Hamels and Howard Shut Down Braves in 10-5 Victory

By SAMUEL BOTWINICK | Staff Writer
@Avdbkr20samuel

Cole Hamels was in mid-season form on Wednesday, giving up one unearned run and four hits, while striking out five in three innings of work.

The one run that he surrendered came from a throwing error by Phillies outfielder, Darin Ruf, which allowed  Braves' shortstop, Ramiro Pena to score on Tyler Pastornicky's RBI single. 

Ryan Howard collected six total bases and 2 RBI, including a home run and a double.

On the Mound:   Jonathan Pettibone struggled, giving up four earned runs, including two home runs, in two innings  ... Mike Adams and Jake Diekman each pitched a scoreless inning in relief ...  And Ethan Martin sealed the game, giving up one hit and striking out one in the final two innings.

At the Plate:  John Mayberry hit a two-run shot ...  Darin Ruf picked up two RBI, while going 2-for-3 ...  Ben Revere and Chase Utley each went 2-3 and scored twice.

Up Next:  The Phillies will travel to George M. Steinbrenner Field to take on the Yankees.  Roy Halladay will make his second spring start of 2013. 

-  Samuel Botwinick is a staff writer for the Philadelphia Baseball Review.  Contact him at sbotwinick@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @avdbkr20samuel on twitter.

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Ruiz drives in three, but Phillies fall to Twins

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Carlos Ruiz finished 2-for-2 with with three RBI on Wednesday but the Phillies fell to the Twins, 12-5.

Kevin Frandsen and Ben Revere collected two hits each in the loss. 

John Lannan tossed two innings, surrendering one run on a walk and four hits.

On the Mound: Adam Morgan took the loss, allowing four runs (one earned) on five hits over 1 2/3 innings ... Justin De Fratus and B.J. Rosenberg each allowed three runs in one inning of work.

At the Plate:  Darin Ruf was hitless in one at-bat and is still in search of his first hit this spring ... Chase Utley was given the day off ... Domonic Brown scored three runs and finished 1-for-2, raising his average this spring to .444.

Up Next:  The Phillies host the Braves Thursday at Bright House Field with Cole Hamels set to start.   

- Patrick Gordon is the managing editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review.  Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com.

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DEREK PETERSON TAKES LITTLE TIME TO ADAPT WITH OWLS’ OFFENSE

By JOHN MURROW | Contributing Writer

@JohnMurrow

Joining the Owls after two years at Olney Central College in Olney, IL, Derek Peterson has made a quick impression on the Temple coaching staff. After being recruited primarily for his presence at the plate, Peterson has found himself batting in the middle of the Owls’ lineup.

“When we recruited [Peterson], I knew he could hit,” Wheeler said. “That was his one strength - his one tool that was above average. I knew he could handle sitting in the middle of the lineup to try to replace Nikorak and so far he has done a very good job at it.”

Through five games with the Owls, Peterson is off to a quick start batting .318 with one double, one triple, one home run and eight RBI. He currently ranks third on the team with a .591 slugging percentage in 22 at-bats.

“I have been working with coach Kevin Small, coach Taylor Juran, and coach Wheeler about different approaches to hitting and it has worked,” Peterson said. “I feel like I made the transition pretty well. My junior college experience played a great role in that. I had great coaching from junior college coach Conley, who is one of the best in the nation as far as preparing a player to make the jump and it has paid off.”

A major catalyst in Temple’s two wins against No. 24 Virginia Tech on Saturday, Feb. 23 and Holy Cross on Sunday, Feb. 24, Peterson earned the honor as Philadelphia Baseball Review’s Player of the Week. In three games, Peterson finished the weekend 6-for-16 with eight RBI and three extra base hits, one of which was a fourth inning home run in Temple’s 13-12 win over Holy Cross.

“He’s been tremendous,” Wheeler said. “He’s very passionate about the game and he comes to the field with energy and excitement every day and I think it rubs off on our guys. He’s just been phenomenal so far.”

After spending two years in Olney, IL, Peterson said Temple was the right fit for him as he wanted to attend a school closer to his hometown of Wall, N.J.

