Philliedelphia

Bullpen coughs up lead, Phils fall to Bucs

Domonic Brown lays it all out for a nice catch in left field.

A 2012 problem popped up for the first time in 2013: the eighth inning and the bullpen.

The Phillies' bullpen entered Wednesday night's game having allowed one or no runs in 14 of their last 16 games. They had a two-run lead.

It was the Pirates who took home the two-run victory in the end, scoring four runs in the final three innings to beat the Phillies for the second straight night, 5-3, at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies jumped on the board in the first thanks to a tremendous second-deck blast by Chase Utley. 

Roy Halladay worked around minor trouble in the first three innings before allowing a two-out run on an RBI single by Pedro Alvarez.

The Phillies got the run right back in the bottom of the fourth on another blast, this time by Ryan Howard.

Halladay pitched six innings with the only hit allowed being Alvarez' RBI single. He walked two and struck out eight.

In the bottom of the sixth, Halladay was lifted for a pinch-hitter in Kevin Frandsen with two runners on. Frandsen delivered an RBI single to give the Phillies a two-run lead.

Antonio Bastardo entered for the seventh and gave away the insurance run quickly as Alvarez homered to cut the lead to one. But Bastardo escaped with no further damage.

That brought Mike Adams into the game for the eighth. Adams was possibly the most important signing the Phillies made in the offseason. He was supposed to set up Jonathan Papelbon for save opportunities by working through the eighth inning. It was clear early on that Adams was not on his game.

Adams walked the lead-off batter and two singles later, the game was tied courtesy of Travis Snider. After Andrew McCutchen was walked, Adams was lifted for Jeremy Horst.

Horst allowed the go-ahead single to Brandon Inge, but retired the side otherwise, keeping the Pirates' lead at one.

After the Phillies went quietly in the eighth, Horst returned for the ninth and appeared to be on his way to another scoreless inning. But McCutchen's weak fly ball to shallow right went off the glove of Utley and led to an RBI triple.

Jason Grilli finished the job with ease. Aside from a hit batter, he retired the Phillies in the ninth to seal the win.

The Phillies are now 9-13 on the season heading into the series finale with the Pirates on Thursday afternoon.

Cliff Lee gets the start against James McDonald. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Hamels locked in, bats Locke-d down in loss to Bucs

Cole Hamels looks on after Gaby Sanchez' eighth-inning home run.

If the Phillies are going to win, they need to hit. As Charlie Manuel said after a 5-0 loss to the Cardinals on Saturday, Ryan Howard has to hit, Chase Utley has to hit and Jimmy Rollins has to hit.

Neither of them did that on Tuesday.

Four hits was all the Phillies could manage as the offense wasted another superb start from Cole Hamels. It wasn't enough to save Hamels from his first 0-3 start to a season in his career, as the Phillies fell to the Pirates, 2-0, on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park.

Hamels worked around a few jams early in the game while Pirates' starter Jeff Locke pitched a brilliant game as well. Finally the Pirates broke through in the fourth.

A lead-off infield single by Neil Walker led to the first run of the game as Brandon Inge lined an RBI double to the gap in right-center field. 

The Phillies had a great chance to respond in the fifth after a lead-off triple by John Mayberry Jr. But after Domonic Brown was hit by a pitch, Ben Revere grounded one right to short and Mayberry was nailed at the plate. The decision to come home was wrong on Mayberry's part, but after a wild at-bat that led to Brown's hit-by-pitch, Revere hacked at the first pitch. The Phillies failed to score in the inning.

Hamels was locked in from there with the exception of one batter. Gaby Sanchez stepped up in the eighth and hit a routine fly ball that carried out to right for a solo home run.

The Phillies stranded two more of their seven runners left on base in the eighth before the Pirates bullpen, capped by closer Jason Grilli, finished the job with a easy ninth inning.

The Phillies saw their two-game winning streak snapped and fell to 9-12 on the season.

They return to face the Pirates on Wednesday night in the third game of the four-game series. Cliff Lee starts against Wandy Rodriguez.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet. 

Great Eighth: Four-run eighth leads Phils past Cardinals

Ben Revere hit the go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning.

The Phillies left the go-ahead run on third base in the sixth and seventh innings. Ben Revere was the one who stranded the runner in the sixth by grounding into a double play with the bases loaded to end the inning.

