Phillies Fall to Yankees in Clearwater
A day after opening the exhibition schedule with a win over the New York Yankees, their AL rivals took the second game of the back to back, 7-3. Here are some notes:
-Ben Francisco is looking great early on, he stroked a double and a home run today, giving him three extra-base hits through the first two games. Yes, it’s early and no, it means little, but it’s certainly encouraging to see.
-Domonic Brown, on the other hand, does not. He is struggling mightily thus far after going 0-for-3 with three K’s. The youngster has plenty of time to get back on the horse, but dating back to September 1st, Brown is 4-for-48.
-Justin De Fratus and Michael Schwimer struggled as well. De Fratus walked two and gave up two earned in two innings. Schwimer was torched for four runs on four hits in one inning in which he threw just eight pitches. The two young relievers are high on our Top 25 Prospects list.
-Clearly, the most important news of the day surrounds Chase Utley’s knee. He’s dealing with patellar tendinitis, which is why he’s been out of the lineup. The whole “general soreness” excuse was just a facade for what is really going on, although it doesn’t seem to be too serious. Utley says it’s something he’s dealt with in the past but hasn’t loosened up the way he’d like. I know people are holding their breath, but don’t. They’ll give him some rest now before it counts and all should be good.
-Up next are the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow. Kyle Drabek was scheduled to start against Roy Halladay, but he’s been scratched with a stiff neck. Jo-Jo Reyes, the idiot circus boy, will start in his stead.
