Players and fans braved the 40-plus degree weather for the official start of Phillies’ spring training this morning. I arrived early and collected the roster and schedules they provide and made my way to the bleachers to see who was in attendance.

It was very difficult to identify the players since most of them kept their wind breakers on during calisthenics and long toss.  Ethan Martin and Jake Diekman were the first to drop their jackets.  Jonathan Papelbon was easily recognizable in his white-rimmed sunglasses.   Cole Hamels was also easy to pick out by his delivery and follow through.  In the past, Hamles could be easily spotted because he was he longest long tosser at the start of camp.  Thankfully he reigned it in today in the chilly weather.

After losening their arms, they broke out for pitching and four rounds of PFPs.  Before they got to bunting and conditioning, I drove over to Bright House Field to see which position players had reported early.  Most players have been see around the complex, but I did not see the big names taking batting practice.  Once again, wind breakers prevented the easy identification of players, but I was able to pick out Kelly Dugan, Darin Ruf, Odubel Herrera, and Cody Asche.

Cody Asche shagged balls in left field during BP, but as I left I spotted him taking ground balls at third on the half-field outdside Bright House.  Freddy Galvis and another SS were also taking ground balls (maybe Andres Blanco?)

Here is a copy of the Spring Training roster.  No surprises among the players.  Guest instructors include Dan Plesac and Aaron Rowand among other, more familiar names.

2015 ST Roster

The XST schedule has been set  Those files are attached below.

2015 XST Schedule – Page 1, 2015 XST Schedule – Page 2

The Minor League schedule I posted several weeks ago remains unchanged.  As always, if you would like an electronic copy of any of the files, contact me thru prospectpoll@yahoo.com.