One of the best things about spring training is the split squad games. This allows for managers to get everyone in the game for evaluation in a game situation. The only problem is that it is slightly dissapointing to get to the ballpark and realize that Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and the starting pitching staff is playing against the Blue Jays when you’re watching the squad that is playing the Tigers. Needless to say, I got to watch quite of few of the Phillies non-roster invitees play today. The game was very slow offensively for the Phillies. They only scored two runs off of Jason Grilli in the 7th inning. They should have scored more if it were not for some untimely double plays that ended innings or rallies. I was most impressed with Brandon Watson who was playing right field today. He was able to show discipline at the plate, and man was he fast. He was able to execute a perfect slap bunt in the eighth inning that advanced the runner, and also allowed him to be safe at first. That was followed by a double play. Pat Burrell was the most dissapointing player. He was one of the few everyday players in the game and he did not play like it. He chased pitches, and didn’t come through when he needed to.
J.D. Durbin got the start, and pitched well except for the three monstrous home runs he gave up. Two to Carlos Guillen and one to Magglio Ordonez. And when I say monsters I mean HUGE. Other than that he only gave up one hit, with 3 strikeouts and 2 walks. The most impressive contest he had was against Miguel Cabrera. He was able to challenge him with a high fastball and got him swinging. I was commenting on how impressive he was when the next batter, Guillen, hit one over the palm trees in right.
I liked seeing the guys that usually don’t get a chance play because I know that they gave it everything they had. They didn’t wait long in counts to get a pitch that they wanted because they knew that their opportunities would be limited. There were, however, some plays that certainly showed why some of them would still be playing in the minors this season.
Also I was able to catch a home run hit in batting practice by one of the Phillies. I couldn’t see the number well but I think it was in the 70s so it was definitely a non roster guy. And when I say caught I actually mean caught, not grabbed off the bounce. I still got it from my days in left.
