WBC in 2013

Spring training will start early and run long because 2013 is the year of the World Baseball Classic.

The Phillies will play the Dominican Team on March 5 at Bright House Field.  During the inaugural year of the WBC, the Phillies played Venezuela.

Chooch will be playing in the WBC qualifying tournament, Nov. 15-19, in Panama City.

Several Phillies players and some of their minor leaguers will be playing for different countries in the WBC.  Announcements will be forthcoming.

Winter Ball Scouts

Phillies will be scouting the Dominican and Venezuela winter leagues.  Right now, the Phillies have 22 players performing in the two leagues.  Todd Zolecki has a story about some of these players on this website.

Jesse Levis, Danny Wright and Bart Braun are currently scouting in the DR while Charley Kerfeld is in Venezuela.  Later, Braun and Kerfield will switch leagues.

Alumni Notes

Jamie Moyer will receive the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award at the Major League Baseball Player Alumni Association’s 13th annual Legends for Youth Banquet in New York on Tuesday.  Proceeds benefit the Legends for Youth Baseball Clinic Series.  Denny Doyle is the chairman of series.  Phillies alumni who will attend the banquet include Jim Lonborg, Dale Murphy and Desi Relaford.

Jamie was treated to a surprise early birthday party roast in Las Vegas this past weekend.  Among those who participated were Cliff Lee, Bob Boone, Chase Utley and Greg Luzinski.  Moyer turns 50 on November 18.

Darold Knowles will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Kirksville, MO, next month.

David Bell has been named the third base coach for the Cubs . . . Pat Corrales named special assistant to the general manager of the Dodgers . . . Milt Thompson, bunting, outfield and baserunning coordinator for the Royals.

Gold Glove Notes

Which Phillies player was the first to win a Rawlings Gold Glove?

For the answer and a complete position-by-position breakdown, check out www.phillies.com/alumni.