game time

Good Morning, HomeSiders, and HERE WE GO NOW:

Starting at the top, the Phillies opened their season with an 11-6 loss to the Nationals yesterday afternoon. Former BlueClaws in action were Ryan Howard (1 for 4), and Carlos Ruiz, also 1 for 4 with an RBI double and a run scored. Cole Hamels will get the ball on Wednesday as the Phils look to even things.

Late last night, on ESPN, Jake Peavey threw shut out ball for the Padres, but Michael Bourn had a single and a walk in 4 plate appearances, and stole second both times he was on base!! He also made a running catch of a drive in right-center field with 2 outs and bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth that kept Houston in the game.



More former BlueClaws were released yesterday as the minor league rosters were finalized for opening day. Julian Williams (sorry, Joe Spina), Doug Morales (sorry, Brittney) and Ben Pfinsgraf were the latest casualties.



Today I will just focus on the Phillies system. Later this week, I will try to run down "our boys" in and around the minors in other organizations.


We have 3 former 'Claws in Lehigh Valley :

starter J.A. Happ
reliever Joe Bisenius
catcher Jason Jaramillo

aside from these three, there are mostly players who played in other organizations last year.



The Reading roster has 13 former BlueClaws, including some of the Phillies top prospects:

pitchers Carlos Carassco, Ron Hill, Josh Outman, Pat Overholt, Will Savage, and R.J. Swindel.

catcher Lou Marson

infielders Jason Donald and Brad Harman

outfielders Greg Golson, Javon Moran, Jeremy Slayden and Mike Spidale.



The Clearwater Threshers are almost a carbon copy of last year's Lakewood squad, with only 4 of the 24 men having not played here last season. For the complete list, you can go to www.threshersbaseball.com.


Tuesday night is the final chance to see each of these teams before they start the season. The IronPigs and R-Phils will take on each other in Baseballtown tonight (Carassco gets the ball for Reading), the Threshers will take on a squad comprised of extended spring training prospects slated for short season teams, and the BlueClaws will have an open practice at First Energy Park.



See you at the ballpark!!