Contreras fine following bullpen session

You know that guy on the Dos Equis commercial? I’m starting to think he may not be the most interesting man in the world. Having a mother who has a tattoo that reads “Son” or being allowed to touch the art at a museum is pretty boss, but Roy Halladay may have him beat. The car you see above is what the Doc whipped to Phillies training camp over the weekend. Would you...

The Phillies gave starter Kyle Kendrick a two years, $7.5 million deal to buy out his next two arbitration years. Kendrick agreed to a one year, $3.585 million deal last month that would cover his 2012 season. He's not a particularly great pitcher, and I actually figured he'd be a nontender candidate in the coming offseason. So why did Phillies GM Ruben Amaro feel the need...

Clearwater, Fla. — Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard spoke to the media for the first time this Spring earlier Wednesday, talking about his torn Achilles’ tendon. In a press conference at the Phillies spring training facility in Clearwater, Fla., Howard addressed a lot of questions, from his recovery to taking batting practice with teammates earlier in the day to the...

Yesterday, as the Phils’ pitchers and catchers begin their first official workout at Carpenter Field in Clearwater, Florida, the Phils announced that they have extended Kyle Kendrick’s contract. Kendrick, who had about a month ago avoided arbitration by signing a one-year contract worth $3.585 million dollars, will now receive a two-year contract worth $7.5 million dollars plus...

KK Deal:2 years $7.5M to a 6th starter/bullpen longman. I'm confused, but that's exactly what Amaro doled out for Kyle Kendrick. KK was set to make $3.585 this season, and under the new contract his 2012 salary is yet to be announced. I like KK and think he has value, but there's a point when salary outweighs usefulness. However, with Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton both...

With major league baseball pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, pitcher Roy Halladay arrived at the Philadelphia Phillies camp in Clearwater, Florida driving a neat little black hot rod. Halladay is just too cool for the rest of us. H/T Cosby Sweaters.Holdout Sports is now a member of the Yardbarker Network. Visit us at holdoutsports.com.

A person familiar with the negotiations says Raul Ibanez and the New York Yankees have agreed to a $1.1 million, one-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal had not been announced. Ibanez is a 39-year-old outfielder who played with Philadelphia the last three seasons. He is expected to be the Yankees' primary designated hitter against...

When you're Roy Halladay there is very little that you are not allowed to do, even if it means you show up to spring training in a custom-restored hot rod grinning like a teenage boy who just got his first HJ. Looking good. Feeling good. Look out NL.[The Big Lead]

Ryan Howard took live batting practice for the first time since he tore his left Achilles tendon while making the final out of the Philadelphia Phillies' season-ending 1-0 loss to St. Louis last postseason. The big slugger says he's pleased with his recovery, but that he hasn't set a ''time limit'' on his return. Howard only started swinging a bat less...

Originally drafted as a pitcher in the 22nd round of the 2007 draft, Jiwan James was converted to an everyday player in 2009. The switch-hitter has since earned recognition as a superb athlete and a rising star within the Phillies developmental ranks.In his first season as an everyday player, James played in 30 games with short-season Class A Williamsport. As a member of the Crosscutters...

For all his accomplishments on the mound, Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay finds himself talking more about snakes these days.

Also, Joe Girardi thinks he'll keep the middle of his lineup

A person familiar with the negotiations says Raul Ibanez and the New York Yankees have agreed to a $1.1 million, one-year contract.