“I’m a native of N.J. and being back on east coast was really important to me and being close to my family played a large part in the process too,” Peterson said. “You can’t beat the facilities [at Temple] and the University is a really exciting place to play. I think we can do a lot here. The opportunity was really appealing.”

Along with helpful coaches at Temple, it has been fellow teammates such as sophomore infielder Nick Lustrino and senior third baseman Henry Knabe that have helped Peterson to adjust with the Owls, Peterson said.

Over the summer, Peterson said he worked hard to work on his swing as well as his core and credits his early success to his hard off-season work. Along with hard work, Peterson has a family history of success in baseball, as his father Rick Peterson is currently the Director of Pitching Development for the Baltimore Orioles.

A former 21st draft pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1976, Wheeler said the baseball background the Peterson family has gives Derek an advantage some others do not have.

For the rest of the young season, Peterson emphasized that he does not have any personal goals, just as he didn’t have any specific goals entering his first season with Temple.

“For me, it’s really more of a team goal,” Peterson said. “The atmosphere here is about turning a new page and getting us back to the top. Temple University was one of the best programs in the nation and I think that we are inching back to that point.”

- John Murrow is a contributing writer for the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Follow him on Twitter @JohnMurrow12.

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Kendrick Solid in Spring Debut for Phillies in 4-3 Win Over Yankees

By SAMUEL BOTWINICK | Staff Writer
@Avdbkr20samuel

Kyle Kendrick made his spring debut on Tuesday, allowing one run over two innings of work.

Kendrick's sole blemish was a two-out RBI double surrendered to Mark Texeira in the first inning.

"It was nice to get out there," Kendrick said. "I was excited, a little amped in the first. The body felt good and I was throwing mostly strikes.

On the Mound: Zach Miner surrendered two runs on three hits in two innings of work ... Cesar Jimenez and Chad Durbin each picked up a scoreless inning in relief ...  and Jeremy Horst picked up the save.

At the Plate:  Dominic Brown hit a solo shot in the seventh ... Tommy Joseph hit a two-run homer in the seventh ... Kevin Frandsen added an RBI double.

Up Next:  The Phillies travel to Hammond Stadium to take on the Twins Wednesday ... The Phillies will send lefty John Lannan to the mound ... The Twins will counter with Kevin Correia.     

- Samuel Botwinick is a staff writer for the Philadelphia Baseball Review.  Contact him at sbotwinick@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @avdbkr20samuel on twitter.

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Lee sharp but Papelbon falters; Phils fall 10-1 to Tigers

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Cliff Lee tossed two hitless innings and struck out a pair Monday afternoon in a 10-1 loss to Detroit.

"I feel good," Lee said. "You still have to build up endurance and the ability to throw 100-plus pitches."

Lee threw just 14 pitches, 10 for strikes.

On the Mound: Jonathan Papelbon failed to get through an inning, surrendering six runs on five hits (two home runs) and a pair of walks ... Tyler Cloyd hurled a pair of shutout innings with eight of 13 pitches as strikes ... Michael Stutes allowed a pair of runs over one inning, he also walked two.

At the Plate: Ryan Howard finished 2-for-2 with with an RBI, he's hitting .500 this spring ... Darin Ruf was hitless in a pair of at-bats and is now 0-for-8 this spring.

Up Next: Right-hander Kyle Kendrick makes his spring debut on Tuesday as the Phillies host the Yankees at Bright House Field.

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Owls' Derek Peterson named Player of the Week by The Review

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Derek Peterson collected three hits, drove in three and scored a pair of runs to lead the Owls past No. 24 Virginia Tech in Blacksburg on Saturday. The win was the Owls first against a ranked team since 2008. 

The junior from Wall, N.J. also led the Owls' charge on Sunday against Holy Cross in the first game of a doubleheader, driving in four with a double and a home run. 

Peterson finished the weekend 6-for-16 (2B, 3B, HR) with 8 RBI and struck out just once.

Each Monday during the college baseball season the Philadelphia Baseball Review will unveil a Player of the Week.

