Jimmy Rollins Should Be Concerned For His Safety

All of the projected starting infielders save the shortstop are hurt.  Placido Polanco attempted to dive back into first base and, in all likelihood, damaged his ring finger beyond repair.  At this point, Jimmy is the last one left standing.  The upsetting thing about this is that Polly actually looked pretty good at the dish so far this spring.  This is not to say that he suddenly morphed into a power hitting middle of the line-up masher, but the guy looked to be much more than the automatic out which we were privy to at the end of last season.  I suppose we shouldn’t expect much from Tony LaRussa’s favorite player; I can never turn my back on an opportunity to share my disdain for the former St. Louis Cardinals manager.  Disdain effectively disseminated.

There have been four, count them four,spring contests since last Thursday.  Joe Blanton gave up a couple of runs to the Braves, but has looked pretty good this spring.  He certainly looks to be throwing pain free.  After his visit to Dr. James Andrews last season it looked like Joe would be going under the knife.  He did not and it looks like his rehab on the offending cranky elbow has been a success.  Dontrelle Willis won the game and was promptly released by the Phillies just before they had to pay him a bunch of money.  6-4 Phillies win.  In the other split squad game on Thursday, Juan Pierre continued to make a push for the opening day roster with a pair of RBI and Scott Elarton finally looked like Scott Elarton in a 6-6 tie with the Rays.

Cliff Lee gave up a pair of homers to guys who play for the Pirates….guys who play for the Pirates during spring training no less.  Get ready for the people claiming that Lee is hurt, or that the innings he has thrown have caught up with him.  In addition, the Phillies could not hit Kevin Corriea.  The sky is officially falling.  3-2 loss to the Pirates.

This brings us to today’s game versus the Toronto Blue Jays.  Vance Worley had his second positive start in a row, Jimmy Rollins and Freddy Galvis both homered and we got to hear the announcers talk about Brian Bocock.  I am seriously laughing to myself out loud after writing his name.  Hector Luna gave the Phillies the win by singling in Scott Podsednik in the 10th inning.  4-3 Phillies win.  Bocock!

All in all, the Phillies were 2-1-1 in the last few days and only one of their starting infielders were damaged.  Next up, the Phillies get to see the Blue Jays again with Cole Hamels going against Chuck Cecil.