Redemption is oh so sweet. 

Revere supplied the go-ahead RBI in a four-run eighth inning that led the Phillies to a 7-3 win over the Cardinals in the series finale on Sunday night at Citizens Bank Park.

The Cardinals struck first just two batters into the game as Matt Carpenter belted a solo home run to put the Redbirds on the board.

The Phillies had a quick answer in the first. Jimmy Rollins tripled to lead off the inning. After a John Mayberry Jr. walk, Chase Utley singled to tie the game and move Mayberry to third. Mayberry scored on a sac fly by Ryan Howard.

Kyle Kendrick settled in after a 33-pitch first inning to work into the sixth. There, he ran into more trouble.

With runners on second and third, David Freese hit an RBI groundout to tie the score.

After a strange play on a Pete Kozma single that saw Kozma advance to second and Matt Adams stop at third, the Cardinals re-gifted the Phillies by attempting to squeeze the runner home with pitcher Jake Westbrook. The play failed and the game remained tied.

Antonio Bastardo started the seventh. An error by Utley allowed Jon Jay to reach second. After a sac bunt moved him to third and Carlos Beltran reached on a walk, Chad Durbin entered. He promptly allowed the go-ahead RBI single to Allen Craig.

But Durbin, who had allowed all seven inherited runners to score this season, finally stranded one and two of his own as well in working around a bases-loaded jam. 

The Phillies quickly rallied back. After Erik Kratz singled to lead off the inning, Laynce Nix worked a 10-pitch at-bat. On the 10th pitch, he drove a double to left-center scoring Kratz from first.

But again, Nix would only make it to third before being stranded.

Mike Adams pitched a perfect eighth, setting up the Phillies with a chance at the lead. They didn't waste the opportunity the third time around.

Michael Young reached on an infield single, extending his hitting streak to 12 games, with one out. Domonic Brown followed with a single moving Young to third. That put Revere in the same spot as he was in the sixth, one out with the go-ahead run on third.

This time, he smashed an RBI single up the middle. On the very next pitch from Cardinals' reliever Mitchell Boggs, Kratz busted the game open, belting a three-run shot to left.

Jonathan Papelbon came on to finish the job, giving the Phillies a series split in the four-game set with the Cards.

The 8-11 Phillies round out the homestand with a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was announced earlier in the day that the series would open with a fresh face.

Jonathan Pettibone will make his major-league debut in the opener facing A.J. Burnett. Game time of Monday's opener is 7:05 p.m.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Lee struggles as Cardinals blank Phillies

Carlos Beltran hit his third home run of the series in the fifth inning.

The Phillies used a big inning of Friday night to coast to a win. On Saturday, it was the Cardinals doing the same.

Backed by a solid pitching performance from Lance Lynn, the Cardinals jumped on a shaky Cliff Lee and made the Phillies pay for another silent night from the offense and Lee's lack of command.

When it was all over, the Phillies had been shut out for the second time this week and this season, falling to the Cardinals, 5-0, on Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park.

Neither starter had the best command, but both made it work through two scoreless frames. That lack of command finally caught up to Lee in the third.

Pete Kozma walked to lead off the inning. Shane Robinson worked a one-out walk. Matt Holliday worked a two-out walk to load the bases. Allen Craig followed with a sharp line drive up the middle for a two-run single.

Lee got a ground ball from Yadier Molina that could have ended the inning. But Chase Utley broke the wrong way on the grounder and it rolled into right field, scoring another run. David Freese followed with an RBI single as well to cap the four-run inning.

Carlos Beltran led off the fifth inning with a solo home run to left-center.

The Phillies didn't have a hit off Lynn after four innings. John Mayberry Jr. led off the fifth inning with a double, breaking up the no-hit bid. But that still couldn't spark the Phillies' offense, and for the sixth time in seven games, the Phillies went through six innings without a run.

It didn't stop there as Lynn lasted seven shutout inning, and the Cardinals bullpen of Trevor Rosenthal and Mitchell Boggs combined for a three-hit shutout.

The Phillies dropped to 7-11 as a result.

The Phillies can still manage to split the series with a win in Sunday night's game against the Cardinals. Kyle Kendrick starts against Jake Westbrook in an 8:05 start.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Lee takes mound as Phillies go for second straight win

Cliff Lee goes for his third win of the season in Saturday night's game against the Cardinals.

