Spring Training Odds and Ends: Rollins, Lidge
-Will J-Roll predict the future once again? Apparently, not this year. In Matt Gelb’s piece in the Inquirer today, Rollins shied away from his usual pre-season prognostication. However, he did point out that he wants to steal 50 bases, score 150 runs, and hit .300.
I can see 50 steals. With Davy Lopes at first, why the hell not. One-hundred and fifty runs? That feat has been accomplished just 46 times in MLB history, the last coming in 2000 compliments of Jeff Bagwell. If Rollins touches home 150 times, then he certainly should be well above .300. And if that happens, look out, he could be the next MVP. I’ll temper my expectations with Jimmy, because he was just average a year ago. I do believe he’ll be better, but .300/150/50? Not so sure.
-Brad Lidge kicked his spring off on Monday by throwing 20 pitches off of a mound for the first time since offseason knee and elbow surgery. Today, he watched. As Phillies pitchers took fielding practice, Lidge peered from the sidelines as he’ll take it slow in his recovery process. The Phils closer is scheduled to pitch again tomorrow, but he said he feels completely pain free so far. Good sign.
-Jamie Moyer, too, is chomping at the bit to get healthy and to pitch again ASAP. The ageless one was able to take fielding practice with his mates today as he recovers nicely from multiple surgeries this offseason.
It’s great to see Moyer healthy again, but lets be honest, he’s no longer someone who excites us as a part of the rotation. He will have to work to get his spot back, as Kyle Kendrick and others want that coveted #5 spot. But as far as his health goes, glad to see him nearing 100 percent.
-And for the news everyone wants to hear: Roy Halladay will throw tomorrow! He’ll toss to a group of Phillies that will include Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez, although it’s rare they swing. But come on, that just sounds cool.
–Ryan Fagan of The Sporting News broke down the Phillies for upcoming season and sees them in a rematch with the Yankees in the Fall Classic. He also sees them losing. Hard to argue with the first part of that statement. But I’d bet there are many of you who take issue with his selection of the Yanks for back-to-back titles.