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Temple wins a pair in wild weekend | College Wrap Feb. 22 - 24

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Temple traveled to Blacksburg, VA. for the Virginia Tech Tournament and won a pair of memorable contests, first on Saturday against the host Hokies and then on Sunday against Holy Cross.

Meanwhile, weather issues manipulated the schedule in Raleigh, N.C., forcing La Salle and Villanova to square off in a single Diamond 5 matchup that was won by the Wildcats.

Thursday's (2/21) capsules:

• Villanova vs. No. 10 North Carolina St.: This contest was originally scheduled for Friday but was bumped forward because of weather issues. The Wolfpack scored three runs in the first before blowing up the game in the third with six more runs en route to a 14-3 victory. Connor Jones finished with a pair of hits (2-for-4) and two runs scored for the Wildcats. Kevin MacLachlan (2.2 IP, 6 H, 9 R, 4 ER, 3 K, 3 BB) took the loss. Villanova committed five errors in the contest.

Friday's (2/22) capsules:

• Saint Joseph's vs. Virginia Commonwealth: The Rams scored the contest's lone run in the first inning, trumping the Hawks 1-0. Kyle Mullen tossed seven solid innings for St. Joe's, surrendering six hits and just the one run. He also notched seven strikeouts. Anthony Cirillo collected a pair of hits in the losing effort. 

• Villanova vs. Wagner: Pat Young (6 IP, 7 H, 1 ER) looked impressive but the Wildcats' bullpen surrendered four runs, including a lone run in the 10th to fall to Wagner, 5-4. Tyler Sciacca finished 3-for-4 and Steve Schrenk added a pair of RBI.

Saturday's (2/23) capsules:

• Temple vs. No. 24 Virginia Tech: Derek Peterson collected three hits and three RBIs and the top of the Owls' lineup hit a combined 6-for-13 en route to an impressive 7-3 win over the No. 24 Hokies. Dan Moller (5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER) started and Eric Peterson (3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER) picked up the win in relief. The win marked just the third time since 1996 that the Owls have knocked off a ranked opponent. 

• La Salle vs. No. 10 North Carolina St.: Carlos Rondon and Karl Keglovits tossed a combined no-hitter at the Wolfpack knocked off the Explorers, 5-0. La Salle's offense combined for 14 strikeouts. Mike McLeod (0.1 IP, 6 H, 5 ER) took the loss in relief of Ryan Donohue (5 IP, 3 H, 0 ER).

• La Salle vs. Villanova: [Click here for full recap]

• Saint Joseph's vs. Virginia Commonwealth: Brian O'Keefe finished 3-for-4 but the Rams notched a run in the seventh to beat the Hawks, 3-2/ Kevin Burum (2 IP, 1 H, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 ER) took the loss. 

Sunday's (2/24) capsules:

• Temple vs. Holy Cross: The Owls coughed up a seven run lead but scored four in the bottom of the ninth to edge past Holy Cross, 13-12. Henry Knabe collected the game-winning hit with a single in the final frame; he finished with three hits. Derek Peterson hit a three-run home run in the fourth to blow the game open early for the Owls. Nick Lustrino finished 4-for-5 with a pair of RBI and two runs scored.

• Temple vs. Holy Cross: The Owls scored three runs in the ninth but it was not enough, falling to Holy Cross in the second game of a double header 8-6. Henry Knabe collected a pair of hits and Jordan Queja chipped in with two hits and a run scored. Patrick Peterson (4 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 7 K, 5 ER) took the loss. 

• Saint Joseph's vs. Virginia Commonwealth: Similar to Friday's contest, the Rams scored two runs in the first inning en route to a 2-0 win over the Hawks. Greg Kumpel finished 2-for-4 for St. Joe's. Daniel Thorpe tossed six solid innings, scattering seven hits while striking out six in the loss.

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Brown homers and Halladay in form; Phils and Tigers tie

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Roy Halladay surrendered just one hit over two innings on Sunday as the Phillies and Tigers battled to a 5-5 tie in 10 innings.

