Opening Day roster: Ender Inciarte (2013), Martinez ('11) and David Herndon ('10). Inciarte only lasted a few days before the Phillies returned him to Arizona for Ezequiel Carrera. Martinez and Herndon survived the seasons. Many forget, but Victorino didn't make the Opening Day roster in 2005. The Phillies offered him back to the Dodgers, but they declined. The Phillies got incredibly lucky there. Victorino re-signed with the Phillies, and he spent most of the season in Triple-A before getting a callup in September. He established himself as an everyday outfielder and helped the Phillies win the 2008 World Series. "I'll try to do the best I can, and if I make team as a Rule 5, I'd like to do that and follow his steps," Herrera said.

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.

Encouraging Start For Veterans At Camp

PHILS PHACTS:

Lee Finally Faces Batters – Everything seems fine so far with Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee. He threw to hitters Wednesday morning at Carpenter Complex, the first time he had faced hitters since his 2014 season ended in July because of an injured left elbow. If Lee is behind schedule compared to other starters in camp, it does not appear to be much. "Felt good, felt normal," Lee said. "No complaints." Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said there has been some thought Lee could miss his first turn in the rotation once Grapefruit League games start next week, but he could not be certain. Sandberg cited an "upper respiratory" illness for setting back Lee a bit, but the lefty said it has not been an issue. "I don't know what the schedule says," Lee said. "I know we discussed just easing into it, making sure we don't do anything stupid early. I had two days in between bullpens, where everyone else had a day. Trying to make sure you're better safe than sorry early. But everything feels good." One thing is certain: whenever Lee pitches, he will have plenty of scouts on hand. If Lee is healthy and effective, he is a trade candidate. He makes $25 million this season, plus a $12.5 million buyout on a 2016 club option worth $27.5 million. The club option automatically vests if Lee pitches 200 innings this season and does not finish the season on the disabled list with a left arm or elbow injury.

Getting An Early Start – Manager Ryne Sandberg seems to be impressed with how Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has looked during the team's first two full-squad workouts at Carpenter Complex. "Ryno looks like, his body looks like right now, he's going to allow himself to be more productive," Sandberg said Wednesday afternoon. Howard, 35, enters camp following an interesting offseason. He settled a nasty legal battle with his family. He heard Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. say on radio the Phillies would be better without him, and he heard plenty of speculation about being traded. But Howard remains with the organization and hopes to bounce back following some rough seasons. "Just running the bases he looks better, a much better chance of scoring from second base," Sandberg said. "Much better getting to the cutoff spots playing first base. There should be more range there with the way that he looks from the waist down." Howard has declined comment to reporters since he arrived in camp Monday. Some wonder if he could be playing with a chip on his shoulder this season. "He doesn't act like he has a chip on his shoulder," Sandberg said. "He acts like he's a teammate here and he's a veteran guy helping the young players. So I like the attitude and the fact that he's getting after it and doing extra work with Charlie [Manuel], but with [Larry] Bowa in the mornings and sometimes afterwards on the defensive side of things. That'll go a long way with getting the most out of Ryno, really getting back to the ability and where he needs to be on the field."

Bullpen Bubbles – Projecting the Phillies' Opening Day roster is an annual rite of spring. For that reason it is worth knowing the players in camp without options. Options play a considerable role in a player's chances of making the 25-man roster. Players without options must clear waivers before they can be assigned to the Minor Leagues, so there is risk in losing the player altogether if he does not make the team. In Phillies camp there are six players without options: right-handers Jerome Williams and Justin De Fratus; left-handers Phillippe Aumont and Andy Oliver; and infielders Freddy Galvis and Cesar Hernandez. It is not a factor for Williams, who signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract in the offseason. He is expected to be the team's No. 4 starter behind Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and Aaron Harang. It also is not a factor for Oliver, who is a Rule 5 Draft pick. The Phils must keep Oliver on their 25-man roster the entire season or he must be offered back to the Pirates. Galvis is expected to be the everyday shortstop, so options should not be an issue. De Fratus is a heavy favorite to make the bullpen, so the same holds true for him. But the performances of Aumont and Hernandez this spring are worth watching because of their situations. Aumont is 1-5 with a 6.13 ERA in 45 appearances over the past three seasons. He has averaged 6.1 walks per nine innings in that time. The Phillies love his stuff, but he will need to throw strikes and pitch much more consistently to earn a spot in the bullpen, which already includes locks like Jonathan Papelbon, Ken Giles and Jake Diekman, with De Fratus a strong favorite for a fourth spot. Hernandez seems to be a better bet to make the team because he can play a little bit at shortstop, and the Phillies do not have a true backup for Galvis. Hernandez has hit .264 with a .624 OPS in 256 plate appearances the past two seasons.

