The Phils were back in action today, playing Canada in a warm up for our neighbors from the north’s involvement in the World Baseball Classic.

Call me crazy, or a purist, or just a fuddy duddy. But I don’t get the World Baseball Classic. It is a contrived, pointless, made for television tournament that is more likely to help foster injuries than it is national pride.

Here’s a simple equation:

Cole Hamels remaining a healthy Phillie > watching Cole Hamels wear a USA jersey.

Luckily, Cole isn’t pitching in the World Baseball Classic, preferring instead to get himself geared up to lead the Phillies to more glory in ’09. He’s got his priorities straight.

Mr. Hamels took the mound for his first spring action, and picked up where he left off, pitching 2 scoreless innings in a 9-2 Phils win over Team Canada. Scott Eyre pitched a perfect 6th with 2 Ks. John Mayberry Jr. continues his torrid spring with a 2-3 day at the plate, including a 2-run home run. Right now, the Golson for Mayberry deal looks sweet.

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Phillies Nation interview Cole Hamels.

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Balls, Sticks & Stuff does some spring cleaning.

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I had grade school flashbacks when I saw this post on We Should Be GMs.

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Phillies Flow is one of my favorite Phillies blogs. In today’s installment, Erik looks at the Phillies’ pitchers performance in 2008 relative to giving up extra base hits. Interesting stuff.