He struck out a pair and tossed 16 of 22 pitches for strikes. The lone hit surrendered was a solo home run to  Victor Martinez. 

"He was filthy," said Tigers outfielder Tori Hunter. "I hadn't faced him in a couple of years. He looked good. His fastball was sneaky and it had that late life. It was sinking and cutting. If he gets better from here, it's scary."

Halladay's velocity sat around the upper 80s throughout his two innings of work. 

On the Mound: J.C. Ramirez allowed three runs on three hits and a walk over one inning ... Rodrigo Lopez tossed three scoreless innings, striking out three ... Antonio Bastardo and Joe Savery each pitched a scoreless inning.

At the Plate: Domonic Brown hit a solo shot in the eighth to tie the contest at 5-5, he's hitting .500 this spring ... Ryan Howard finished 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles ... Chase Utley was given the day off.

Up Next: The Tigers visit Clearwater on Monday to face the Phillies ... Cliff Lee will make his Grapefruit League debut.  

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Hamels looks strong but Phillies fall in Spring Opener, 8-3

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Cole Hamels tossed two impressive innings but the Houston Astros walloped Philadelphia's relief pitchers en route to an 8-3 victory Saturday in Clearwater in the Grapefruit League opener for both clubs.

"Physically, I feel really strong," Hamels said. "It's just getting the timing and reps for the muscle memory. Mentally, it's just being prepared every five days now. Starting to get into that routine because it's nice to dial in the routine throughout the season."

The Astros took a 3-2 lead in the fourth and the bullpen tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits.

On the Mound: B.J. Rosenberg gave up three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk over two innings ... Justin De Fratus also allowed a pair of runs over two innings while walking a pair ... Zach Miner surrendered three hits and a pair of runs (one earned) in an inning of work.

At the Plate: Chase Utley, making his first Grapefruit League start since 2010, hit an RBI-single in the first inning to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead ... Pete Orr hit a solo home run in the eighth, the Phillies' first home run of the spring ... Ryan Howard finished 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts ... Yuniesky Betancourt finished 2-for-3 with an RBI

In the Field: The Phillies committed four errors ... Darin Ruf and Ben Revere each committed fielding errors while Erik Kratz made a throwing error.

Up Next: The Phillies travel to Lakeland on Sunday to face Detroit ... Roy Halladay will make his Grapefruit League debut against Justin Verlander.

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Sciacca's three hits lead Villanova past La Salle

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Tyler Sciacca collected three hits and four other players notched a pair as Villanova trumped La Salle on Saturday at Doak Field on the North Carolina State campus, 6-3. 

Sciacca finished 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored and two RBIs. His single in the in the top of the sixth sparked a two-run inning that broke a 2-2 tie. John Cialone chipped in a pair of runs in the winning effort via a walk and two hits.

Josh Harris tossed six strong innings, striking out seven while surrendering two runs on a walk and seven hits for the win.

Dan Klem, Ryan Welling and Kevin Baron each finished with a pair of hits for La Salle. 

The Explorers were no-hit earlier in the day, falling to North Carolina State 5-0.

Be sure to return Sunday night for more information on the local college baseball scene and our Weekend Wrap.

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Hamels to start Grapefruit League opener for Phillies on Saturday

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

The Phillies announced their pitching schedule on Wednesday for the first week of Grapefruit League games. The team has an intrasquad game set for Friday before opening the exhibition season on Saturday against Houston.

Scheduled pitchers against Houston on 2/23: Cole Hamels, B.J. Rosenberg, Zach Miner, Jeremy Horst, Michael Schwimer, Justin De Fratus.

Scheduled pitchers against Detroit on 2/24: Roy Halladay, Rodrigo Lopez, Antonio Bastardo, J.C. Ramirez, Jake Diekman, Joe Savery

Scheduled pitchers against the Yankees on 2/25: Cliff Lee, Tyler Cloyd, Mike Stutes, Phillippe Aumont, Raul Valdes.

