Howard picks up the pace but still doubtful for opening day
--1B Ryan Howard began light workouts in the beginning of January and added strengthening work to his rehab by the end of the month. With spring training quickly approaching, Howard's rehab from October Achilles surgery is progressing but he remains a long shot to join the Phillies when the regular season begins on April 5. "If he's back by sometime in May, I'll be happy," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said at a banquet on Jan. 30.
--RHP Chad Qualls signed a one-year, $1.15 million contract to join the Phillies bullpen. After losing veterans Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson to free agency, the Phillies found a durable, experienced arm in the 33-year-old Qualls. Qualls has appeared in at least 70 games in six of the last seven seasons. "He can be kind of a stabilizer for us," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "When he's on one of his hot streaks, he can pitch in the seventh or eighth inning. It gives us more depth, more choices."
--3B Placido Polanco is expected to be ready for regular baseball activity when camp opens for position players at spring training later this month. The 36-year-old Polanco, who battled an assortment of injuries in each of the last two seasons, had double sports hernia surgery in October. "We have to keep an eye on his health, and monitor him and make sure we're cautious in how we handle him," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "We have to make sure he stays fresh for the season and don't put any unwanted strain on him."
--RHP Jose Contreras is throwing off flat ground in Clearwater, Fla. and could be ready to rejoin the Phillies' bullpen in time for the start of the regular season. Contreras was limited to 17 games in 2011 and had elbow surgery before the end of the season. "He's out to 120 feet (playing catch), no symptoms and he's progressing well," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "If he doesn't have any setbacks or anything, I'd think he'd probably be close to being ready for opening day."
--INF Michael Martinez appears to have the inside track on the utility infield position. After the Phillies traded Wilson Valdez to the Reds last month, Martinez is the lone player on the 40-man roster, not including starters, with major league experience and the ability to play shortstop, second base and third base. Martinez, 29, batted .196 in 88 games in 2011, when he was kept on the roster all season as a Rule 5 pick.
BY THE NUMBERS
512 -- The number of appearances by RHP Chad Qualls in the last seven seasons, more than any other major league pitcher in that time.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We have confidence, but obviously when there is a guy like Ryan Howard not in the lineup you're not as good of a team, but you still have plenty of weapons with the club we have." -- RF Hunter Pence, on the prospect of beginning the 2012 season with Ryan Howard on the disabled list.
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