The hype machine has been working overtime this spring with the Mets/Phillies “rivalry” (yes, it’s in quotations on purpose). But, if Tuesday’s Grapefruit League tilt between the Braves and Phillies is any indication, the Phillies will be playing catch up for most of the year.
The Braves rocked the Phillies, 10-1 (boxscore) on Tuesday afternoon. And sure, spring training scores aren’t important, and never have been. But, a look inside the box score shows a lot of promise for the boys from Hot-Lanta, and cause for concern for the city of brotherly love. Kyle Kendrick, who is slated to be the #3 starter for the Phillies, got lit up like a Christmas tree, to the tune of 2.2 innings, 9 hits, and 7 earned runs. And it was several Braves regulars doing the damage, including Mark Teixeira (2 RBI), Jeff Francoeur (2 RBI) and Mark Kotsay (1-3, RBI, R). If Kendrick is #3, the Braves are going to love #4 and #5.
Tom Gordon, who will most likely be getting some save opportunities early in the year for the Phillies thanks to Brad Lidge’s injury, didn’t fare much better, giving up three runs (1 ER) and three hits over one inning, including a 2-run double to non-roster invitee Joe Borchard. Gordon and Kendrick are supposed to be important players for the Phillies this year. If they play like they did today, they may want to borrow skull caps from the first and third base coaches (that’s a stupid rule, by the way), because batteries will be flying out of the stands in their direction in the not-so-distant future.
Another bright spot for the Braves on Tuesday was Brent Lillibridge. Lillibridge got the surprise start at 3B due to Chipper Jones’ nagging injury, and promptly went 3-4 with a 2B out of the leadoff spot. If he is going to make the team, it will be as a utility infielder. More games like today’s, coupled with Omar Infante’s injury, could spell a trip north for Lillibridge once the Braves break camp.
Lost in the offensive barrage today was another strong outing by a Braves starting pitcher. Tim Hudson (War Eagle) gave up one earned run and struck out two over three innings to get the win. Hudson appeared to be in mid-season form, inducing six ground outs to only one fly out. All good signs for the Braves.
Barrett Sallee has worked professionally in the Atlanta sports market in various aspects for over 7 years. He can be reached at barrettsallee@hotmail.com
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