Redbirds in Clearwater

This is the first post I’ve been able to do about an actual game since today’s tilt against the Cardinals is the first one I’ve been able to watch on tv.  It was a good game an featured Chase Utley in his first Grapefruit action. 

 

Chan Ho Park started for the Phils.  He went 4.2 innings, only allowing 3 hits and striking out 6.  None of those hits came around to score.

 

Chase batted leadoff (I guess since the other two guys that lead off are in Miami, attempting to find some pitching so the US is completely embarrassed). 

Chase went 0-2 with a strikeout and a grounder to Pujos.  Did I expect anything better from a guy just coming off hip rehab?  Maybe a little bloopy single.  Hopefully, Chase’s swing improves as March marches on (I couldn’t resist =:) ).

 

Jayson Werth homered just after Chase struck out, the ball hitting the Frenchy’s sign over the tiki bar in left.

 

That was our only run in the game until the ninth inning when Miguel Cairo scored on Ellison’s RBI double. 

 

the Phils beat the Redbirds 2-1.

 

Apparently, there was a swarm of bees outside the press box.  T-Mac and Sarge talked more about those darn insects than about the game, at times.  Not that I can blame them.  It is a spring training game.  It was 80 and sunny.  Bees can be distracting.  I completely understand. 

 

Our defense looked good.  Only Raul Ibanez erred, allowing a ball through his legs.  I would have liked to see a tad bit more offense, especially with all the talk about this team not hitting with runners in scoring position during the world series. 

 

The Phils have several good-looking prospects.  Jason Donald is the best, in my opinion.  And Jr. Mayberry, as per Harry Kalas.

 

And it was very good to hear Harry’s voice.  It looked like he is healthy and raring to go for the regular season.  Personally, I think Tom McCarthy packed on a few lbs over the winter.

 

my next post will be next saturday, since that is the next tv broadcast.  I like to watch baseball, it gives me a better feel for how the pitcters are playing, the conditions, the general overall atmosphere.

 

Katie D.