To Watch Tonight: Utley, Ruiz, Oswalt in Clearwater with Exciting Young Talent

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While the Phillies have a day off from their regular 162 game schedule, Phillies fans get the special treat of watching three of the biggest stars in the organization team up with some of the exciting prospects that currently reside in Single-A Clearwater.

Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz, and Roy Oswalt all playing in rehab starts is clearly the reason why this game will be aired on Comcast SportsNet this evening, but the chance to get to watch guys like Jonathan Singleton, pitcher-turned-hitter Joe Savery, and youngster Jiwan James is a real nice added bonus.

Jim Salisbury wrote this afternoon about some of these young guys:

In addition to Utley, Ruiz and Oswalt, there will be several other
interesting players in the game, including left fielder Jonathan
Singleton. The 19-year-old Californian is hailed as one of the best
hitting prospects in baseball. He is the youngest player in the Florida
State League and is hitting .303 with a homer and 10 RBIs in 23 games.

Singleton
will play aside centerfielder Jiwan James, another highly regarded
prospect. James, 22, had a chance to play football and baseball at the
University of Florida, but chose to sign with the Phillies after being
selected in the 22nd round of 2007 draft. He is a converted pitcher
whose lanky build is similar to Domonic Brown’s.

Should be a fun night in Clearwater for those in attendance and interesting television programming for those of us sitting at home. Ricky Bo and Jim Jackson will handle the calling duties.

As for what to watch for, this is Utley's first action in the field in a formal game setting since spring training. Basically you just want to see him handle himself well without tweaking anything. The 20-day countdown for Utley to finish rehab has started.

Oswalt could throw somewhere in the 75-pitch range, that according to Salisbury, who also said if all goes well, Roy could be back on the mound for the Phils next Tuesday in St. Louis.

First pitch scheduled for 7:00. Enjoy the chance to watch some minor league ball.

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