It looks like Greg Dobbs is the early favorite for the Chris Coste Spring Training Surprise Award for 2007, going 7 for 10 with two homers, a triple, and 6 RBIs in three games. Jim Salisbury reports that, oddly enough, Coste is one of the guys Dobbs is battling for a Phillies bench spot, and both are versatile role players who can hit. Karim Garcia is also in the hunt.
Salisbury also brings word that Charlie Manuel isn’t a big fan of the Philly media:
They've been on my butt for two years," Manuel told the Akron Beacon Journal's Sheldon Ocker. "When we win, they're on my butt; when we lose, they're on my butt. I haven't made a good move in two seasons."
Manuel, described as smiling but not kidding, went on to say: "I can take it. It doesn't bother me. Maybe it did a little at first. I like our fans. I like our players. We play the right way."
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With momentum building behind the Phils this spring, it appears that the fans at least have given Uncle Charlie a break for the time being. However, if they stumble out of the gate, look for that to change in a hurry.
Good TV today:
Flyers vs. Penguins, 12:30 on NBC
Phillies vs. Yankees, 1:05 on Comcast Sportsnet