Friday night's game at Citizens Bank Park was certainly a different tune from previous games. After scoring just 10 runs on a six-game road trip and adding just three in Thursday night's loss, the Phillies came one runs shy of tripling Thursday's output and two runs shy of matching the road-trip total in three innings on Friday.

Now they return to the field on Saturday night with their best starter in the early stages this season looking to get close to .500 again and start to right the ship on this season.

Cliff Lee (2-0, 1.52 ERA) takes the mound for the Phillies. After dominantly winning his first two starts, Lee allowed two runs in seven innings to the Reds and took a no-decision. Lee made two starts against the Cardinals in 2012, going 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA. In his career against the Cardinals, Lee is 3-2 with a 2.44 ERA. At Citizens Bank Park, Lee is 17-11 with a 2.58 ERA.

The Phillies will face right-hander Lance Lynn (2-0, 5.40 ERA). Lynn allowed four runs on seven hits in five innings in his last start against the Pirates, but still got the win in the Cardinals' 10-6 victory. Lynn faced the Phillies once in 2012 and in his career so far, allowing four runs on four hits in five innings and taking a no-decision. The start came at Citizens Bank Park.

Here are tonight's game notes and lineups.

Game Notes:

• The Phillies may not have been able to score on the road, but they have no problems scoring at Citizens Bank Park. The Phils are averaging 5.5 runs per game at home this season.
• The Phillies have won eight of their last 11 regular-season series against the Cardinals. Entering tonight's third game of the four-game series, the teams have split the first two games.
• Ryan Howard is out of the lineup for the second straight game. He is one of the few Phillies to have success against Lance Lynn, going 2-for-3 in his career with a home run and two RBI.
• Several of the Cardinals have good batting averages off Cliff Lee in small sample sizes, but only two have homered off him. Only Matt Holliday and Ty Wigginton have home runs off Lee.

Phillies lineup

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Freddy Galvis LF
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Michael Young 3B
5. Domonic Brown RF
6. John Mayberry Jr. 1B
7. Ben Revere CF
8. Erik Kratz C
9. Cliff Lee P

Cliff Lee will start tonight's game.

Cardinals lineup

1. Shane Robinson CF
2. Carlos Beltran RF
3. Matt Holliday LF
4. Allen Craig 1B
5. Yadier Molina C
6. David Freese 3B
7. Daniel Descalso 2B
8. Pete Kozma SS
9. Lance Lynn P

Lance Lynn will start tonight's game.

TV: TCN

Radio: 94 WIP/1210 WPHT

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Phils turn to Doc to snap losing streak

Roy Halladay's win on Sunday was the 200th of his career. It was also the last time the Phillies won a game.

The Phillies needed one base hit to get back to winning ways last night. When they needed it most, the team that managed 13 hits off the Cardinals ace and bullpen couldn't get it done.

So with that, the Phillies are on a four-game losing streak. Can Doc patch up the Phillies with another solid outing?

Roy Halladay (1-2, 7.63 ERA) gets the start. After his first two starts went horribly wrong by all standards, Halladay responded with a solid outing in his 200th career win, going eight innings allowing one run on five hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Halladay faced the Cardinals twice in 2012, going 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA. In his career against the Cardinals, Halladay is 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA. At Citizens Bank Park, Halladay is 26-13 with a 2.99 ERA.

The Phillies will face left-hander Jaime Garcia (1-0, 1.86 ERA). Garcia pitched seven shutout innings allowing seven hits in his last start against the Brewers, but took a no-decision in the Cardinals' 4-3 loss. Garcia faced the Phillies once in 2012, allowing four runs in six innings in a loss. In his career, Garcia is 2-2 with a 2.00 ERA. At Citizens Bank Park, he is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA. 

Here are tonight's game notes and lineups.

Game Notes:

• The Phillies have not worked a single walk in their current four-game losing streak. If they don't work a walk in tonight's game, it will be the longest streak in the history of the modern-era of baseball. Jaime Garcia has walked nine batters in 19 1/3 innings this season.
• John Mayberry Jr. has the most success against Garcia. He is a career 4-for-9 off Garcia with two doubles and three RBI.
• Once again, Carlos Beltran is the player to watch for the Cardinals. In his career against Halladay, he is 15-for-46 with three home runs and 11 RBI.

