Good news: The Phillies have signed free agent Scott Eyre to a one-year contract worth $2 million with options. With the Phils, the lefty Eyre threw 14.1 innings and posted a 1.88 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 19 appearances after being picked up from the Chicago Cubs. He did not fare so well in Chicago where manager Lou Piniella never bothered to learn his name.
Coaches Davy Lopes, Rich Dubee, and Milt Thompson will be back with the club in 2009. Bench coach Jimy Williams was offered a contract but has decided not to return.
In Rookie of the Year news, it's catcher Giovanny Soto of the Cubs for the NL and 3rd baseman Evan Longoria of the Rays for the AL.
The Phillies and Braves will open the 2009 season with an 8 pm game on April 5 on ESPN. And yes, it's too soon to start counting the days.
