Kendrick Fires Another Gem; Howard to STL?

First things first, Kyle Kendrick was once again spectacular in his third spring outing.  He tossed four brilliant innings, allowing just two hits, although he did not strike anyone out, which is cause for some concern. The one number that sticks out is the zero runs allowed thus far.  KK is certainly making the coaching staff think twice about inserting Jamie Moyer in the fifth starter spot.  And even if Moyer is given that opportunity to begin the season, Kendrick is proving to be a legit fallback option should the elder statesman falter.

The Phillies lost today, 4-3 to the Orioles.  Drew Carpenter pitched three strong out of the pen, giving up one run while striking out five.  However, Sergio Escalona continues to allow baserunners at an alarming rate.  The lefty allowed three earned runs and four hits in one inning or work. Not good for a guy trying to stick as another lefty in the big league bullpen.

Now, onto the fascinating/crazy trade talk provided by ESPN’s Buster Olney.  He reported today that the Phillies discussed internally a trade that would send Ryan Howard to St. Louis for Albert Pujols. In no way does this mean a trade was talked about between the two clubs, rather, it seems as though the Phils brass has at least thought about sending an offer to the Cardinals.

Doubtful.  There’s no way the Cardinals trade the greatest hitter in baseball and the face of an entire town. Even if they were blown away by an offer that included multiple top prospects, I still don’t think John Mozeliak pulls the trigger.  The shockwave would be too much to handle in a city that lives and breathes baseball on an even higher level than Philly.  Kind of cool to think about such a blockbuster, but i’d put it at about one in a million.