Phillies News/Links (3/16/10)

Some Phillies-related news/links:

ESPN's Buster Olney reported that the Phillies had held "internal discussions" about acquiring Albert Pujols, in exchange for a package including Ryan Howard.
The Phillies have also held "internal discussions" about acquiring Matt Wieters, Ryan Zimmerman, Aroldis Chapman, both Jonas Brothers, both Sedin Brothers, Antero Niittymaki, and Sinbad.
Pujols would a great fit for the Phillies' lineup (or any lineup, ever), but St.Louis doesn't seem likely to deal Pujols. The Phils should, instead, set their sights on Sinbad, whom could likely be acquired for minor leaguer Tyson Brummett + cash.

Starting 3B Placido Polanco left Monday's game with a right knee injury, but he is expected to return to the lineup this weekend.
Watching an injured Polanco limp off the field was rather sobering. In a long-term injury scenario, Polanco's likely replacement at 3B would be Greg Dobbs, with Cody Ransom in reserve. While it is a relief that the name "Eric Bruntlett" was not used in the previous sentence, Dobbs and Ransom don't exactly inspire confidence. Hopefully, the good fortune the Phils have had in recent years, with respect to their frontline players, will continue.

Cole Hamels threw five innings in his third consecutive strong Spring start on Tuesday, allowing only an unearned run against Detroit.
Hamels' line so far in March: 10.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 K. Even more importantly, he threw ten cutters and nine curve balls. If Hamels can add some diversity to his fastball/change-heavy repertoire of previous seasons, Roy Halladay won't be the only Ace in the Phils' rotation.

Roy Halladay's numbers after three Spring starts: 10 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 14 K.
Halladay has looked outstanding, so far this spring. As if his on-field performance wasn't enough, he has mentored a rejuvenated Kyle Kendrick, as well as contributing to the rejuvenation of the Philly real estate market. The $2.3 MM mansion isn't located far from Cole Hamels' home, so Halladay will be available to counsel Hamels, whenever any high BABIP-related meltdowns occur.

In the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, Kyle Kendrick has thrown nine scoreless frames, over three appearances. Jamie Moyer has been bombed in "B" games, while Drew Carpenter and Ryan Vogelsong have been sent to minor league camp.
Kendrick hasn't allowed a walk this spring, but he has only recorded two strikeouts, which is not a great sign. The competition has always been between Kendrick and Moyer, and is still weeks away from being decided.

Domonic Brown hit a pair of homers on Tuesday, improving his slash line to .417/.464/.750. For his efforts, Brown was sent to the minor league camp.
If the Phillies lose a starting outfielder to injury in 2010, it is good to know that they have a viable replacement: Ben Francisco. Brown is best-served with a full season of ABs at the AAA level, rather than sitting on the bench in Philly. In 2011, possibly depending on whether the Phils retain Jayson Werth, Brown could be an everyday MLBer/RoY candidate.

The Phillies' Minor League Spring Training teams can be followed this month, on the internets.
I, typically, complement my regular-season viewing of Phillies' games, with the internet radio broadcasts of the IronPigs and/or RPhils. However, I don't recall ML Spring Training info being so readily accessible in the past.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA)
Reading Phillies (AA)
Lakewood BlueClaws (A-)

In a bracket tournament of considerably more importance than that college basketball one, the Titans of the Phillies' Blogosphere are battling for bragging rights at The Phield.
Each morning at 8am, a matchup will be announced, with e-mailed votes accepted until 8pm.
This is a good opportunity to make certain that you are following all of the top Phillies' blogs, and also to discover blogs you haven't been reading. My personal favorite Phillies' blogs, The Zo Zone, Beerleaguer, The Good Phight, and Crashburn Alley all have reasonably good shots at achieving greatness.