Phillies lineup

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Freddy Galvis LF
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Michael Young 3B
5. John Mayberry Jr. RF
6. Kevin Frandsen 1B
7. Ben Revere CF
8. Humberto Quintero C
9. Roy Halladay P

Roy Halladay will start tonight's game.

Cardinals lineup

1. Matt Carpenter 2B
2. Jon Jay CF
3. Matt Holliday LF
4. Carlos Beltran RF
5. Allen Craig 1B
6. Ty Wigginton 3B
7. Tony Cruz C
8. Pete Kozma SS
9. Jaime Garcia P

Jaime Garcia will start tonight's game.

TV: CSN

Radio: 94 WIP/1210 WPHT

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Robinson's story comes to life in 42

Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford star as Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey in the film 42: The True Story of an American Legend, in theaters now. (Photo courtesy of imdb.com)

66 years ago today, the baseball world changed forever.

His name was Jack Roosevelt Robinson. He was an African-American baseball player. But he was so much more.

Today, throughout Major League Baseball, the number 42 will be worn by every player on every team. It is the only league-wide retired number.

On Friday, a film documenting the story of Jackie Robinson was released, titled 42: The True Story of an American Legend.

Here's the simple summary of the film. If you are a baseball fan, well aware of who Jackie Robinson is, you already know the general premise of the movie. There are no surprises. This is the simple story of how one man and one organization changed the game of baseball.

But if you're a new baseball fan, a student of the game trying to learn as much as possible, then this is a must-see as well. You don't have to know the story walking in. You'll learn so much.

Robinson is played by Chadwick Boseman, in what is his first major role. Boseman does an excellent job of capturing Robinson's passion and intensity.

Many of us know the story by its place in history. But the majority of people who will see the film didn't live it and didn't see Robinson take the field in person. This is like being there, it is that well put together.

The film opens with Harrison Ford, playing Dodgers' owner Branch Rickey, discussing the player to break the color barrier. He hand-selects Robinson to be that guy.

Robinson, playing in the Negro Leagues at the time, is tracked down by the Dodger organization and brought to Brooklyn for a tryout.

The movie mainly tracks Robinson's progression through the Dodgers' minor-league system, a team called the Montreal Royals, and the people he encounters.

There are multiple side stories in the film. One of Robinson's earliest companions is sportswriter Wendell Smith. Smith was an African-American writer for the Pittsburgh Courier. There is a scene in the movie where Smith tells Robinson that this moment is not just for Robinson himself but also Smith. Sure enough, Smith became the first African-American member of the Baseball Writers of America Association in 1948, the year after the Dodgers won their first pennant with Robinson on the team.

There are those against Robinson in this story - notable scenes include his own Dodgers' teammates signing a petition to not play if Robinson were in uniform or Philadelphia Phillies' manager Ben Chapman verbally harassing Robinson while joining the countless teams pitching high and inside to Robinson with intent to hit him.

There are also the moments of support - Rickey tells Robinson why he pushed so hard to break the color barrier in an emotional scene in the locker room in the heat of the pennant race, or Dodgers' Hall of Fame shortstop Pee Wee Reese putting his arm around Robinson in front of his hometown crowd in Cincinnati.

As we mark this 66th anniversary of Robinson's first game, where he reached base on an error, reaching second, and scored on a double, I think a perfect scene from the film to recall is toward the end of the film. After Reese embraces Robinson at first base, accepting that this is the new age of the game. As he walks back to his position, he turns to Robinson and says "maybe tomorrow we'll all wear 42, that way they can't tell us apart."

So when you look at the field tonight and see 25 players all wearing the same number, marking this moment in baseball and American history, remember the man that started it all and the supporting cast that taught us to accept it.

The movie, 42:The True Story of an American Legend, is playing in theaters across the country.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

2013 Philliedelphia Predictions: Kevin Durso

Justin Upton and the Braves could be the team to beat in the National League.

It's time for another season of Major League Baseball. For the Phillies' fan who bring you coverage of every game, it's been a long offseason. But we're ready just like you for some great memories.

With that, it's also prediction time. So here's my predictions.

