Cole Hamels surrendered three runs in the third inning of his start against the Rays, and Carlos Carrasco showed to be human, giving up six runs in 1 2/3 innings. The Phils lost 9-1.
“That’s something I got used to last spring with all the home runs and runs I gave up. It’s part of the routine of Spring Training struggles. I don’t necessarily call them struggles, because I’d rather make all my mistakes now because I can correct them in the end.”
That was Hamels to Ken Mandel. Hamels also struggled last spring, to a tune of a 5.17 ERA. I’m not worried about Hamels, but there has to be a glimmer of wonder: With his mind altered by the money “snub,” could he have a rough season? John Smoltz confessed to being focused on money in 1991 after his “snub”; hopefully the same won’t happen to Hamels.
Carrasco’s performance is a sigh of relief — now there shouldn’t be an option of Carrasco breaking camp. He needs to begin the season in AA Reading. Of course, giving up six runs wasn’t ideal.
Fabio Castro had an ideal outing, however, no-hitting the Rays in three innings while only walking one. Control will be a tremendous issue with Castro, who walked 13 in 12 innings last season with the Phillies. But this outing should go a long way to proving Fabio as a Major League-quality reliever.
Not much to report offensively, as Pat Burrell provided the only highlight with an RBI.
Next, the Phillies have a 1:05 p.m. game against the Indians. Travis Blackley will get his first spring start, no doubt a complete candidate for the fifth starter spot, and with a solid outing today, possibly the favorite. In more big news, Kris Benson will throw 45 pitches in a Minor League game. Jamie Moyer will also pitch.
What we got out of this game:
- Don’t panic about Cole Hamels just yet.
- Fabio Castro helped his cause tremendously with a solid outing.
- Carlos Carrasco, thankfully, was brought down to size.
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