It could be unhealthy how excited Matt Gelb's little news item makes me this morning despite being a post basically noting that baseball players took some batting practice.
Chase Utley waited on the infield grass, fielded the grounder andflipped it to first-base coach Sam Perlozzo. Brian Bocock stood besideUtley and began fielding grounders too. No one said anything. Utleypounded his fist into his glove each time Bocock cleanly fielded one.
I can almost hear the pop of the glove.
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"I love it!" Mansolino said. "A little baseball!"
Yes, yes, one thousand times yes.
Gelb notes that John Mayberry Jr., who will be one of the most closely watched players this spring, was fielding some balls at first base. And Jimmy Rollins is in Florida a little earlier than usual for him this year.
Also of note this morning, from Todd Zolecki on Antonio Bastardo being a bit behind.
News
Ruben Amaro Jr. said Antonio Bastardo is a "little behind" schedule because he felt some discomfort in hisleft elbow while pitching in the Dominican this winter. He said everyother pitcher is healthy and on schedule to open camp.
Sweat in peace to avoid bleeding in war. And all that.
>>Morning report: Non-pitcher related edition [Inquirer]
>>Day 1: We're here [Zo Zone]
Cliff Lee photo from the Phillies Twitter.