American League

AL East winner – Toronto Blue Jays
AL Central winner – Detroit Tigers
AL West winner – Los Angeles Angels
AL Wild Card Teams (2) – Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago White Sox

AL MVP – Evan Longoria (TB)
AL Cy Young – Justin Verlander (DET)
AL Rookie of the Year –Jackie Bradley Jr. (BOS)
AL Manager of the Year – Robin Ventura (CWS)

The AL East is so wide open this season and after watching the Blue Jays' offense for quite a few games this spring, I'm convinced they have a leg up on the battered AL East. The Orioles made very few improvements, the Rays have to get everything clicking, the Yankees have half of the starters on the DL to open the season and the Red Sox are recovering from a horrible, down-on-their-luck 2012 season. 

The Tigers are still far and away the best team in the AL Central. The White Sox will be the only team to compete. The Royals, Indians and Twins will round out the division, but none will truly compete just yet.

The West is still a battle between the Angels and Rangers. After a crazy season where the names were there and the numbers were not, the Angels will finally put it all together. The Rangers will fall just short of the Postseason as they get beat out in the wildcard race.

I like Evan Longoria as the MVP of the AL but trailed closely once again by the phenom that is in LA. Mike Trout will win an MVP one of these days. Will it be this year. Maybe? If someone else doesn't just flat out stun. Like the American League, and all of baseball for that matter, the competition is wide open.

It's hard to pick against Justin Verlander for Cy Young. Someone else will have to seriously impress to take that away this season.

Jackie Bradley Jr. is going to be a star in this league. He had an incredible spring, good enough to earn the Red Sox starting left field job. I'm looking for a great season from this kid.

National League

NL East winner – Atlanta Braves
NL Central winner – Cincinnati Reds
NL West winner – San Francisco Giants
NL Wild Card Teams (2) – Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals

NL MVP – Justin Upton (ATL)
NL Cy Young – Matt Cain (SF)
NL Rookie of the Year – Julio Teheran (ATL)
NL Manager of the Year – Charlie Manuel (PHI)

The Braves are loaded offensively. Justin Upton will lead that charge. He's going to be far and above what people expect and lead the Braves through a tough NL East. Three teams will compete for that division title. One will instantly enter the NLDS. The other two will have to fight through a one-game playoff.

The Central will go to the Reds simply because there is none better. The Cardinals could make a run, as could the Brewers, but ultimately these teams are still trying to discover who they are. The Brewers offense past Ryan Braun is always a mystery. The Cardinals rotation took a hit with the injury to Chris Carpenter. The Reds have the combo of pitching and hitting to win.

The West goes back to the defending World Series champs. There's no way to pick against Buster Posey and the Giants. And with Matt Cain turning in an impressive season on the mound, good enough for my Cy Young pick, the Giants will be defending their title again.

Charlie Manuel is in that situation where just leading his team back to the playoffs will be impressive. Every other team I have in the Postseason from the NL made it a year ago. If the Phillies can rejoin the group and really defy the odds, like I see it, then Manuel is a likely choice.

2013 World Series

World Series matchup – Braves vs. Angels
World Series champion and # of games – Angels in 5

The two teams with the most balance enter the World Series. After the NL took the last three crowns because of destiny, the AL has the edge this year. It won't even be close in the Fall Classic.

Phillies predictions

Total number of Phillies wins - 90
How many games will Roy Halladay win? 15

Who will spend the most games batting leadoff?  Ben Revere
Which Phillies pitcher will lead the team in wins? Cole Hamels
How many home runs will Ryan Howard hit? 33

This team can win 90 games with a healthy lineup, good pitching and a bullpen. Plain and simple. Assuming the Phillies finally have all the things they lacked last season, 81-81 was subject to their shortcomings. They have none to speak of entering the season. Is Roy Halladay still a question mark? Yes, and I'm taking the highly optimistic approach in saying he will win 15 games this season.

It is no question who will lead this team in wins. He's not the ace for no reason. If Cole Hamels pitches to his ability, he could be a 20-game winner this year.

Ryan Howard won't be setting any records, but after the Phillies suffered a power shortage in 2012, Howard will lead the way with 33 homers.

Ben Revere is a talented kid. I like what he brings to the top of the order. He might just dismantle Jimmy Rollins from his usual lead-off spot. That's not a knock against Rollins. Revere has just been that impressive to me.

With that said, I'm ready for another great baseball season and excited to be sharing it with so many great baseball fans. Thanks for letting me be a part of it with you.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Lee, Buehrle face off in first On-Deck game

Cliff Lee will make his final spring start before the regular season in tonight's On-Deck series opener against the Blue Jays.

