Phillies’ Halladay Still Searching for a Ring
AP reports: “Roy Halladay is still looking for the one thing he came to the Philadelphia Phillies to get: A World Series ring. “I’m playing to win a World Series,” Halladay said Wednesday. “That’s why I’m playing baseball and for no other reason. However we get to that goal, that’s the bottom line. If it takes 320 innings and I can throw it, I’ll do it. That’s the reason I’m here. And that’s it. I’m not worried about next year and two years and three years from now. I’m trying to win a World Series.” Halladay missed nearly two months in the middle of the season because of a shoulder problem and never found his groove. But on Day 1 (of spring training), Halladay declared he’s feeling just fine.”
Other news from Spring Training:
Chooch Answers Questions About Drug Suspension (Inky): “Most of the answers from the 34-year-old Panamanian were repetitive and unrevealing. “I got caught two times, and I have to pay for that,” Ruiz said as beads of sweat formed on his nose. “I want to put that behind me and focus on this year and give it 100 percent for the city and the organization.” To be fair, Ruiz has never been comfortable speaking English, and the subject matter Wednesday only enlarged the language barrier. Mostly, Ruiz repeated his remorse, and there was no mistaking his sincerity. He cried shortly after the interview ended.”
Phillies, Juan Cruz Part Ways (MLB.com): “The Phillies and right-hander Juan Cruz mutually rescinded their agreement to a Minor League contract Wednesday. He became a free agent immediately. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Wednesday morning at Carpenter Complex that Cruz felt his chances to make the bullpen had diminished upon the Phillies signing right-hander Chad Durbin. Cruz never signed his contract and never showed in camp yesterday, which was the official report date. He clearly didn’t want to be in camp, so the Phillies cut him loose.”
How Long Will Citizens Bank Park Stay Full? (The Morning Call): “John Weber, the club’s VP of ticket sales and operations, announced the Phillies already have sold more than 2.5 million tickets, and added that he expects they will sell more than three million, something they’ve done each of the past six seasons. … Keep in mind: The sellout streak the organization cherished (257 consecutive, regular-season games) ended last year on Aug. 6 when they hosted the Braves. The Phillies’ announced paid attendance that night was 41,665. In order for it to be considered a sellout, the team needs to sell 43,400-43,600 tickets. “You hoped that one bad season, which we’re having this year, wouldn’t break it up, especially after the five winning seasons that we had and the division championships,” said Jimmy Rollins, the club’s longest-tenured player, said that night. “But that’s the way it goes. People aren’t going to spend money and come to the games if they aren’t feeling like they’re getting their money’s worth.””
And Charlie Manuel previews the season:
