The Phillies Fan Union Newsletter The February 26th, 2007 Edition Membership as of February 25th, 2007: 112,098

___ FEATURE STORY In the past two seasons, the Phillies playoff hopes were marred by slow starts during the month of April. This season, the Phillies tend to be a bit more organized and we are, for a refreshing change, seeing a solid plan develop, something designed to take the team through the season. There seems to be a much more intense concentration on the fundamentals of the game. If the understanding of the little game inside the big game is here, the playoffs may follow. Jimmy has things under control. GET THE FULL STORY

 THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION Supporting the Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association ***Do whatever you can***This Week's Question: I was born in San Diego, California, in 1947. I am the son of a former ML third baseman. I saw LCS action for the Phillies and was in a world series with the Phillies. I am a career .254 hitter with 105 home runs, and 826 RBI in 2264 games. I have managerial experience at the major league level. Who am I? 

UNION NEWS:  NOT A MEMBER OF THE UNION YET? Join Us And spread the word! GOING TO SPRING TRAINING? DON'T FORGET DAVID KAHN'S ANNUAL SPRING TRAINING GUIDE Harry Time 2007 is here everyone. As we all wait, let's not forget David Kahn's Annual Spring Training Guide. Going to Spring Training? Know someone who is? The Spring Training Guide is essential for the spring training traveler. You can find it Right Here. PFU HALL OF FAME VOTING - Have a favorite Phillie? Nominate him for the PFU Hall of Fame. The top two make it in. Feel free to use the Phillies All-Time Roster - Courtesy The Sports Cube THE TOP 2007 NOMINEES SO FAR ARE: Dave Cash 1622 Votes Tony Gonzalez 1403 Votes Jim Fregosi 1371 Votes Curt Simmons 921 Votes VOTE HERE. View the PFU Hall of Fame HERE.  RESULTS OF THE WEEKLY SURVEY Do you think that Chris Coste will be a Phillie in April? Yes 39% No 22% Not Sure 39%  GET THE BEST IN PHILLIES MERCHANDISE    PHILLIES NEWS: 
EXPRESS TIME The signings and arbitration cases are all complete now. There is no other contract business scheduled for the Phillies. Now, it's Ryan's turn. The Phillies' MVP is next to see his bank account
swell. Last year, on the way to being named the league's Most Valuable Player, Howard smashed 58 homers and drove in 149 runs. He hit .311 on the way. Howard received just above the major league minimum last season. This year, the Phillies don't have to accommodate the Express if they don't want to, at least not according to any agreement between the players and manage- ment, but do look forward to Howard getting the richest payday for a for a 1st year arbitration eligible player. Look for that deal to happen soon.
 
BRITO'S 2007 UNCERTAIN Phillies LHP Eude Brito saw his baseball carrier flash before his eyes during the off-season. Last December 19th, in an attempt to avoid a motor-cyclist following a winter league game, Brito swerved, and his car slammed into a wall. The car's
steering column was driven into Brito's chest. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where X-rays were negative, showing only a muscle strain. Brito suffered from whiplash and wore a collar to support his neck. He was also experiencing pain and weakness in his throwing arm. He was scheduled to throw batting practice on Thursday, but instead went for an MRI after practice. He may be missing an excellent opportunity since the Phillies are in need of relief help this season.
 
MYERS; THE SKINNY Last season, when Brett Myers was suppose to show that he could assume the role as the ace of the pitching staff, things took an ugly turn and Myers' season became a difficult one. He struggled to shake off a Bean Town disaster in the second half of the season. If what we are seeing in
Clearwater is a sign of his character, Myers may be back on track. He arrived at spring training some twenty pounds lighter than usual, and looks to be focused. Myers' 2006 ended with a 12-7 record and a 3.91 ERA. That's decent, but far below his potential. If Myers continues to focus on baseball and rises to the occasion, he may indeed assume that number one spot in the rotation.
 
AT THE HELM The Phillies signed 3B Wes Helms in the off-season both because management wanted more right-handed power in the lineup, and also because Abraham Nunez batted a weak .211. Helms hit .329 with 10 home runs in 240 at-bats for the Marlins last year. A more aggressive hitter in the last two seasons, he says he is attacking the game, not letting it come to him. His weakness is still his
defense, which will open the door to more playing time for Nunez, last year's second half third baseman. If Helms can do what he did in Florida, he might become a very important part of the offense, especially if Pat Burrell struggles at the plate.
 
