Minor League Spring Training Schedule Update

Re-posted with updated schedule. Game Time on March 11 moved to 12:30pm.

The 2008 Phillies Minor League Spring Training Schedule has been released. Each organization allocates it's minor league players between AAA, AA, and A squads. It is important to note, that being placed on a particular squad does not mean that the player would start the 2008 season at that level.

Phillies Minor League Spring Training Games start on Tuesday, March 11 and continue through Saturday, March 29. The Minor League Phillies break camp on Monday, March 31 and that is when we should find out who made the Opening Day 2008 Clearwater Threshers roster.

Home games during Phillies Minor League Spring Training are played at the Carpenter Complex which is located just north of Bright House Networks Field. All home games are scheduled to start at 1pm, except Saturday, March 22 which is scheduled for a 10am start. Games are played against squads from the Blue Jays (Englebert Complex), Rays (Naimoli Complex), and Yankees (Yankees Complex) and rotate around throughout each team's respective complex.

Home games for the A Phillies are scheduled for:

Tuesday, March 11 (12:30pm start)
Thursday, March 13
Friday, March 14
Sunday, March 16
Tuesday, March 18
Thursday, March 20
Saturday, March 22 (10am)
Tuesday, March 25
Thursday, March 27
Friday, March 28

Joe Savery scheduled to start Tuesday against FSU

It appears that Joe Savery will get the honor of throwing the first pitch of the Phillies 2008 Spring Training season when he takes the mound against Florida State University on Tuesday, February 26 at 7:05pm.

Savery played for the Williamsport Crosscutters in the NY-Penn League after being drafted in the first round out of Rice.

Where do you think Savery will start the 2008 season?

Elizardo Ramirez a non-roster invitee with Rangers

Former Threshers pitcher Elizardo Ramirez is in Texas Rangers camp as a non-roster invitee.

Ramirez was a part of Phillies Spring Training in 2004.

He pitched last season in the Reds organization and spent the majority of the season with the Louisville Bats (Triple A). He also appeared in four games for the major league club.

Alfredo Simon a non-roster invitee with Dodgers

Former Threshers pitcher Alfredo Simon is set for Los Angeles Dodgers camp as a non-roster invitee. His arrival however has been delayed due to visa problems.

Simon was a part of Phillies Spring Training 2004 and 2007.

He pitched last season for the Oklahoma Redhawks (Triple A - Texas Rangers).

Jason Adams Quoted in Philadelphia Daily News

Threshers Assistant GM Jason Adams was quoted in a story today in the Philadelphia Daily News about the buzz at Phillies Spring Training.

"We were a little nervous [in that] the schedule was not as strong opponent-wise as it has been the last few years," he said, noting the Red Sox, for one, don't come to town. "But we've not seen the issues we thought we would."

Typically, Adams said, there are eight to 10 sellouts per spring. "But we've still not had a game where we turned anybody away," he said, refering to the berm seating beyond the outfield fence. "We've had enough room to sell standing room where everyone has been able to get in the ballpark."

"It makes it kind of like a socializing area where people can watch four minor-league games going on in the complex and then turn around and watch the big club as well," he said. "It's a pretty cool spot if you're a baseball junkie."

Read the whole Philadelphia Daily News Story

Kendrick To Be a Part of Phan Fest

The 2008 Phillies Phan Fest comes to Bright House Networks Field on Friday, February 22 starting at 5:30pm and running through 8:00pm.

Admission is FREE.

The event will include Autographs (more info below), Photo Booth, Silent Auction, Raffle, Yard Sale, Fireworks, Mascot Apperances, and Kids Activities.

Eight Phillies players including former Thresher Kyle Kendrick will be a part of the Autograph Session. Players will be split between two stations. Autographs will cost $15 per station which includes four autographs. The stations will be open between 7:00 and 8:00pm.

Money raised at Phan Fest will be donated by Phillies Charities to Clearwater for Youth, Clearwater Little League, and Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.

For more information please visit the Official Site.

Kendrick "punk'd"

Former Threshers pitcher Kyle Kendrick was the target of an elaborate prank by Phillies pitcher Brett Myers.

Kendrick was told that he was traded to Japan.

Assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr., Equipment Manager Frank Coppenbarger, Manager Charlie Manuel, Kendrick's agent Joe Urbon, and the media all were clued in to help pull off the stunt.

Updated at 2:30pm: This story is traveling fast around media circles, and apparently is even going to make the Today Show at 7:30am tomorrow. Kendrick and Myers will be talking via satellite to Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera.

Check out some of the coverage below:

The MLB.com version of the story

O, by the Way - Blog from the Baltimore Sun
(links to embedded video)

phillyBurbs.com

Philadelphia Inquirer

Comcast SportsNet

When Will Mathieson and Zagurksi Return to Mound?

Former Threshers Scott Mathieson and Mike Zagurski are looking to return to the Phillies after undergoing surgeries in August 2007.

Scott Lauber has a story in today's News Journal based out of Wilmington, Delaware that reports that Mathieson is scheduled to see Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles on Monday. A good report, and he could be cleared to pitch.

Additionally, Lauber reports that Zagurski will be held out of agility drills and likely won't be ready to pitch when Spring Training games start.

Hamels Already Here

Former Thresher Cole Hamels is among several Phillies who arrived in Clearwater early to get started with their workouts.

David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News has a story about him in today's paper.

Bobby Mitchell Attends Ceremony For Injured Largo Boy

Group Sales Assistant Manager Bobby Mitchell attended a ceremony at Largo Middle School honoring 11-year-old Johnathon Ferland. The boy suffered a freak injury during an accident, but fortunately was wearing his bike helmet.

During the ceremony, the boy was presented with numerous items including Phillies Spring Training tickets and a Mike Schmidt autographed item.

ABC Action News was also there and has this story.

Updated on 2/5/08 at 10:52am: The St. Petersburg Times has also posted a story.