Seeking Rebirth – Some people just hit it off. Who knows why? It happens in life. It happens in baseball. Jeff Francoeur quickly became a star after breaking in with the Braves in 2005. From the opposite dugout, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel liked what he saw. And understand this: Manuel appreciates good hitting the way oenophiles swoon over the nuances of a great wine and art experts will endlessly analyze every brushstroke of a Monet. "Half the time I felt like Charlie was my manager," Francoeur said with a laugh before a recent Phillies workout at Bright House Field. "I'd be on deck and I'd look in their dugout. And Charlie was always [shaking his fist] at me. And I was like, 'Is he pulling for me or is he hoping I'll strike out?'" "I'd always be getting on him," Manuel admitted with a grin. They had never worked together, though, until now. The 31-year-old outfielder, trying to get his career back on track after spending most of last season in Triple-A, signed with the Phils as a Minor League free agent and is a non-roster invitee. Manuel, after being dismissed as manager midway through the 2013 season, is back with the organization as a senior adviser to the general manager. This spring, he's working with hitters; Francoeur may just be his passion project. Their paths nearly intersected four years ago, when Francoeur was a free agent for the first time. The Phillies, looking for a right-handed bat, were interested. Manuel's eyes lit up at the Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., that year when asked if he thought he could help Francoeur regain his hitting stroke. "I see some mechanics and things that I would like to sit down and talk with him about," Manuel said at the time. "I would like to sit down and go over his approach and things like that. I see some things that I would like to suggest to him." In the end, Francoeur ended up signing with the Royals, though he never really found his groove again. Released by Kansas City on July 5, 2013, he bounced to the Giants, Indians and Padres before signing with the Phils -- $18,000 per month, $925,000 plus incentives if he makes the team. Maybe, Francoeur admitted, he would have been better off if he had worked with Manuel four years ago. "There's always that," francoeur said. "But then, once it's done, I think you always kind of look forward, especially now that I'm here and with Charlie. I'm just kind of looking forward to it. We're going to work one on one, and that's what I've been looking forward to all offseason. When they told me he'd be here the whole time and I'd have the opportunity to work with him, it was a no-brainer for me. I've always respected him. I'm looking forward to working with him big-time." "I've talked to Jim Thome, Jayson Werth, and they swear by Charlie. He knows so much about hitting. To be honest with you, I felt like if I could get here and get a chance to work with him and do what I can, I've still got a lot of good years ahead of me. I feel that way. I'm getting smarter about my body and different things." Said Manuel: "He's got talent. I was kind of surprised when I talked to him. He knows hitting. He knows who he is now. When he was young, his adrenaline would get going and he'd overswing a lot. He's definitely got a chance to be a good hitter. I've always liked the way he hit. Hopefully, we can get him back to where he was a few years ago. "I used to always talk to him. He's that kind of player. He has a tremendous personality. He smiles. He's upbeat. He brings energy. If we can get him to where he was a couple years ago, then he's still got a chance to be a good player. That's all I can tell you." General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has promised nothing beyond giving an outfielder whose OPS has declined each season since he posted an .848 in 2010 the chance to show what he can do. Last season, Francoeur appeared in just 10 big league games, and he batted .289 for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. The Phils' depth chart lists Darin Ruf in left, Ben Revere in center and Domonic Brown in right, with Grady Sizemore as the primary backup. "By no means has [Francoeur] made this club or is locked in," Amaro said. "He's going to get an opportunity to be with us, and we'll see how it goes. He can be a good addition as an extra outfielder for us. "He didn't have the greatest season last year, but we think he provides some things -- or at least could provide some things -- that we need. Some balance in the outfield. He's a very good defender, he's a quality person. He just kind of fits the mold of what we think could be a piece of the puzzle here. But he's going to have to prove to us and to himself and others that he can be a contributor to this club. "It's hard to tell [what his upside is]. I don't know. I know the people are excited about working with him, and hopefully, he feels the same about being with us." Nobody's more excited about working with Francoeur than Manuel, and the feeling is mutual. "I've always loved playing in Philly," Francoeur said. "I've always hit well there. And I like the fans, man. I know they're tough, but it's the type of place where there's passion. You don't get that in some other places. Fans up there love professional sports. So, for me, I'm looking forward to the challenge of hopefully making this team and then contributing throughout the year." And for what it's worth, of all the incentives the Phillies included in Francoeur's contract, one stands out. He'll get an extra $50,000 for being named Comeback Player of the Year.

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.