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Report of possible Phillies deal for Giancarlo Stanton false

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

A source close to the Miami Marlins' front office denied a report that surfaced Tuesday linking the Phillies and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. to outfielder Giancarlo Stanton. 

CBS 3 Eyewitness News co-anchor Chris May tweeted Tuesday morning that a report from 610WIP claimed the Phillies were "aggressively pursuing" Stanton. 

Similar rumors  circulated in December but were unfounded.

Stanton, 23, hit .290 last season with 37 home runs and 86 RBI.

Though a great fit, Stanton's trade value is far too rich for the Phillies. The organization has just two prospects in Baseball America's top-100 list and likely do not have the pieces the Marlins would be asking for if Stanton truly was on the market.

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Hawks' Mike Muha named Player of the Week by the Review

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Mike Muha accomplished a little bit of everything for Saint Joseph's over the weekend, helping lead the Hawks to a pair of season-opening wins over Stetson.

The junior from Princeton, N.J. tossed a pair of scoreless innings in relief on Sunday while also collecting a pair of hits and three RBIs, including a two-out, two-run inside the park home run. On Saturday, he collected the Hawks' game-winning RBI with an eighth inning sacrifice-fly. 

Primarily a relief pitcher, Muha hit just .143 last season with a pair of RBIs and one run scored - all numbers he surpassed with the bat this weekend. 

The finance major played with the Monmouth Monarchs of the Atlantic Baseball Confederation Collegiate League last summer as a reliever, collecting 13 strikeouts over 11 innings while putting together a 2.45 ERA / 1.27 WHIP. 

Muha's offensive line: 2-for-6, HR, 4 RBI, SF, 2 R 
Muha's pitching line: 3.1 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K

Each Monday during the college baseball season the Philadelphia Baseball Review will unveil a Player of the Week. 

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Utley claims chronic knee problems are behind him

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Chase Utley sat in front of the cameras at Bright House Field on Friday and said the chronic knee problems that have given him so much trouble over the past two seasons are finally under control.

"I feel pretty damn good right now," he said.

Utley said the same thing last spring, but he believes this time things will be different. He revamped his offseason conditioning program and spent time training with the University of San Francisco baseball team, fielding anywhere between 50 - 80 balls a couple times a week for six weeks. 

"This offseason, I trained to play baseball, not just take pressure off my knees," Utley said. "It's worked. I've got strength in my legs, and I can feel it taking ground balls and swinging the bat. There's something there where the last couple of years there hasn't been."

Utley has not played in a spring training game since 2010 and has opened the last two seasons on the disabled list. He expects that streak to end and to be in the lineup Saturday in the Grapefruit League opener when the Phillies host the Astros.

"The program that I followed last year didn't work for me to get on the field," Utley said. "That was the main reason [for the change]. Obviously, I started slow as far as my training went and I made progression that I hadn't done in three or four years. I wanted to get my legs stronger and do it without irritating my knees. That can be difficult at times and the one thing I did a  little different was distributing my weight different in my body.

Utley is entering the final year of a seven-year, $85 million contract. He understands he needs to demonstrate his health to secure another contract. At the same time, the Phillies are in a situation where they may want to go in a different direction up the middle if his knee issues continue.

"I feel I have a lot to still do in this game," Utley said. "I'd like to play more than this year, that's for sure."

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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St. Joseph's snaps 14 year skid | College Wrap Feb. 15 - 17

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Weather wreaked havoc on the weekend schedule forcing Temple, La Salle and Villanova to cut short their stay at the USA Baseball Complex in Cary, N.C. Combined, five games were cancelled involving the three teams as rain and snow moved in Saturday morning. 

Further down the coast, Saint Joseph's avoided wet weather in Florida taking two-of-three in their opening series against Stetson.

Friday's (2/15) capsules:

• Temple vs. Wright State: Dan Moller surrendered six runs on seven hits and failed to get past the fourth inning in an 8-3 loss. Nick Lustrino paced the Temple offense (2-for-3, HR) while Henry Knabe and Connor Reilly each chipped in with solo homers of their own. Zach White pitched a scoreless two innings for Temple, marking his first appearance since May 2011.

