A Fine Spring Experience; Kyle Kendrick Put to Test

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CLEARWATER BEACH, FL --  With our first ever trip to Clearwater for
a sampling of the wonderful thing they call spring training wrapping
up, I can now say that this place is both a small slice of baseball
heaven and kind of like a suburb that just so happens to be plopped down next to a sandy beach.

Matt and I are headed to beautiful Brighthouse Field to enjoy the
Phillies take on the Orioles this evening. We're doing it berm style
tonight, getting one last chance to watch the Phils do some fine tuning
before we see them again down in Washington for opening day. While
we'll have the opportunity to just sit back, relax, and truly enjoy the
wonderful atmosphere of the Florida ball park, plenty is on the line
for many Phils, especially Kyle Kendrick, who will get the start and
another chance to prove he deserves that coveted fifth spot in the rotation.

Rich Dubee has said that Kendrick would have to go out and take the job and with Jamie Moyer struggling, it appears to be there for the taking. But one thing Kyle hasn't done yet this spring is go through a batting order multiple times. As David Murphy points out, opposing hitters fare significantly better against Kendrick with each plate appearance. Dubbee's spring system has Kendrick slated to go through the Orioles line up a few times this afternoon, so tonight's result could be telling.

As for Clearwater, all of the hype about a trip to spring training being a quintessential experience for any fan of the Phils is one-hundred percent true. The jovial atmosphere and the proximity to the field from all vantage points inside the ball park make for a truly memorable baseball experience. Even the beer prices are a wee bit friendlier.

As for the scenes outside of the park in downtown Clearwater as well as along the beach to the west? Well, they're a little bit different. It's kind of like a strange cocktail of your typical McFadden's At the Ball Park crowd (only with 80% more dudes, if that's possible), a few spring breakers from Kentucky, and the yokel locals. It makes for an... interesting time.

But, if you stay at the right place, you can watch March Madness at a poolside bar complete with a fruity drink with an umbrella in it while boats slowly pass along the bay behind you. Chase that with a baseball game and you're doing alright.

Photo by The700Level.com

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