Casey Smith Pulls Phils Past Pirates
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, February 29, 2008 07:16 PM | Comments: 4
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The Phillies were down for most of today’s game against the Pirates, but a dark horse infielder made the Buccos pay with a 9th inning homer. The Phils won 5-4.
Casey Smith went 2-3 with the homer. At 28, he’s more likely depth for AAA Allentown, but hey, you never know. Among regulars, Shane Victorino hit a triple that was almost an inside-the-park home run. Something tells me he’ll fill Rowand’s void in center field just fine.
Pitching-wise, it was a mixed bag, for sure. JD Durbin did himself no favors, allowing two runs and five hits in two innings. Shane Youman, a left-hander battling for a bullpen spot, did horribly, walking four in one inning. But Gary Knotts grabbed the win with two scoreless innings, and JA Happ showed promise with a scoreless two frames. And Joe Bisenius also performed well, putting up the same line as Happ.
What we got out of this game:
- JA Happ and Joe Bisenius are the youngsters in the lead.
- Casey Smith is a nice addition for the deepest part of the infield depth chart.
- JD Durbin can’t stumble much more than he already has.
- Shane Youman shows the need for better bullpen help was essential.
Posts: 0 typhoon
I am glad Happ and Bisenius did well, they could be important call ups this season.
Posted: 08:50 PM on February 29, 2008
Posts: 0 john
Lets remember this is only the second spring training game…
Posted: 10:15 PM on February 29, 2008
Posts: 1650 Tim Malcolm
Ahh, but you should remember, it was the third spring training game (fourth if you count the B-game. By the way, Brett Myers went three strong, giving up one hit.)
Posted: 12:39 PM on March 1, 2008
Posts: 0 Ron Herring
Casey is extremely deserving. He has a work ethic that is amazing. The Phillies can’t go wrong by having him in their organization. Good things happen to good people.
Posted: 10:45 PM on March 12, 2008