Returning To Basic And Moving Forward

PHILS PHACTS:

Charlie Knows Best – Nobody credits Charlie Manuel more for his hitting success than Jim Thome. Thome not only credits Manuel with improving his swing, but helping him believe he could be a successful hitter in the big leagues. Manuel made Thome feel good about himself, and Thome carried that confidence to the plate. Perhaps Manuel can help Ryan Howard, whose production has been slipping for several seasons. The pair is working together this spring. Manuel was reluctant to talk about Howard because he is sensitive to the fact he is a guest instructor and not the manager or hitting coach, but he said he hopes to help. "I do that with everybody," Manuel said. "I always talk about the positives. I always tell guys they can hit. Every one of these guys need it. Ryan has known me for a long time. I think he feels very comfortable around me. That's good."

Moving Forward – The Phillies tried to set a tone Tuesday, when they held their first full-squad workout at Carpenter Complex. But before that, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and manager Ryne Sandberg stood up in front of the players, coaching staff and team personnel to give their annual talks. Amaro's message: Put the offseason behind us and move forward. "Giving us a common goal and a common feel," was how Phillies' ace Cole Hamels described the speeches. "I think just so we can develop our own personality and chemistry, because that's what we're supposed to do now. "That's behind us." That is an offseason in which the front office said it is building for the future with an eye on being competitive again in a few years. Moves included Jimmy Rollins, Marlon Byrd and Antonio Bastardo being traded, and speculation continued that Hamels, Cliff Lee, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jonathan Papelbon could be moved at some point. "I think everybody did a really good job of getting us all on the right page," Hamels said. "We're starting something fresh. What happened five years ago, four years ago is completely over. It's a new design." Sandberg said he set the parameters and priorities for camp and the season (e.g., being a good baserunning and situational-hitting team, etc.). "That was loud and clear," Sandberg said. "It was very positive. I told them about how excited they should be at this time of year."

Just Missed – The Phillies, like just about every other big league club, could have used a talented prospect like Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada in their system. The Phillies said they had interest, but how much is uncertain. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday the organization had contact with Moncada's agent until Monday, when MLB.com reported Moncada agreed to a record-breaking $31.5 million contract with the Red Sox. Did the Phillies offer him a contract? "I'm not going to get into it," Amaro said. Moncada is under 23 and had not yet played five years in the Cuban professional league, which put him under different amateur guidelines than Cuban outfielder Yasmany Thomas, who signed a $68.5 million deal in December with the D-backs. Under Moncada's guidelines, the Red Sox must pay a 100 percent penalty because they surpassed their annual international bonus allotment. In essence, they paid $63 million for the 19-year-old prospect. The Red Sox also cannot spend more than $300,000 on any international player for the next two signing periods (2015-16 and 2016-17). Of course, if Moncada lives up to the hype (many compare him to Robinson Cano) he would be worth it.

Davis Joins The Booth – Ben Davis said Tuesday he could not pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Davis has been named Jamie Moyer's replacement in the Phillies' broadcast booth on Comcast SportsNet. He will be a color analyst with Matt Stairs and Mike Schmidt. They join Tom McCarthy and Gregg Murphy on the TV team. Schmidt will be back during Sunday home games, but he is negotiating a contract for Saturday home games as well. He said Tuesday he had not heard if there has been a resolution to those negotiations. "When I got out of baseball I had to find that transition," said Davis, who played seven seasons with the Padres, Mariners and White Sox. "What can I do next? I was very fortunate to get my foot in the door with SportsNet and do the pre- and postgame shows. That was a blast. I loved doing that, but talking baseball in the sense I can now, it's going to be just a ton of fun. I just flat out love baseball and I love talking about it." Davis grew up in Delaware County and attended Malvern Prep. He was the second overall pick in the 1995 First-Year Player Draft. "This is a dream come true," Davis said.

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.

2015: A Make Or Break Year For Many

PHILS PHACTS:

Utley Staying Put – Chase Utley has not changed his mind. Not yet anyway. The veteran second baseman said Monday afternoon at Bright House Field that he still has no desire to waive his no-trade rights and play for anybody other than the Phillies. It has been a topic of conversation for months, especially since December when the Phillies traded Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers. Rollins said repeatedly for more than a year he had no desire to leave Philadelphia, but he heard the Phillies' front office talk about rebuilding for 2017 or 2018 and decided he had a better chance to win a World Series elsewhere. Why would Utley, 36, want to stay and possibly spend the final years of his career in a rebuilding effort? "I really enjoy playing with this organization," he said. "They've done a lot for me, personally, and put together some pretty good teams over the years. So I have a lot of respect for the people making decisions. They've always put together a great bunch of guys. We made it work out. We've had some great opportunities over the years and I respect that." But those warm and fuzzy feelings about Philadelphia came with a caveat. "For as much respect as I have for the organization, if they ever came to me and asked me, I would have to listen," he said. "But I don't think much will change." Utley opens his 13th season with the Phillies toeing the line and saying publicly he believes the Phillies can compete. They certainly need him to be healthy and productive to have a shot at that. Utley's knees have been an issue in the past. He said they feel fine. But he revealed Monday he sprained his right ankle in January, when he stepped awkwardly on a baseball. It is an issue entering camp. "That kind of put a wrinkle in things," Utley said. "I'm still kind of dealing with it right now. It's improved dramatically over the past two weeks, but it's still not perfect. Early in the camp, I'm still going to take care of it. Last thing I want to do is do too much on it. Range of motion is almost there. The strength is not quite where I want it to be. The last thing I want to do is compensate for it and set off some type of chain reaction." If Utley is ready to start the season, he will be hitting third, but the Phillies would welcome more production. His .755 OPS in the No. 3 hole last season ranked 18th out of 20 hitters with 400 or more plate appearances in that spot. Runs could be extremely difficult to find in 2015. That is just one reason why the Phillies are not expected to contend, which could have Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Jonathan Papelbon and possibly Ryan Howard headed elsewhere before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. If that happens, then maybe Utley listens to a trade proposal. "I think it would change some things," he said. Utley probably listens anyway. "You're going to a hypothetical situation there, so it's hard to really say," he said. "But I have so much respect for the organization that I wouldn't completely push Ruben [Amaro Jr.] away and say, 'Absolutely not. I'm not even going to hear it.' I would listen to him out of respect for him and the entire organization and kind of go from there. I want nothing more than to play for this organization for as long as I can. "It's going to look a little bit different than it has in the past. I'm looking forward to getting going, working with some guys, and looking to improve. I think we have a much better team than people think."

Fresh Year? – Ryan Howard appeared to be in fine spirits Monday afternoon at Bright House Field. He would not have been blamed for being morose. Howard had an interesting offseason. He settled an ugly legal battle with his family. He not only learned the Phillies wanted to trade him to help their rebuilding efforts, but he heard general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. say on Philadelphia radio he told Howard they would be better without him. Ouch. Howard declined to speak to reporters on the eve of the team's first full-squad workout Tuesday at Carpenter Complex. But Howard is here and will try to prove his doubters wrong. "It's a new season, a fresh year for him," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "I had a good talk with him about working on his complete game, defensively, running and getting all that in, and I think that will help him with his whole game as well as his offense. It's not about working on one thing and being one dimensional, it's about working on his whole game. And so with the way that he looks, it should be a good camp for him." Sandberg said he does not expect the speculation about Howard's future to bother him. "He's a professional and like everyone," Sandberg said. "He's in camp to get ready for a season, get in the best shape possible and get ready to go to help us win. Whatever else happens is on the business side of things and there's nothing you can do about that."

Is This A Make Or Break Year? – If Domonic Brown is concerned about his future in Philadelphia, he kept those thoughts to himself Monday at Bright House Field. Brown will open the season as the Phillies' right fielder, but with plenty to prove following a poor 2014 campaign. He made the 2013 National League All-Star team, but hit just .235 with 10 home runs, 63 RBIs and a .634 OPS in 144 games last season. His OPS ranked 139th out of 147 qualified hitters in baseball. "I don't know what they've got planned for me, man," Brown said. "I think I know myself a little better every single year. I looked at last year as a learning experience as well. Even though I had some struggles, I think I ended the season on a decent note." Brown cited a poor May for skewing his overall numbers. He hit .146 with a .503 OPS that month. He hit .250 with a .686 OPS after the All-Star break. If he had posted a .686 OPS the entire season, it would have ranked 122nd in baseball. But Brown is getting a chance to play because the Phillies need to see if he can be the player they saw in 2013, when he hit .272 with 27 homers, 83 RBIs and an .818 OPS. If he is, then they know they have a right fielder for the foreseeable future. If not, then they know they need to look elsewhere. "I really don't even put that in my mind," Brown said about his future in Philadelphia. "We'll see what happens. That's part of the business as well. All I can do is prepare myself every day to be a Philadelphia Phillie until I get traded." Brown returns to right field after the Phils traded Marlon Byrd to the Reds. "I'm not even getting into it," Brown said, asked if a position change could make him more comfortable on the field. "Wherever I'm at, I'm going to have fun playing, wherever I am on the baseball field. Is it going to get me more comfortable at the plate? I really don't know. I have a really different mindset this year, and that's going out and having a lot of fun. I know what my ability [is]. I'm going to do what I'm [capable of doing]." Brown said he and his teammates have not been on the "same page" recently. He would not elaborate, other than to say the "Phillie Way is playing hard, running balls out, taking the extra base." He would not say if those players remain in the clubhouse. He only would say he wants to win. "That's my biggest goal," Brown said. "Whether I'm sitting on the bench or playing every single day, it really doesn't matter. I'm going out there and I'm making sure that I'm going to give my team a chance to win a ballgame."

