Cliff_lee_throwing

Source: Yong Kim on Philly.com's Twitter account

Aces and catchers will hold their first official workout tomorrow, but many of them took to the field today. 

A number of the beat writers have already recapped the events, which included mandatory physicals for pitchers and catchers.

Ryan Lawrence of the Delco Times:

On if his [Rich Dubee's] job is easier with ace-laden rotation: "I was going to bring a recliner to spring training, but I figured I better stay on my feet for a little while. There's still work to be done."

 

Ry Law (only because I don't feel like spelling out his name all season long) also talked about Chase Utley being on Facebook, which we told you about a few weeks ago. Seems like Chasey is for realsies with this thing. Might be a PR person doing the updating, but Chase is the last person we would have expected to see posting pictures like this (posted on Thursday)… Perhaps the nine figure contracts given to Howard, Lee, and Werth have incented Chase to grow his brand a bit.

Chase_utley_photoshootIt moved

David Hale of Delaware Online (who keeps a tremendous blog of factoids that might not otherwise find their way into print):

Most oddly surreal moment of the morning: A random guy walked into the locker room and was stopped by a Phillies employee, who asked which media outlet he was with. “I’m not with anyone,” he said. “I’m just going to use the restroom.” I suppose it beats stopping at a McDonalds.

 

Hale also mentions that Chase was the only (regular) position player in attendance today.

Matt Gelb of the Inquirer:

Jimmy Rollins was not seen today, but he has been using the facilities in Clearwater over the last week. Why is that noteworthy? Well, Rollins almost never shows up before the mandatory date for position players.

A few Phillies officials made a point of noting Rollins' early arrival. One of them was hitting coach Greg Gross, who said he was surprised to see Rollins so early. He said Rollins appears to be in great shape.

Of course, there should be no shortage of motivation for Rollins, who is entering a contract year.

 

Ah yes, the "he showed up to Spring Training a week early so he must really care" story of the year. Next level Spring Training maneuver from Rollins.

All of those recaps are worth a read today.

There's also a shit ton of national press already in Clearwater. Buster Olney was there doing a live shot on ESPN, a writer from Sports Illustrated is tailing the team, and cameras captured Roy Halladay taking off his shoes. It has begun, folks.

That's it. Most of the players went to a golf tournament in the afternoon. Life ain't easy in the FLA.