CLEARWATER, Fla. — Spring training is officially underway for the Phillies now that Jimmy Rollins is talking. This time, though, he’s watching what he says.
That’s probably a good thing for the two-time defending NL champions, who held their first full-squad workout Tuesday.
The Phillies fell two wins shy of repeating as World Series champions, losing to the Yankees in six games last fall. They’re trying to become the first NL team in 66 years to win three straight pennants.
“We do have a chance at doing something special,” Rollins said. “(Someone) told me that NL teams that go to the World Series three years in a row win two out of three. Sounds like some pretty good odds.”
Pressed to make a specific prediction, Rollins smiled and said, “You just heard them.”
Before the World Series last year, Rollins said the Phillies would beat the Yankees in five games. He was a little off on that one.
“The magic eight ball? Shoot, I don’t know where that thing is,” Rollins said. “At this point, it’s just for fun.”
It’s a glove-hit relationship
PHOENIX — Eric Chavez, who won six Gold Gloves at third base for the A’s, got his first workout at first base during Oakland’s practice.
“It’s just taking groundballs with a bigger glove,” Chavez said. “It’s getting better.”
Chavez has been limited by injuries during the past three seasons, but Oakland wants to try to keep his bat in the lineup this year.
“He needs to hit,” manager Bob Geren said. “He needs to prove he’s healthy and swinging the bat well.”
• Right-hander Justin Duchscherer underwent a procedure to relieve discomfort in his back and is expected to rejoin the team today.
• Left-hander Lenny DiNardo will miss a couple of days after straining his left Achilles tendon.
Footnotes.
Shortstop Derek Jeter is expected to address his contract situation today before the Yankees have their first full-squad workout in Tampa, Fla. Jeter is entering the final year of his contract.
• Major League Baseball plans to test minor-league players for human growth hormone, The New York Times reported.
Denver Post wire services
