Game Preview: Grapefruit League Opener, Phillies at Pirates, 1:05 pm

by WholeCamels on Feb 25, 2009 11:54 AM EST

Spring Training baseball is kind of like Methadone -- good enough when the real thing isn't around. Of course we all remember how the last competitive game the Phillies team played ended. This may be going out on a limb a little bit, but I'm guessing today's contest will be just a touch less dramatic.

Without further ado, the Philadelphia Phillies kick off their Grapefruit League schedule by heading down to Bradenton to take on their cross-state rival Pittsburgh Pirates today at 1:05 pm.

Phillies projected lineup:

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Shane Victorino CF
3. Raul Ibanez LF
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Geoff Jenkins RF
6. Matt Stairs DH
7. Jason Donald 2B
8. Eric Bruntlett 3B
9. Chris Coste C

Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer are slated to throw about 40 pitches each before giving way to the bullpen.

The Pirates are expected to throw nine pitchers out there for one inning a piece, mostly minor leaguers.

I'll primarily be watching three things in this game:

1. Jason Donald. Can he carry his hot Arizona Fall League play into Florida? Will he force himself into the conversation to become a real long-term option at third base for the Phillies? If Donald truly blossoms, how awesome would a homegrown infield of Howard/Utley/Rollins/Donald be? Charlie loves him. Hell, everyone raves about his makeup. He seems to be emulating Chase Utley; this is a good thing. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves; Donald is a shortstop by trade and any transition to a different spot on the diamond may not be smooth. Still, we can dream.

2. Jamie Moyer. Did his age finally catch up to him this offseason? Of course we cannot answer that question definitively with one abbreviated spring outing, but it would definitely be a little disconcerting to see him struggle today. And with a two-year contract extension no less.

3. Raul Ibanez in red pinstripes. Not much else to add, just the "new shiny thing" factor.

Feel free to discuss the game below.

PLAY

BALL

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Comments

utterly irrelevant

On a tangent, I’ve always been kind of jealous of the Pirates due to their much cooler mascot name and better (in my opinion) color scheme.

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Feb 25, 2009 12:42 PM EST reply actions

Not many mascot names are less cool than ours, sadly. But that’s okay.

Pittsburgh also has a better ballpark. And Rinku & Dinesh.

by taco pal on Feb 25, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions

best mascot ever

come on man, the phanatic is the best mascot in the entire sporting community!

by PHIGHTINPHILS on Feb 25, 2009 1:22 PM EST up reply actions

Oh no! Let me clarify. I thought “mascot name” referred to the name “Phillies,” not the big green guy. Far be it for me to ever say anything negative about the Phanatic.

by taco pal on Feb 25, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

"Nickname" not "Mascot"

Shoulda been more clear. Yeah, I meant the team nickname. “Phillies” might be the worst in the whole sport, I’m afraid.

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Feb 25, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions

Glad this was mentioned. I’ve always felt a bit blasphemous for having the same opinion. I feel almost the same about the “76ers” and “Flyers” too. Strange city we have.

by Have a Seat on Feb 25, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions

WOO!

by taco pal on Feb 25, 2009 12:51 PM EST reply actions

Well, this game isn’t on the MLB network…but nice to see MLB will have spring training games (two today)…

"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."

Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.

by jemagee on Feb 25, 2009 12:53 PM EST reply actions

are there any internet sites offering play by play?

"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel

by foos05 on Feb 25, 2009 12:59 PM EST reply actions

Pirates radio broadcast is up, from mlb.com. Unfortunately, no Philly broadcast.

by dajafi on Feb 25, 2009 1:01 PM EST reply actions

Whoops—spoke too soon. They must have cut away from the Rush Limbaugh show right around when I did. Franzke giving the lineups right now…

by dajafi on Feb 25, 2009 1:06 PM EST up reply actions

scoreless thru 1

Phils went 1-2-3, Pirates got one single up the middle against Moyer.

Pittsburgh closer Matt Capps will throw the 2nd.

by dajafi on Feb 25, 2009 1:24 PM EST reply actions

Tied 1-1 top 4th

No idea how those runs scored, though. Anyone have a clue?

Spring Fever… CATCH IT!

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Feb 25, 2009 2:19 PM EST reply actions

Ibanez drove in the Phillies run, Sanchez doubled in Morgan for the Bucs.

Now in the 4th, the Pirates have put four across against Joe Bisenius, who looks more and more like he’ll have a Moonlight Graham type of big league career.

by dajafi on Feb 25, 2009 2:32 PM EST up reply actions