Phils Rookie Savery Shelled in Grapefruit Debut

No one cares about the outcome of exhibition games, but they are useful for veterans to get tuned up for the season, and for rookies to get used to big league opponents. The Phillies lost 11-6 to the Pirates today, and while a few veterans are showing they might already be prepared, one rookie floundered.

Ryan Howard hit his first home run of the exhibition season and Pedro Feliz got two more hits to bring his average up to a lofty .800. The Phillies starters had another big inning, netting five runs in the third inning. Kyle Kendrick started the game and did respectable, giving up one run in three innings.

The Phils number one pick in the draft last year, Joe Savery, didn't do as well in his debut. Savery gave up five runs in his one inning of work. He showed that he has some quality stuff, as he managed to strike out two batters in his one inning, but if a pitcher gives up five runs in one frame against the Pirates, they aren't ready for the big leagues. We can rule him out as an option for the No. 5 starter spot this year.

The Phillies play two games tomorrow against the Pirates. Their number one starter Brett Myers is scheduled to pitch one game, while J.D. Durbin will pitch the other.