Dugan’s Latest Tough Break – Phillies outfielder Kelly Dugan cannot catch a break. Dugan, who was selected by Philadelphia in the second round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, strolled through the Phillies' clubhouse Monday morning at Bright House Field with a walking boot on his right foot. He sustained a mild stress reaction while running sprints recently. Dugan is expected to be sidelined at least a couple of weeks, which includes another four or five days in the boot. Dugan, 24, has sustained a rash of injuries over the years, including a staph infection in 2009. He had a stress fracture in his back in '10-11, which limited him to 75 games. Turf toe removed Dugan from the '13 Arizona Fall League, then an oblique injury sidelined him early last season, before he ended the year with a broken foot. When healthy, Dugan has been productive. He posted an .818 OPS in 290 plate appearances last season with Double-A Reading, and he has an .819 OPS in six Minor League seasons.

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.

Dutch Is Back After Two Year Battle!

PHILS PHACTS:

Dutch For The Win – Darren Daulton looked and sounded like himself Sunday morning at Bright House Field. He looked tan. He smiled easily. He spoke optimistically about the future. Daulton, who led the 1993 Phillies to the National League pennant, announced recently he is cancer free after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, since 2013. "I feel good," he said. "I don't know how lucky we are, but it's pretty cool." Daulton has an open invitation to be an instructor at Spring Training as his health permits. It did not sound like he was ready for that, but he was happy Sunday to be at the ballpark on a warm sunny day, watching the Phillies prepare for a new season. "Is there any way I can get a three-year contract right now, with big money?" he joked. Daulton said he got the good news Friday, when he visited his doctor. His doctor smiled when he came through the door. That is when he knew he was cancer-free. "I still have problems talking," said Daulton, who had been working on TV and radio in Philadelphia prior to the diagnosis. "So I can't go on the air like I used to. If I get tired, then I have problems. But I feel good. Just every now and then, I have problems, 'What were we just talking about?' "I've been hanging out with a lot of people from Philadelphia that have similar problems. It just happens, and it happens to different people. I just try to say the right things. There have been a couple that have passed away. It would be nice if everybody didn't have to deal with this cancer situation." Daulton dealt with it and he beat it. He is one of the fortunate ones.

Filling In The Two Hole – The Phillies had one of the least productive offenses in baseball last year, and after trading Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd in the offseason, things might not be any easier in 2015. It is tough to figure out a lineup without Rollins and Byrd. It is early, but Ben Revere figures to hit first. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard could hit third and fourth, respectively. But if that holds true, who hits second? Grady Sizemore could hit there, but that would give the Phillies four consecutive left-handed hitters. Carlos Ruiz could hit second, but then who hits behind Howard? "It is early, but Freddy [Galvis] is a switch-hitter," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "He could be a plus there if playing that type of game. Cesar Hernandez down the road, if he happened to be on the team sometime in the summer time, he could be a candidate. Chooch [Ruiz] has had some success there with his ability to use the whole field and is a right-handed bat. Sizemore, depending on who's hitting leadoff and who's pitching that day. There's some options there. I haven't penciled in any lineups yet obviously, but there's some options." One problem is the Phillies have few right-handed bats other than Ruiz, Darin Ruf, Maikel Franco and Jeff Francoeur, who is a non-roster invitee. So Sandberg has to be careful with where he places them so there isn't a string of left-handers hitting in succession, making life easier for opposing managers in the late innings.

