Commenter Kyle A. touches base with another taste of Florida baseball for us...
Yesterday’s game against the Braves in Clearwater can only be described in one way—bad baseball. The Phillies and Braves combined for 36 hits, 22 runs and more bad pitching than 10 year old level Little League game.
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Kyle Kendrick, who was supposed to be the favorite for the fifth starter spot, pitched like someone who wanted to play for the Iron Pigs this season, not the Phillies. Kendrick went 3+ innings and gave up an astounding 10 hits and 8 runs. He also managed to surrender 2 home runs to backup catcher Clint Sammons. Kendrick pitched so poorly that even the Braves pitcher connected for a standup double. After this performance, the job for the fifth starter spot seems wide open, your move J.A. Happ and Chan Ho Park.
The rest of the Phillies pitching staff didn’t exactly shut down the Braves, but they held them to only 4 more runs over the rest of the game. Some bright spots did exist during the game however, the Fightin’ Phils did just that—they fought back—posting a 5-run 5th inning, but it just wasn’t enough, ultimately losing 12-10.
Jason Donald continued to impress, he had a stellar day at the plate going 3 for 4 with a pair of runs scored. Donald looks like the real deal and seems like he is ready to contribute on the major league level. If Pedro Feliz is not ready to play on opening day, Donald will do just fine holding the spot till he returns. If he keeps up this level of play, Feliz may have a battle on his hands for his starting job should he not be ready by April 5th.
For those of you who have not seen John Mayberry Jr. play yet, you will, just pray it’s in a Phillies uniform because this guy can flat out hit. Mayberry blasted an opposite field homerun today and missed a second by mere feet. Mayberry is a monster of a man; he makes Ryan Howard seem small. Mayberry has shown that he deserves a shot to make this team; honestly, the Phillies would be stupid not to have him on the 25 man roster. This is going to upset some fans, but Matt Stairs’ time as a Phillie may be coming to an end sooner rather than later.
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Overall, this trip to sunny Clearwater was a great one, watched some baseball, ate some great food, took in some sun and had a ton of fun. Spring training is simply amazing and everyone should experience it at least once if they can. Soon it will be time to head north and begin the title defense. From what I saw, the Phillies, with a few minor tweaks, should be ready to take on all comers.