Romero took an over the counter supplement called 6-OXO that contained a substance called androstenedione, which is on MLB’s blacklist of banned PEDs.

The supplement did not specify androstenedione on the label nor in the ingredients and Romero continues to plead his case about not knowing about the substance.

Despite all of the trouble, the Phillies need Romero back in the line-up as pitching has become a trouble area for the 2008 World Champions. The Phillies will need to make a roster move to add Romero back into the dugout.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com quoted Romero on his return.

“Overall right now, I’d give myself a ‘B,’” Romero said, asked about how he is throwing in the Minors. “When I start getting guys out in the big leagues, then I will tell you what grade I give myself. I’m good. I’m healthy. I’m ready to go.”

Scoring only 24 runs their most recent home stands against the Braves and Dodgers, the Phillies just cannot seem to get the ball moving.

Leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins has struggled almost the entire season, and was dropped to fifth in the lineup this past week for back-to-back games. Last night after resuming his role at the top of the lineup against the Dodgers, Rollins was still unable produce runs.

Shane Victorino was 0-4, Ryan Howard struck out to end the game as usual and was 0-4, and Chase Utley fell below .300 for the first time this season.

The offense has been a huge problem for Philadelphia but the defense is also on its way down the elevator as well.

In 5 straight appearances Brad Lidge has surrendered at least one run, Jamie Moyer got “waxed” on Wednesday night after throwing three solid innings, and after the best start of the season for Cole Hamels (who struck out 9 through 7 innings) Chad Durbin surrendered two critical runs that lead to another Phillies loss at the “Bank”.

There is no doubt that the Phillies are just “a mess”, but IS IT officially time to hit the panic button in Philly?

During the first 30 games of the season, the ‘Phightin Phils have shown promise, and at other times the remains of what could be called a World Series hangover tend to lurk on in through the clubhouse doors.

The 2009 season started slow for the Phillies as they dropped their first two games at home to the Braves. Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer immediately picked up their first losses of the season while Cole Hamels also picked up his first loss on the road against the Rockies the following week.

The Phils hovered around the .500 mark for most of April until it came time to play the ever-so-hot Florida Marlins.  Condrey, Moyer, and Madson all tallied wins as the Phillies blew the Marlins out of the water taking the sweep. The series proved to be nothing short of impressive.

In game 1 Shane Victorino hit his first career regular season grand slam highlighting a seven-run rally in the ninth to take the victory 7-3.

In game two, Chase Utley’s RBI in the top of the 10th proved to be the winning run sticking it out for another victory winning 6-4.
Shane Victorino dominated game three knocking in 4 “ribbies” and stealing two as the Phillies crushed the Marlins 13-2.

The next series was against the Nationals where the team capped off a season high 5 game winning streak picking up two victories.

As the Phils continued working through the beginning of May the defending champs dropped 2 of 4 to the Mets and were headed back home to take on the Braves and Dodgers.

Jayson Werth had no trouble proving he is “Werth It” stealing four bases including home in a single game, while Carlos Ruiz stayed solid at the plate after making a few stance adjustments.

However, the rest of the team just could not seem to get the wheels turning. Key RBI opportunities and poor decisions on the bases seemed to be the difference between the Braves and Phils. While the Dodgers just ripped at the Phillies pitching spanking 38 hits in just three games compared to the Phillies 10.

Charlie Manual has expressed concern about his club stating, “We don’t look good.”

So is it really time to hit that panic button if you are a Phillies fan?

Not Yet.

We all know the defending World Champs have one of the best teams in baseball, possibly even a better team than last year with the addition of Raul Ibanez.

Trust me when I say this. Victorino WILL drive in runs, Ryan Howard WILL make contact, and Jimmy Rollins WILL return to his old self at the top of the order. The question is WHEN will it start, and WILL it happen soon enough to compete with the Mets, Marlins, and Braves in the NL East.

As long as the proper adjustments are timely made and players start stepping up like the play of Jayson Werth during the last few games, hits will come, runs will be scored, and games will be won.

This is not the time to panic just yet. The Phillies will rise out of their slump and you will see the them at the top of the NL East come October, I guarantee it!

*Inserts 2008 WS Game 5 DVD*

Jayson Werth has proven himself as being “Werth It” in Philadelphia time and time again, and last night he made sure no one would forget it!

While Pedro Feliz stood in the batter’s box, Werth stole second, then stole third, and when catcher Russell Martin flipped the ball back to pitcher Ronald Belisario after a routine pitch, Werth was sliding into home.

The “Puma-like creature” was safe at the plate on the rare steal, tying the Philadelphia Phillies team record of four stolen bases in a single game as the Phillies rolled over the Dodgers 5-3.

In a game that opened with tension in the Phillies dugout after Jimmy Rollins was dropped from the leadoff spot, Werth stole more bases than he did all season.

“I guess he was feeling frisky or had a lot of energy,” manager Charlie Manuel said. “He wanted to run.”

According to ESPN, No Phillie had stolen home since 2007, and Pete Rose was the last one to steal three bases in an inning (1980).

Werth has tallied 21 total RBIs so far this season for the Phils, currently one short of Ryan Howard (22), and sits with a hearty .395 OBP so far on the year.

