Week In Review – Polanco Injured, Willis Released

As usual its been an exciting week down in Clearwater.  Our fearless leaders, Pat and Brian, made the trip down to soak up some sun and baseball.  Lucky bastards.

The Phillies wore the traditional green yesterday beating the Blue Jays in 10 innings.  Vance Worley continues to impress attempting to prove the sophomore slump does not exist.  He hasn’t allowed a run in his last two starts.  Placido Polanco had to leave the game after injuring his left hand.  It’s not all bad news, as Chase Utley spoke with Todd Zolecki saying he hopes to be on the field next week.  Fingers crossed.

But what if Utley isn’t back on the field any time soon?  How comfortable are you with the idea of Freddy Glavis or Ty Wiggington playing second in his absence?  The Phillies have been shopping for infield help.  Corey piggy backed David Murphy on the idea of acquiring Alberto Callaspo.  It’s not a bad idea.

Corey also touched on a very sensitive subject this week.  Anytime you mention Roy Halladay and the idea that he might be slipping, well my heart skips a beat.  Hallday’s velocity was down in his most recent start, but Ruben Amaro and Corey suggest that we stop worrying and just let him do his thing.

Another pitcher we won’t have to worry about this season is Dontrelle Willis.  Willis was brought in with hopes he could be a lefty specialist out of the bullpen to supplement Antonio Bastardo

.  That didn’t work out so well.  The Phillies released him earlier this week and will save around $700k with him off the roster.  Some other minor league guys were released this week.  As always, Jay catches us up on who won’t be on the farm this season.

With Willis out, the bullpen picture is coming together.  With still a lot of names in the hat, the only sure bet seems to be Jonathan Papelbon.  Setting up for him could be anybody.  Jon takes a look at the other guys and gives his opinion on their odds of making the team.

The Phillies notched three wins this week and guys like Worley and Kyle Kendrick are really stepping up.  I wouldn’t look too much into the bad starts by Halladay and Cliff Lee.  It’s still Spring Training.

Go Phillies!