The Phillies left Clearwater with a bang, beating the Blue Jays yesterday, 7-2, with the help of two home runs in the late innings. Both teams made the trip north the Philadelphia and Citizens Bank Park as they will face each other in the Phillies' annual On-Deck series for the next two days. Game one of this mini-series opens with a night-cap, a rarity in spring games. But for Phillies fans, this provides a look at the team where they are accustomed to watching, right at home in Citizens Bank Park.

Cliff Lee makes his final spring training tune-up in the opener of this series. Lee's last start was his worst of the spring. He allowed six runs (four earned) on nine hits against the Red Sox. He hit one batter, allowed no walks and struck out seven. That start was Lee's first appearance in Grapefruit League play after taking 10 days off from traditional game action and playing in minor-league games.

For the Blue Jays, lefty Mark Buehrle takes the mound for his final spring start. Buehrle has allowed nine runs in 13 innings this spring while walking seven and striking out seven. He faced the Phillies five times in 2012 as a member of the Miami Marlins, going 2-2 with a 3.24 ERA.

Game Notes:

• Once again, Ben Revere is at the top of the order leading off. Could a strong weekend by the new Phillies' centerfielder make this lineup the Opening Day lineup?
• Humberto Quintero gets a start tonight catching. The Phillies haven't announced the Opening Day roster just yet, but it is believed that the race for backup catcher - in the absence of Carlos Ruiz for 25 games - is down to Quintero and Steven Lerud.
• Mike Adams, Phillippe Aumont and Jonathan Papelbon are also scheduled to pitch in tonight's game. Since Papelbon's shaky spring debut (2/3 IP, 5 H, 6 ER on Feb. 25), the three relievers have combined to allow only five earned runs.

Phillies lineup

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Michael Young 3B
6. Domonic Brown LF
7. John Mayberry Jr. RF
8. Erik Kratz DH
9. Humberto Quintero C

Cliff Lee will start tonight's game.

Blue Jays lineup

1. Jose Reyes SS
2. Melky Cabrera LF
3. Jose Bautista RF
4. Edwin Encarnacion 1B
5. J.P Arencibia C
6. Mark DeRosa 3B
7. Rajai Davis DH
8. Colby Rasmus CF
9. Emilio Bonifacio 2B

Mark Buehrle will start tonight's game.

TV: TCN/MLBN
Radio: 1210 WPHT

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Brown showing he's ready for starting job

Domonic Brown leads all major-leaguers with 21 runs scored and is tied for second with six home runs this spring.

The outfield for the Phillies on paper is a complete mess.

It is a puzzle with several pieces to find a fit.

One part of the picture is clear: Ben Revere is starting in center field. But what about the corners?

Is Darin Ruf ready for the major-leagues full-time? Tough to say. The 26-year-old first baseman turned outfielder has struggled at the plate and in the field this spring.

Will Delmon Young be healthy in time for Opening Day? Hard to believe, Harry, especially considering he hasn't seen any playing time this spring.

Can the Phillies get away with a platoon of John Mayberry Jr. and Laynce Nix in one, if not both of the corner outfield spots? It would be a difficult task.

One of the offseason questions getting a strong and positive answer is the one regarding the fifth outfielder in question: Domonic Brown. The 24-year-old hot-shot prospect may be finally making his mark.

He has belted home runs, six of them so far, and all have traveled plenty deep for any major-league park. That is also good enough for second in all of baseball this spring.

He has consistently reached base and scored runs as a result. His 21 runs scored lead all major-leaguers in spring play.

His .397 batting average is also a far cry from recent spring tryouts. 

All this has happened in 22 games.

The player who was supposed to be the next big thing for the Phillies when he was initially called up in 2010 may be finally living up to his potential.

This isn't the regular season but Brown looks like a man on a mission, a player with a goal. He knows at least one, if not two starting jobs are up for grabs this spring. It is apparent based on his torrid start that he wants one of those spots.

It remains to be seen how Brown will play once he faces full major-league talent or gets regular appearances in regular-season action.

But if this is supposed to be a tryout, Brown has passed the audition with flying colors to this point. At the very least, he should be giving a starting job. Time will only tell if he has earned it for good.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.