Pitchers and Catchers Report Today

Today's the day! Phillies pitchers and catchers officially report to Spring Training today in Clearwater, Florida, with their first workout tomorrow morning. Truth be told, however, may have been there for a while already, including Roy Halladay, who has been participating in a rigorous workout routine which will set the standard for our other pitchers.

These are among the key questions for our staff this year:

* Has Hamels developed an effective, reliable third pitch (curve, cutter or slider)?

* Can Lidge come back from a horrendous 2009 season and two off-season surgeries (knee and elbow) to regain something close to his 2008 form?

* Who will occupy the fifth starter's spot? Top contenders at this time are Kendrick and Moyer, but a few months in Spring Training can change that calculus.

* Will Happ be able to replicate his "almost" Rookie-of-the-Year 2009 form?

* Will there be other lefty relievers from our system to step up and make it to the show, so that Romero is not driven into the ground by mid-season?

With all 8 position players locked up (C-Ruiz, 1st-Howard, 2nd-Utley, 3rd-Polanco, SS-Rollins, LF-Ibanez, CF-Victorino, RF-Werth), it looks like all eyes will be focused on the pitchers this Spring Training.

Look for other Spring Training headlines as they develop, such as possible injuries and off-field items, including Skipper's stunning weight loss and Kendrick's fiance's Stephanie's run on "Survivor - Heroes and Villains".