• Temple vs. Delaware: Temple rallied to score a pair of runs in the ninth but it was too little as the Owls  fell, 8-4. Connor Reilly and Michael D'Acunti each finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. Steve Visnic tossed a scoreless inning in relief and in doing so tied the program record for most career appearances with 84. 

• La Salle vs. Toledo: The Explorers erupted for four runs in the ninth and Pat Christensen notched his 34th career save to clinch an 8-7 win. Ryan Wheeling (3-for-5, 2 R) paced the offense along with Kevin Conroy (2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R) and George Smith, Jr. (2-for-4, R). Freshman JT Crits knocked an RBI double down the right field line (his first collegiate hit) in the ninth to tie the contest at 7-7. Dan Klem followed with the eventual game-winning single.

• La Salle vs. Wright State: Kevin Barron (4-for-4, 2B, R) led the Explorers' offense but Domonic Sgroi struggled in relief (2 IP, 3 H, 5 R) in a 9-5 defeat. Brandon Day (3-for-4. 2B) and Kevin Conroy (1-for-3, 3B, RBI) chipped in for La Salle. 

• Villanova vs. Monmouth: The Wildcats scored three runs in the ninth but fell short, 7-6. Connor Jones finished with a pair of RBIs via a two-out single in the final frame. Tyler Sciacca collected two hits and Brandon Carr added two RBIs. Pat Young (5.1 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 3 K) started for Villanova.  

• Saint Joseph's at Stetson: The Hawks won on opening day for the first time in 14 years with a 5-3 victory. Stefan Kancylarz (1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI) clubbed a two-run home run in the eighth. Chris Hueth finished with three hits and Anthony Cirillo (2-for-4) scored a pair of runs. Kyle Mullen (5 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 K)  collected the win and Jimmy Yacabonis (1 IP, 2 K) recorded the save.

Saturday's (2/16) capsules:

• Saint Joseph's at Stetson: The Hawks scored four runs in the eighth in a series-clinching 5-4 win. Quinn Renner (3-for-5, HR, 2 R, 1 RBI) opened the scoring early for St. Joseph's with a solo shot in the first. Brian O'Keefe finished with a pair of hits and a run scored. Mike Muha launched a sac-fly in the eighth to drive in the game winning run. Jimmy Yacabonis (1 IP, 3 K) notched his second save of the weekend.

Sunday's (2/17) capsules:

• Saint Joseph's at Stetson: Greg Kumpel and Mike Muha (HR) collected three RBIs each but Steven Schuler (0.2 IP, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 H) surrendered a run in the ninth as the Hawks fell, 7-6. Muha also tossed a pair of scoreless innings in relief for St. Joseph's. Daniel Thorpe (4 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 5 H) struck out five. The Hawks committed four errors in the losing effort.

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Charlie Manuel addresses contract status with Phillies

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Charlie Manuel made it clear Saturday that he has no desire right now to discuss a new contract. 

"I'm very satisfied with the way it is," Manuel said outside the clubhouse at Bright House Field. "This is my ninth year and I know the good things that we've had and I never should have to sit and tell somebody what we've done."

The 69-year-old skipper is content. He holds the franchise record for wins and has led the Phillies to five postseason appearances. He knows his future in Philadelphia hinges on the next eight months. 

"If we lose 10 games or win 10 games, I don't want nobody to ask me about the contract," Manuel said. "It's not going to bother me. I've seen Joe Torre, his contract's have run out before, like Dusty Baker and Tony LaRussa. It's the way it goes and I'm not worried at all.

"I shouldn't have to explain it to anybody - the team, or President Obama, or anybody. Seriously. That's kind of how I look at it. I'm not worried about my contract. I've been in baseball 51 years and right now I definitely plan on staying in baseball and I plan on managing."

Before addressing his contract, Manuel continued his yearly tradition of speaking with the entire team prior to the first full-squad workout.

Manuel said the speech was not sentimental, but instead a reminder that the season is long and focus is crucial to success.

"We have a whole lot of talent here," Manuel said. "We still have a good team with our veteran players. Of course, everyone will say they have to stay healthy and they have age on them. We'll see."

Chase Utley and Ryan Howard both appear healthy after missing sizable portions of last season, plus the club added depth to the bullpen signing Mike Adams while also trading for speedy center fielder Ben Revere.

"Our goal is to go out and win the division and the World Series," Manuel said. "Nothing is different this year than any other season."

As for his contract, Manuel knows there will be a time to sit down and discuss his future but now the focus belongs elsewhere.

"At the end of the year, somewhere along the line, David Montgomery and Ruben [Amaro] and I will more than likely have a talk and that's kind of how I see it," Manuel said. 

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Nick Lustrino understands his growing role with Temple

By SAMUEL BOTWINICK | Staff Writer
@Avdbkr20Samuel

With Steve Nikorak embarking on his professional career with the Chicago White Sox, the Temple Owls open the new campaign with the serious challenge of finding leadership and production. The Owls’ ability to fill this void might depend on the bat and glove of sophomore shortstop Nick Lustrino.  

A native of Spring Lake, N.J., Lustrino pieced together a solid freshman year, hitting .291 over 49 games while recording the most hits in a Temple rookie season since all-time hits leader Byron McKoy. 

"You don’t expect a freshman to handle the number of different roles we asked him to play, and he did it tremendously," said Owls' head coach Ryan Wheeler. 

Last season was Wheeler's first at the helm and the Owls finished 19-34. He expects an improvement this season.   

“Now that we've got a full year under our belts we need to set higher goals and expectations," Wheeler said.  "We had a great fall and  we've had a good early preseason here, so my expectations are high.”     

Unfortunately, Wheeler's expectations were tempered a bit on Friday as the Owls dropped both sides of a doubleheader in Cary, N.C. - first falling to Wright State and later to Delaware. Lustrino was the Owls' lone highlight, collecting a combined three hits including a double and a home run.

"No one player should take more upon themselves and do too much, because whenever you do too much, that’s when everything goes wrong," Lustrino said.  "My goal is to try to keep it simple and just try to win.” 

With time, Wheeler believes Lustrino can grow into a leader and one of the better players in the region.

"Knowing that we're going to be playing him at shortstop, I just see more confidence in him," Wheeler said. "He makes all of the routine plays and has improved his lateral range. I see him emerging and being more of a leader on the club."   

The Owls face Monmouth on Saturday at 3 p.m. before finishing the weekend Sunday with a contest against Toledo at 10 a.m. 

- Contact Samuel Botwinick at sbotwinick@philadelphiabaseballreview.com.

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Tearful Ruiz hopes to move beyond failed drug test

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

It lasted just seven minutes, but for Carlos Ruiz it must have felt like an eternity. 

The fan-favorite catcher sat at a picnic table at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla. following his first workout on Wednesday and faced a swarm of reporters all interested in asking the same question.

Why?

Ruiz was remorseful, fighting back tears at one point.

"I got caught two times and I have to pay for that," he said. "I want to put that behind me and focus on this season and give it 100% for this city and organization."

Ruiz learned in late-November he had violated baseball's substance-abuse policy for a second time. He will miss the first 25 games of the season serving a suspension. He tested positive for Adderall, a drug primarily aimed at treating ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

Use of Adderall is permitted by a special exemption, including official documentation from a major league appointed physician. According to the Commissioner's Office, nearly 120 players were given exemptions last season to use Adderall.

Ruiz can return to Phillies lineup on April 28. In the meantime, he can play in Grapefruit League games and extended spring training. He can also begin a five-game minor-league rehab assignment April 23.

"I have a lot of good friends around here," Ruiz said. "They support me and I'm ready to come back and do my best."

Ruiz had a career-year last season, playing in the All-Star Game while putting up personal highs in batting average, home runs and RBIs.

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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Roy Halladay says back and shoulder injuries are behind him

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

For even the most impressive of stars, baseball has a unique way of proving fallibility.

Roy Halladay admitted as much Wednesday morning at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla., speaking publicly for the first time since last season.  

