The Phillies went into spring training with a concern at 2nd base in Chase Utley's hip. Well, he's coming along well and likely to be in the opening day lineup. All was quiet until the staff ace, Cole Hamels, hit a little bump in the road with a sore elbow. Luckily, after today's MRI, Cole has an inflammation in his elbow. This is good news considering the alternatives but I think this allows the Phillies to take their time deciding who will take the 5th starter position.
So far this spring both Chan Ho Park and J.A. Happ have provided a stunning competition for the last spot in the rotation. This gives the Phillies some comfort in that if they need to sit Cole for a few games, they have two solid pitchers to handle his spot.
Hey, the Flyers are hanging in there. Trouble part is they just don't seem very consistent with their play and when it comes to really solid teams, they just aren't showing up. Having watched a few games lately, they Flyers are in need of better defense, (where is that kid Sbisa?), more consistent scoring from Briere & Gagne and hopefully someone like Mike Knuble or Jeff Carter to get hot. I'm ok with Marty Biron being the #1 goalie but he takes a few too many risks outside the crease in my opinion. With an approach like that, a better offensive team will slam home those rebounds. I don't see the Flyers making it out of the first round.
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