Rollins’ Replacement – Freddy Galvis swears he cannot remember the moment he heard the Phillies traded Jimmy Rollins. It would seem to be a momentous occasion. Because when the Phillies traded Rollins to the Dodgers in December for Minor League pitchers Zach Eflin and Tom Windle, Galvis became the organization's first everyday shortstop other than Rollins since Desi Relaford in 2000. It is a role Rollins held from 2001-14, when he became the greatest shortstop in franchise history and surpassed Mike Schmidt to become the franchise's hits leader. No pressure, Freddy. "Jimmy was Jimmy," Galvis said. "Jimmy was the man here in Philadelphia. But you have to come here and play baseball. I have to do my game. I don't have to do Jimmy's game. I have to do Freddy Galvis' game and play ball." But what kind of game can Galvis bring? He is a fine defensive shortstop, so the pitchers should appreciate him. Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg loves his energy and praises his instincts. But a good glove, enthusiasm and instincts cannot help a hitter at the plate. Galvis has hit a combined .218 with a .621 OPS in 550 plate appearances with the Phils from 2012-14. He has hit a combined .253 with a .646 OPS in eight Minor League seasons. Galvis, 25, just hit .250 with 12 doubles, one triple, one home run, 18 RBIs and a .652 OPS in 51 games in Winter Ball in Venezuela. The Phillies probably would take similar production from Galvis in 2015. They might even take the numbers he put up in 2013, when he hit .234 with five doubles, four triples, six home runs, 19 RBIs and a .668 OPS in 222 plate appearances. "It's more a mindset than ability," Sandberg said. "I think you start with a .250 batting average with a guy like Freddy. He's athletic. He knows how to play the game. He knows the game situations. Hand-eye coordination. It's a mentality of getting [his swing] too big. He has to be reminded when he does turn on a ball and pop on a ball and hit a home run to the pull side, it happened because he had a good approach." Galvis is not expected to be the Phils' long-term solution at shortstop. J.P. Crawford not only is the top prospect in the organization, but MLB.com considers him the 21st best prospect in baseball. Many scouts around baseball believe he could be something special. But Crawford, 20, is at least a year away from making his big league debut. In the meantime, Galvis will have the opportunity to prove he can bring more than his glove and guile to the field. The Phillies hope he can. They are incredibly thin at shortstop behind Galvis. A short-term, in-game replacement could be Cesar Hernandez. If something would happen to Galvis long term -- he has suffered back and collarbone injuries the past three seasons with a PED suspension and staph infection in his left knee thrown in -- non-roster invitees Andres Blanco and Chase d'Arnaud could play there regularly. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said they will evaluate their depth at shortstop throughout camp and could find help elsewhere, if necessary. "I don't think I have to fill anybody's shoes," Galvis said. "I just have to do my game. Jimmy had a different game. He was a speedy guy. Jimmy was good. He was a good player. He was a good guy to me. He was like a father to me. He always taught me how to play the game, how to be ready for the game, so I always listened to him. "I feel ready for the opportunity. I was waiting for it. I didn't know if, at some point, it could come."

Asche At Third – Much has been made this spring about Phillies third baseman Cody Asche working in left field. Versatility defensively could help Asche in the future, especially if Maikel Franco fulfills his promise and the Phillies want him to be the regular at third. But while Asche is getting some work in left, manager Ryne Sandberg said Sunday it is unlikely Asche gets a lot of work there. Sandberg said he wants Asche spending "95, 96 percent of his time on being ready to play third base on Opening Day." Franco is going to get a look this spring, but he is expected to open the season in Triple-A Lehigh Valley, so he can continue his development and get at-bats on an everyday basis. Barring something unforeseen, Asche will be the everyday third baseman to start the season. Asche hit .252 with 25 doubles, 10 home runs, 46 RBIs and a .699 OPS last season. The Phillies want to see if he can improve upon that as they build for the future. "He's getting the basic fundamentals in left field," Sandberg said of Asche. "I don't know if somewhere in the spring he gets one game under his belt at the Minor League level. That remains to be seen, but that's a possibility. I want him to be ready to play third base Opening Day."

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.

The Pitching Pain Of Rebuilding

PHILS PHACTS:

Filling Out The Rotation – If nobody is traded and everybody is healthy, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg thinks four pitchers are locks to make the 2015 rotation. The foursome includes Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Aaron Harang and Jerome Williams. That leaves David Buchanan, Chad Billingsley and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez competing for the fifth spot. Buchanan is the favorite, based upon an encouraging rookie season (6-8, 3.75 ERA in 20 starts). Billingsley missed most of the past two seasons because of right elbow problems, so he probably will not be ready to join the rotation until late April. Then there is Gonzalez. The Phillies signed him to a three-year, $12 million contract in 2013 after he originally agreed to a six-year, $48 million deal. Questions about Gonzalez's health cost him $36 million, but the organization's concerns proved valid when he battled injury issues last season as a starter. Gonzalez eventually moved to the bullpen, where he pitched with some success. But he enters Spring Training getting another shot to prove himself in the rotation. "Expectations are for him to complete a full camp," Sandberg said, emphasizing Gonzalez's health history. "Seeing what he can do and seeing how he progresses as camp goes along. As of right now, we have him slated in the starting role, allowing him to build up his arm strength a little bit. Work on pitches as a starter. That's the goal right now." If Gonzalez can stay healthy and he has a great camp, he could edge Buchanan for that fifth spot. But as Sandberg said, Gonzalez has to stay healthy first.