COSTE WATCH - Week 2 The battle has begin for one of two slots in the Phillies infield. Chris Coste, last season's Phillie phenomenon, is deep in battle with the likes of Greg Dobbs for that slot. Charlie Manuel says he likes Coste and may be his most loyal supporter. In addition to his .328 average and .881 OPS, he was one of the better hitters in the clutch. Coste may be a second year player, but he plays the game like a seasoned veteran and does not give into pressure, of any kind. He doesn't get rattled. Coste plays the game
like it's suppose to be played. He's the kind of player that fans like in Philadelphia. There is no quit in him. It's too early to predict what will happen. Games start this week. 
Phillies Kids site - From The Phillies Linx R.B.I. Program - From The Ottawa Linx Reading Phillies Hosting First Dog Day At The Park - From The Reading Phillies Phillies Eighth Annual Phan Phest - From the Clearwater Threshers Crosscutters Booster Club - From the Williamsport
Crosscutters BlueClaws Championship Watches - From the Lakewood BlueClaws  
  
 Setting A Luxurious New Standard For Philadelphia Hotels...
 
 PHIL-INS
Only minor league infielder Danny Sandoval remained absent from camp early last week, unable to leave Venezuela. It was not a visa issue, but apparently a matter with the Venezuelan justice department. He finally arrived in camp on Friday. 
Manager Charlie Manuel and front office adviser Dallas Green appear to have buried the hatchet;
they've been chatting together the past few days on the field. Manuel let it be known that he didn't appreciate Green last season after Green criticized publicly. 
The Phillies worked on infield drills for almost 30 minutes on Monday. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins remarked that in the past, they never did those drills for more than 15 minutes. 
Larry Shenk, the Phillies' vice president of public relations, said he had not seen a crowd as big for the team's first full-squad workout since the 1980s. The Phillies ran out of parking and had to divert fans to spots across the street from Bright House Networks Field. 
Outfielder Jayson Werth, who fought a wrist injury the past two years, has looked healthy in batting practice. 
Charlie Manuel and his staff met after workouts on Wednesday, configuring a schedule that will incorporate a daily session of fundamental drills. 
Bench coach Jimy Williams has been working on small-ball basics with outfield prospects Michael Bourn, Chris Roberson, and Greg Golson. 
The Phillies will be paying $4.35M for services at third base this season: Wes Helms will receive $2.55M while Abraham Nunez will see $1.8M. Nunez will also play elsewhere in the infield. 
The players nominated for the all-time Rawlings Gold Glove team who won GoldGloves as Phillies are Mike Schmidt (10), Garry Maddox (8), Scott Rolen (7overall, 4 with the Phillies), Jim Kaat (16, 2 with the Phillies) Bob Boone (7, 2 with the Phillies), and Bill White (7, 1 with the Phillies). 
The Mets have come to terms with former Phillies RHP Jose Santiago on a minor league contract. 
USA Today piece on Jimmy Rollins. 
Sabermetrician and Moneyball inspiration Bill James told The Inquirer in December that he considers Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins one of the top six leadoff hitters in
baseball. Rollins has scored 361 runs over the last three seasons. The only other player in baseball to score more runs in that span is St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols. 
Most baseball people are picking Freddy Garcia to be the Phillies opening day starter. Brett Myers may have something to say about that. 
The Phillies have had identical records in the past two Aprils: 10-14. They went 9-18 last June. 
Pat Gillick says he feels that the physical evaluation of a player, that which you do with your eyes, is most important part of scouting. That extends off the field into evaluating what type of guy he is. He feels that this is more important than statistics. 
Third-base coach Steve Smith again worked hands-on fielding fundamentals with first baseman Ryan Howard, who is a gifted athlete, but has some flawed fielding mechanics. 
Charlie Manuel said he was impressed with righthander Joe Bisenius, a 24- year-old reliever who is
expected to start at AAA Ottawa. 
