Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Posted: 5:35 p.m.
By Jim SalisburyCSNPhilly.com
CLEARWATER, Fla.Its called PFP.
Pitchers fielding practice.
Its an important fundamental that is worked on several times a week in minor-league spring training camp.
PFP was called off on Wednesday. Roy Halladay was going to pitch in a minor-league game at Carpenter Complex and Phillies officials wanted their young pitchers to be able to watch one of the most talented and dedicated pitchers in the game ply his craft.
Theres definitely a lot of excitement, said Michael Schwimer, one of a couple of dozen pitching prospects who ringed the bullpen in watching Halladay go through his pregame warmup.
Halladay is one of the most focused athletes in sports. Its as if he wears blinders that keep his eyes trained on the task at hand.
But even he noticed the gaggle of people who had assembled around the bullpen.
MLB
How could he not?
Claustrophobic, Halladay said with a laugh. But its good. I remember watching guys come down when I was in the minor leagues. And whether they learn something or not is not really a huge deal. Just being able to see guys is good. I got to see that 1996 American League Cy Young winner Pat Hentgen and those guys werent that much different than myself. They were regular people. I think its good to be around those guys.
Schwimer agreed. The former Virginia Cavalier watched Halladay work from the third-base side of the field and immediately noticed how much Halladay angled his left leg toward shortstop during his windup.
You dont see that on TV, Schwimer said. Thats how he gets such great torque.
In terms of results, Halladay didnt have his best day. But he was happy with the work he got in, even if he allowed seven hits and four runs in five innings against a team of Pittsburgh Pirates minor leaguers who were digging in and swinging early because they knew Halladay was out there to throw strikes.
Halladays game plan was to mix pitches and locations. He and catcher Tuffy Gosewisch did not try to make adjustments from hitter to hitter. They stuck to their game plan, which was completely designed to help Halladay get ready for the regular season.
I probably could have thrown 90 curveballs but that would have done me no good, Halladay said. Really the biggest thing was to mix pitches, lets do as much as we can on both sides of the plate, up and down.
The big team was off Wednesday but Halladay had to pitch to stay on his regular day. With regular catcher Carlos Ruiz and backup Brian Schneider in need of a day off, Halladay asked if Gosewisch would catch him. Gosewisch is a veteran minor leaguer and brilliant receiver and handler of pitchers.
Tuffy is a great receiver, Halladay said. He works hard. He's always excited to do it. He wants to do it. So to have a guy who actually wants to be here and wants to help you and wants to do it - on top of being a good catcher - I'll take that any time.
Halladay threw 80 pitches, which puts him on target to push 100 in his next outing, which is scheduled for Monday against Boston. That game will be played in the big house, Bright House Field, in front of a sellout crowd, not the couple hundred fans who attended Wednesdays game at the minor-league complex.
It was a different atmosphere, Halladay said. But at this point of spring training, as long as youre getting your work in, you know what want to accomplish, youre getting your pitches in, and as long as you feel youre getting something out if it, I dont think it matters where you throw.
Regardless of where you are, its baseball and its fun to compete.
Injury update
Brad Lidge (biceps tendinitis) continued to play catch on Wednesday. He could throw in the bullpen if he feels well on Thursday.
Placido Polanco (hyperextended left elbow) and Chase Utley (right knee injury) could to receive treatment. There is no change in Utleys condition.
Phillies partner dies
J. Mahlon (Jim) Buck, a member of the Phillies' ownership group, died unexpectedly on Tuesday. He and brothers Whip and Bill joined the teams ownership group in 1981. Whip Buck died in October.
Jims strength of character and steady leadership have been very important factors in the success of the Phillies today, said team president David Montgomery, who heads the Phils ownership group. Jim provided direction and consistent support for many of us in this organization. His wise counsel and warm friendship will be sorely missed. E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com
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