Trade Talks – Cole Hamels is stuck in the middle. Hamels has said for months he does not want to spend the remaining prime years of his baseball career playing on a losing team. He sharpened his words Wednesday, when he told USA Today he wants to win and "and I know it's not going to happen here." He likely feels that way because the Phillies have said they are rebuilding and unlikely to compete again until 2017 or '18. But Hamels also appreciates his time in Philadelphia. The Phillies drafted him in 2002. He won a World Series in '08. He signed a six-year, $144 million contract extension in '12. He lives in the area. He appreciates the fans. Hamels wants to be honest, but he also does not want to sound ungrateful. He does not want to offend. So Hamels backed away from his harsh assessment in a sometimes-uncomfortable 25-minute news conference Saturday afternoon at Bright House Field. He answered questions about his desire to remain in Philadelphia with members of the Phillies front office seated nearby, including team chairman David Montgomery. Montgomery handed Hamels the $144 million contract a few years ago. "You have to be accountable for what you do," Hamels said. "You know, I can't, I guess, be liked by everybody. You know, that's not the goal. You're not going to be politically correct any time you ever say anything. I think everybody learns that. You're not going to appease everybody. So this is who I am. "For what it's worth, I've always tried to be very honest with people in general. I don't cue-card it. I don't have my cue cards up here giving you the straight-laced answers that I know a lot of people have been able to get away with." Cliff Lee, Jonathan Papelbon and Hamels each addressed reporters this week. In the past, each has indicated or said flatly they would like to play for a winner or play elsewhere. But the trio followed the good teammate script. They said they are happy to be in Philadelphia. They said they believe they can win here. "You can't count us out," Hamels said. "We all have the opportunity to prove people wrong." Hamels deflected questions about his desire to be traded, because expressing those desires does not benefit one of the most popular and successful pitchers in franchise history. "I've made my home in Philadelphia since the very beginning," Hamels said, when asked if he would welcome a trade. "This is where I'm fully committed." Hamels said his comments in USA Today were a continuation from a conversation in January. The latest comments came Tuesday. He said his feelings expressed in the story followed stories from the winter about how the Phillies won't win in the future. So are those his feelings today? "At this given moment, I'm a Phillie," Hamels said. So does he want to go somewhere where he can win? "Right now I know that as we start, I think we're 0-0," Hamels said. "I think everybody's in first place. I don't think any one of you guys have written anything about how we're going to compete and win our division. So it's something for us to take as a group and to go out there and prove to people the type of players that we are." So how did he react when Phillies president Pat Gillick said it would take a few years to complete the rebuilding process? "I have no control over a certain direction," Hamels said. "An organization, they have a bigger picture that they have to worry about. As a player, we really have to take the straight-and-narrow approach. We have a job to do, people are counting on us, and I think that's kind of what an organization, an upper management, has to worry about, is what players are going to be accountable, what direction can we go with what we have. I'm just one piece of the puzzle, and as long as I can go out and do what they expect, then I'm fulfilling my end of the bargain." Trading Hamels would speed up the rebuilding process, because he is the only Phillies veteran relatively young and still in his prime. Theoretically, the club could get a load of talent in return. But it will not be easy. Philadelphia still has the unsuccessful 2009 Cliff Lee trade with Seattle on its mind, so it must get something it loves in return. The Phillies can't miss. Hamels also is owed $96 million, which includes $22.5 million in salary each of the next four seasons, plus a $6 million buyout on a '19 club option worth $20 million. They want Hamels' new team to pay the entire contract, or most of it. Teams might balk if they plan to give the Phillies the prospects they want. Asked if he would require the club option to be picked up to waive his limited no-trade clause, Hamels said, "That's a family decision." Hamels is in a tough spot. He wants to play for a winner, but at the moment, he does not want to upset or alienate the organization or fan base. "I'm very fortunate to be in the position that I am," Hamels said. "To be that player that's been able to win a World Series for a very historical franchise, and to make my home in Philly and see what sports really do mean to Philly fans, it's been nice. And being able to go out and represent not only the organization, but the city of Philadelphia, has been an honor. And I think I'll remain to do so until I'm told that I can't."

