Early Spring Results

The Philadelphia Phillies are 3-3 through the first week of Grapefruit League games. There's been some positive developments thus far, but also some cause for concern.

The Good:

• In Cole Hamels' 2 starts, he's gone 6 IP with 5 K, and only 2 H and 2 W allowed. That's a 0.00 ERA and 0.67 WHIP.
• Ben Francisco is doing his damnedest to win the RF gig outright. The Ben Francisco Treat is batting .375/1.194 with 4 R, 5 RBI, and an extra base hit of every flavor.
• John Mayberry Jr. has played outfield and firstbase adequately while cutting down on his strikeouts (2 K in 15 AB) and is batting .333/.975 with 2 SB.
• Shane Victorino hasn't K'd yet this spring and is getting on base at a .429 clip.
• Josh Barfield, Delwyn Young, and Pete Orr are making a case for the final bench spot.
• Joe Blanton hurled 3 beautiful innings in his spring debut and goes again today against the Pirates.
• Youngster Michael Stutes is making a good impression and hopeful for a bullpen slot (4 IP, 5 K, 0.00/0.50).

The Bad:

• Brad Lidge is more LOL than Lights Out Lidge, making 2 appearances and getting hit hard in each of them.
• Jimmy Rollins is 2-12 (.167) and both Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez are 2-11 (.182).

The Ugly:

• Domonic Brown is 0-15 with 9 K's. Ouch!
• Chase Utley still isn't running the bases or taking fielding practice. Double ouch!

Lets remember these are small sample sizes and a lot can happen between now and Opening Day. Don't get too high and don't get too down on any player as this essentially is glorified practice after all.

*The Ben Francisco Treat image courtesy of Phillies Phollowers.