"There is no such thing as a crystal ball," Halladay said. "You never want to look back and wish you had done something differently."

Halladay, 35, dealt with a previously undisclosed lower back issue last year that led to shoulder issues and eventually a six week stint on the disabled list with a strained shoulder muscle. He was silent about the problems with his back because he could not pinpoint the issue.

"I feel as good now as I have in any other spring training," Halladay said. "Last year, it's not that I felt bad, but things never clicked for me. The longer it got into the season, I could never really solve the problems I was having."

Halladay's workout regiment this spring is completely new. He has a new throwing routine and uses interval training when running, aimed to alleviate prolonged stress on his lower back. 

"Hopefully I'm not sitting here anytime soon and saying I'm done playing," Halladay said.

Halladay will become a free agent at the end of the season, but he has a sincere interest in finishing his career in Philadelphia. The Phillies may have an interest too, but the club obviously wants to confirm Halladay's health before entering into any type of contractual discussion.

"I'm playing to win a World Series," Halladay said. "If I had my druthers, I would be here until I am done."

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.

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West Chester drops season opener to Lander, 14-1

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

Joe Gunkel surrendered six runs on six hits as West Chester fell to Lander on Friday night at Dolny Stadium in Greenwood, S.C., 14-1.

Gunkel, a preseason All-American, collected four strikeouts but battled control issues all night. He hit three batters and walked three more over four innings.

Graham Ramos hit a lead-off home run to open the scoring for Lander in the first inning. He finished with three hits and three runs scored. Patrick Grady chipped in with a two-run home run and   Erik Lunde collected a pair of hits while scoring four runs.

Dylan Wolchick notched the win for the Bearcats, surrendering one run and three hits over 6 2/3 innings.

The two clubs resume their three-game set on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m.

- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter

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West Chester prepared to open title defense on Friday

By ANDREW THAYER | Contributing Writer

@AndrewThayerTU

After winning the Division II National Championship in 2012, expectations for the West Chester Golden Rams baseball team are understandably high entering Friday's season opener.  

Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s annual NCAA D-II Preseason poll had the Golden Rams ranked No. 1 in the country after their 2012 title run.  

However, West Chester head coach Jad Prachniak does not want his team to take too much notice of the preseason hype.

“We’ll talk about [the polls] directly with [the players] and I reference where we are depending on the polls and basically how insignificant those polls are,” Prachniak said.  “Last year we had a different team and a different set of challenges.”

West Chester returns a legitimate ace and weekend conference starter in junior Joe Gunkle.  The six-foot-six-inch right-hander started 12 games for the Golden Rams in 2012, finishing 10-1 with a 2.07 ERA. He capped off his stellar season by tossing shutout in the championship game against Delta State.    

“He is the true definition of an ace," Prachniak said. "He is very reliable and to have that guy start your weekend game one and just know that you probably won’t have to go to your bullpen, and he usually gives you a very consistent outing.” 

Junior right-handers Fred Breidenbach, who won nine games last year, and Matt McAllister are also expected to be in the starting rotation.  In the bullpen junior Kyle Weary will return as the closer after saving six games and recording a 2.20 ERA in 2012.  

Offensively, West Chester will have to find a way to replace the production of Joe Wendle, Jack Provine and Reid Pulford, all lost to graduation.

Jordan Wlodarczyk returns as the Golden Rams' primary offensive threat after hitting .348 with 32 RBI’s in 2012.   

“It was good to be in the middle of the lineup [last year]," Wlodarczyk said. "I think our lineup was good one through nine last year and I think that it should be again this year."

Despite the new-look offense, the goal remains the same for the Golden Rams.

“What we want to do is get back to North Carolina," said Wlodarczyk. "We are really deep in our pitching this year.  Pitching and defense is what wins and I think that our defense is going to be just as good as last year.  Our goal is going to North Carolina once again."

West Chester opens the season on Friday with a three-game set in Greenwood, S.C. against Lander University.

- Andrew Thayer is a journalism major at Temple University. Pictures courtesy of West Chester athletics and Scott Rowan.

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