Hamels Reaffirms Commitment – What is Cole Hamels supposed to say? That he doesn't want to be here? Zero chance of that. Hamels' feelings for the Phillies run too deep. For the City of Philadelphia, too. He has come to love the place. "I've made my home in Philadelphia since the very beginning," Hamels said. "This is where I'm fully committed." Hamels is sensitive to his teammates, too, and he wants to make sure they know he's all in with them as long as he's still here. "My job is to be accountable for what the expectations that are put on me," Hamels said. "I only have one direction and one position, and that's to be able to go pitch and go win ballgames. That's all I can really do." So he will dance around the questions about the future, say what he's supposed to say and allow the thing to play itself out. Hamels already knows. He just has to. At some point this season, the Phillies almost certainly are going to trade him to a contender for some young talent. When that happens, both sides will be better off. The Phillies, in a full rebuilding move, will replenish their stock of young players. And Hamels will have another shot at the postseason. In a perfect world, it would have happened months ago, and both Hamels and Philadelphia would have a clearer picture of the future. So far, though, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. hasn't gotten an offer he's comfortable taking. Amaro sees Hamels as the definition of a No. 1 starter. In the last five seasons, Hamels has averaged 213 innings and 204 strikeouts. Among all National League starters, only Clayton Kershaw has more innings, strikeouts and quality starts. Hamels is also only 31 years old, and he is under contract for four more seasons at the relatively reasonable price of $23.5 million a year. Because of those factors, some have wondered if Amaro is asking too high a price for Hamels. "The perception is that we're overreaching," Phillies president Pat Gillick said. "I don't think we are. I think we're trying to be fair." Amaro is piecing together a complicated puzzle. He has already acquired pitching by trading Jimmy Rollins, Marlon Byrd and Antonio Bastardo. "We feel better than we did three months ago," Amaro said. "But you can never be satisfied. That's a constant battle." And he will listen on Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, Ryan Howard and Cliff Lee. Injuries and/or salary make Papelbon, Howard and Lee less appealing than Hamels. It's Hamels who could bring the kind of young talent that could help the Phillies turn a corner. That said, the club doesn't intend to completely blow up the roster. As it deals away veterans, it wants enough talent in return to help remain respectable. "We want to rebuild, but we don't want to be embarrassing," Gillick said. "I don't think we want to embarrass the fans. We don't want to be embarrassed when we go on the field. Consequently, we have to put as good a product as we can on the field, and at the same time try to do what we have to do to get back to being competitive." On Saturday, Hamels met with reporters and essentially said he's fully committed to the Phillies as long as he's here. "I think you guys have seen how I play, the type of character that I have when I step out onto the field," Hamels said. "Go out there and be the best that you can, because at some point it's all going to end. So you at least want to know that you left everything out on the field." Rather than dwell on the possibility of being traded, Hamels said he will attempt to focus on preparing for his 10th big league season and nothing more. He's proud of what he has been part of, including five straight division championships, two NL pennants and especially being part of the team that won the World Series in 2008. Hamels was quoted by USA Today this week as saying the Phillies had no chance of winning in the near future. He would not deny those quotes on Saturday. Nor would he repeat them. "At this given moment, I'm a Phillie," Hamels said. "All I can do is get ready for the season. No matter ... the name on my chest, I have a job to do and I have to be accountable for it." As for the larger direction of the organization, Hamels understands. "An organization, they have a bigger picture that they have to worry about," Hamels said. "As a player, we really have to take the straight-and-narrow approach. We have a job to do, people are counting on us. I'm just one piece of the puzzle, and as long as I can go out and do what they expect, then I'm fulfilling my end of the bargain."

Hollands Looking To Improve – Mario Hollands is no longer one of the relative unknowns entering Phillies camp. Hollands is a favorite to win a bullpen job following a mostly successful rookie season, when the 26-year-old left-hander surprised people and made the Opening Day roster. He went 2-2 with a 4.40 ERA in 50 appearances, but he finished the season on the disabled list with an injured left elbow. An offseason of rest has him back on track and ready to compete. Left-hander Jake Diekman is a lock to make the bullpen. Rule 5 Draft pick Andy Oliver also is in camp, but other lefties in Spring Training seem destined to open the season in the Minor Leagues. "I'm not assuming anything," Hollands said Saturday morning at Bright House Field. "I'm pretending like it's last year and I'm trying to make the team out of camp. Nothing has been given to me. Nothing was given to me last year, and I don't assume a spot is going to be given to me this year." Hollands entered Spring Training last year in midseason form following a lengthy stint in winter ball in Venezuela. "If I wasn't season-ready coming from Venezuela, I don't think I would have made the team," Hollands said. Hollands went 1-1 with a 2.10 ERA in 32 appearances through June 28. He got hit in his right knee by a line drive on July 2, which forced him to leave the game. He had a 15.26 ERA in eight appearances that month before posting a 2.89 ERA in his final 10 appearances. Hollands' elbow injury forced him to miss the last month of the season. "I wasn't happy with that rough stretch where I was getting hit around a little bit," Hollands said. "I doubted some of my stuff a little bit. But I think I did OK. I could definitely improve. I learned a lot." The learning never stops for Hollands. He earned an associate of arts degree in merchandise marketing at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles in December. He previously earned a bachelor's in sociology from UC-Santa Barbara. Hollands hopes to intern in the offseason, perhaps in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Philadelphia. "I might be the only person in here with two degrees," Hollands said. "It gave me something to do in the fall, because I couldn't golf or really do any upper-body workouts because of the elbow." Hollands said the elbow feels fine. He has thrown about a half-dozen bullpen sessions already. "A little nervous," Hollands said about entering camp, "just because I haven't seen a batter in a while. Besides that, it's nice getting to throw a little bit more."

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.