The Phillies and every other team in baseball will replace their traditional woolen caps this season with polyester-blend caps designed to soak up the moisture and prevent sweat from dripping down players' faces. The Phillies will debut the caps on April 2nd at Citizens Bank Park. 
First baseman Ryan Howard and righthander Brian Sanchesremain the only unsigned players on the 40-man roster. The automatic renewal date is March 2nd. 
The Phillies optioned RHP Yoel Hernandez to AAA Ottawa last week. Hernandez still hasn't pitched this spring because of a right-shoulder strain that limited him to just nine games for AAA Scranton last season. 
The Phillies currently have 38 players on their 40-man roster. 
Mike Schmidt will arrive in camp on Monday, Garry Maddox on Tuesday, and Johnny Podres next Thursday. Robin Roberts will be in and out of camp throughout the spring. 
More than 65,000 single-game
tickets were sold on Wednesday on the first day they were available. Opening Day, April 2nd against Atlanta, is sold out. 
Former Phillie Curt Schilling said that he would become a free agent after the season, but would not let that be a distraction during his fourth year with the Boston Red Sox. 
The Phillies won't play an intrasquad game to prepare for their Grapefruit League schedule. Instead, they will use Wednesday's game against Florida State as the warm-up. 
Lefthander Jamie Moyer schooled some Phillies minor-leaguers during batting practice on Friday. He broke a couple of bats with his off-speed stuff. 
A nutritionist spoke with the Phillies about better health before workouts on Friday 
Alfonseca: The Hand 
Jimmy Rollins is hosting his second annual BaseBowl Tournament at Lucky Strikes in Philadelphia on May 31st. The event sold out last year. For more information, call Kimberly Crossett at 310-858-1872. 
The Phils are expected to open the regular season with three of their former No. 1 picks in their rotation: Brett Myers (1999), Cole Hamels (2002), and Adam Eaton (1996). 
The Phillies signed two young pitchers during a tryout camp for players from independent baseball leagues. Jake Ociesa and Mike McTamney, both pitchers, received minor league contracts. 
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he intends to keep Jimmy Rollins in the leadoff spot and follow him with Shane Victorino. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Pat Burrell are set to occupy the following three places. Aaron Rowand and Wes Helms to contend for the sixth spot in the order with the catcher batting eighth. 
The Phillies have initiated preliminary contract talks with Ryan Howard's agent, Casey Close. QUOTE OF THE WEEK "Even though those statements kind of put the bull's-eye on you, when they come from
players, I like to hear that. It means they feel good about themselves and they feel good about their teammates, so I like to hear those kinds of positive comments." - Phillies G.M. Pat Gillick responding to Jimmy Rollins comments saying the Phillies are the team to beat in NL East. PHILLIES DID YOU KNOW? Bright House Networks Field was built in 2004 and holds 8,500 people. It is the Phillies spring training home and the home stadium of the Class A Florida State League Clearwater Threshers. The stadium is named after the cable company Bright House Networks. Previously, the Phillies held spring training at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium. Field Dimensions: Left - 329 ft. Left Center - 389 ft. Center - 408 ft. Right - 330 ft. The ballpark has a 360-degree main concourse, grass berm seating, and a tiki-hut pavilion in left field. It includes group picnic areas, a children's play area, and a state-of- the-art video score
board. The facility covers a total of 17.5 acres of space at the former Home Depot site on U.S. 19 near Drew Street. The $25 million project was funded through a unique public-private partnership that included Pinellas County, the City of Clearwater, the State of Florida, and the Phillies. Phillies Player Contracts - Courtesy Cot's Baseball Contracts MLB Standings - Courtesy Sports Illustrated Phillies 2007 Schedule - Courtesy MLB and the Phillies Up-To-Date Phillies Transactions - Courtesy Fox Sports Baseball Statistics 101 - Courtesy Baseball Almanac MLB Team Stats - Courtesy USA Today Phillies Farm Report - Courtesy Baseball America 
 
THE PFU FEATURE OF THE WEEK
 PHILLIES CATCHER RYAN BUDDE
 GET THE FOTW HERE! ANSWER TO TRIVIA QUESTION: 
 Former Phillies Catcher Bob Boone. 
 
 
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