Phillies

Ryan Howard (Phillies)

2/22/12 3:03 pm

Ryan Howard took live batting practice Wednesday for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon in October.

Howard is pleased with his recovery thus far, but doesn’t want to put a “time limit” on his return. The 32-year-old just started swinging a bat two weeks ago and since his leg was immobilized for much of the winter, he’s not close to being in game shape. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel hasn’t ruled out the possibility that Howard could get some action during spring games, but it’s doubtful he’ll return before May.

Source: msnbc.com

Ryan Howard (Phillies)

2/22/12 1:04 pm

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel hasn’t ruled out the possibility that Ryan Howard (Achilles surgery) could see some action during spring training.

Manuel considers Howard ahead of schedule in his recovery from Achilles surgery, but the high-priced slugger remains unlikely to be ready for the start of the season. Ty Wigginton, Jim Thome and John Mayberry, Jr. are expected to fill in until he’s ready to return.

Source: twitter.com

Placido Polanco (Phillies)

2/22/12 9:48 am

Placido Polanco (hernia surgery) said he is not limited in any way entering spring training.

“I?ve been taking ground balls, hitting, running,” said Polanco, who had offseason sports hernia surgeries to repair two abdominal tears. “I think I?m good to go.” The 36-year-old batted .277/.335/.339 with five home runs, 50 RBI and a .674 OPS over 122 games last season and should be avoided outside of NL-only fantasy leagues.

Source: mlblogs.com

Domonic Brown (Phillies)

2/22/12 6:01 am

Former major leaguer Gary Sheffield helped Domonic Brown adjust his batting stance during the offseason, showing the 24-year-old how he can become a better hitter by squaring his hips and maintaining better balance.

Brown enters training camp with a Triple-A cloud over his head. Despite facing the likely prospect that he begins yet another season in the minors, he comes “fighting to win a job here.” It could take more than a new batting approach to make that happen.

Source: philly.com

Shane Victorino (Phillies)

2/21/12 10:15 pm

Shane Victorino said Tuesday that he hasn’t had any discussions with the Phillies about a contract extension.

Victorino is due to make $9.5 million this season before hitting free agency for the first time, but he isn’t focused on his contract situation right now. “There’s no reason why I want to go anywhere else,” said Victorino. “I love the place. I love playing here. But again I?m focused on playing and not what’s in store with [free agency]. My goal is to play and go win a championship — that’s first and foremost.”

Source: csnphilly.com

Jose Contreras (Phillies)

2/21/12 9:48 am

Jose Contreras (elbow) had a “smooth” bullpen session on Tuesday morning in Phillies camp.

It was his first time on a mound since undergoing September elbow surgery. The Phillies can’t say for certain whether Contreras will be ready by Opening Day, but he’s currently on a good pace in his recovery.

Source: twitter.com

Ryan Howard (Phillies)

2/20/12 6:08 pm

Ryan Howard (Achilles surgery) took some grounders on the field and also soft-toss swings in the batting cage on Monday.

Howard was walking with a bit of limp and Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com notes that he appears a bit heavier than his usual playing weight, but that’s not a big surprise given how the condition of his leg limited his workouts. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Monday that Howard is “ahead of schedule,” in his rehab, but the current expectation is that he’ll be back sometime in May. Ty Wigginton, Jim Thome and John Mayberry Jr. figure to fill in until he’s ready to go.

Source: csnphilly.com

Jose Contreras (Phillies)

2/20/12 2:58 pm

Jose Contreras will throw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since his September elbow surgery.

Contreras made throws from the front of a mound on Monday in Phillies camp and reported no issues. On Tuesday, he’ll take the next step. Contreras is hoping to be fully healthy by the start of the regular season.

Source: philly.com

Cole Hamels (Phillies)

2/20/12 1:07 pm

Cole Hamels hasn’t given the Phillies a deadline for negotiations toward a long-term extension.

In other words, he won’t be bothered by in-season discussions. Hamels and his agent are expected to meet with Phillies officials this spring and will look to build the framework for a new contract. The left-hander is thought to be seeking a deal worth around $20 million per season.

Source: twitter.com

Raul Ibanez (Phillies)

2/20/12 9:28 am

According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Raul Ibanez will report to the Yankees on Thursday.

The two sides have agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.1 million contract that carries another $2.9 million worth of performance-based incentives. It will be finalized once Ibanez reports to camp and passes a physical. He will function as a part-time designated hitter and backup corner outfielder this year in New York, and may carry a small amount of value in AL-only fantasy leagues.

Source: twitter.com