Stolen bases haven’t been the only record Werth has tied while wearing a Phillies “uni”.  On May 16, 2008, Werth had a career night against the Blue Jays, hitting three home runs , including a grand slam, a three-run home run, and a solo shot which put him one “round-tripper” short of hitting for the “homer cycle”. In doing so, he tied the Phillies team record that night with 8 RBIs in a single game.

Watching Werth from the seats during that misty night was nothing short of remarkable. Looking back, it felt as if the WS Championship was already “on ice”.

Whether it be running into walls to make a potential game saving play, stealing three bases (including home) in one inning, or Jayson Werth just being Jayson Werth, “the Puma” has been getting it done for the Phils in dramatic fashion.

As the rest of May unfolds look for Werth to charge both the defense and offense for the Phillies. If you ever had the chance to see Jayson play you will understand exactly why he is “Werth It”.

Ibanez, who was acquired in the off-season as a free agent from the Seattle Mariners, has caused passionate Phillies fans to forget about the man who occupied left-field on a day-to-day basis for almost nine full seasons.  Burrell was a former number one overall pick by the Phillies in the late-1990s and he has been a fan favorite in Philadelphia for most of his time in the City of Brotherly Love.

After the Phils won the World Series in October 2008, all the baseball fans in Philadelphia knew that Pat Burrell was to be a free agent and there was concern around the city that the Phillies organization would not re-sign him.  During the winter meetings, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. made it clear that he was interested Raul Ibanez.  Of course all the Phillies fans knew was that he played in Seattle, a team that was very rarely seen on televisions in the Philadelphia area, and that he was 36-years old, a whole three years older than Burrell.

Despite all the potential criticism, Amaro knew what a great player Ibanez was and he signed the veteran outfielder to a three-year contract.  As a result, Burrell signed with the team the Phillies beat in the World Series, the Rays, and only received a two-year contract to be mainly a designated hitter.

Burrell made a couple memorable returns to Citizen’s Bank Park in the beginning of the 2009 season with an exhibition game and an emotional World Series ring ceremony.  In the exhibition game as a member of the Rays, Burrell unloaded on a Cole Hamels fastball, reminding Phillies fans of what they would be missing in the upcoming 2009 season.  Then in the ring ceremony, Burrell received the loudest and longest cheer from the Phillies faithful when presented with his championship ring.  Pat’s ovation lasted longer than even current Phillies superstars Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.

But to this writer, it seems like ages ago when Pat Burrell was a member of the Phillies, in the ballpark as a member of the Rays and receiving his championship ring.  Raul Ibanez has made all of the Phillies fans forget that there was any other Phillies player that played left-field in recent years.  The Phils faithful has embraced Ibanez as the great player that he is.  Signs in the stands at Citizen’s Bank Park read “I-BOMB-EZ” and now you can see quite a few fans wearing the number-29 Ibanez jerseys.  And typical to Philadelphia, a new chant that goes “RAOOOOL” and sounds like “BOOOO” is now heard throughout the ballpark every time Ibanez steps to the plate.

There is no doubt that Raul Ibanez has won over Phillies fans with his timely hitting, solid defensive play and his hustle both in the field and on the base paths.  Does anyone in Philadelphia remember the beloved Pat Burrell?  I’m sure there are many who do, but Ibanez is easily causing some fans to forget.

Suspended Philadelphia Phillies reliever J.C. Romero has filed suit against a nutritional supplement manufacturer alleging an unlisted ingredient in one of its products caused him to test positive for a substance banned by Major League Baseball, according to ESPN.com.

Romero, was suspended for the first 50 games of the 2009 season, after he tested positive for androstenedione, a banned substance. The supplement called 6-OXO did not specify androstenedione on the label nor in the ingredients and Romero continues to plead his case about not knowing about the substance.

Not only that, clerks at the stores where he purchased the supplements told him that 6-OXO would not cause a positive test for a banned substance.

Lesson learned; never believe the idiots behind the counter. Androstenedione is a natural substance that is found in humans and plant pollens, but has been on MLB blacklist since 2006 because of saftley concerns.

The over-the-counter supplement, colloquially known as “andro,” gained public attention in 1998 when Mark McGwire, then with the St. Louis Cardinals, disclosed he used the substance during his pursuit of the single-season home run record that year. McGwire ultimately hit 70 homers, eclipsing the record of 61 set by the Yankees’ Roger Maris in 1961.

Romero’s suit was filed in Camden, NJ on Monday.  Romero wants compensation for the money and time he has missed because of the positive test.

According to MLB.com, the Yankees and Red Sox series this weekend “provided countless forms of excitement for their fans”.

There was a walk-off win on Friday night despite a two-run deficit with two outs in the ninth, a slugfest victory on Saturday to overcome a six-run deficit and finally a 4-1 triumph on Sunday that included an electrifying straight steal of home by Jacoby Ellsbury.

No only did the Red Sox sweep the Yanks this weekend, they extended their winning streak to 10 games.

Dustin Pedroia called it a fantastic weekend for the team, but acknowledged that he plans on seeing the Yanks in the end!

The World Series hangover just might have snapped this weekend, as Phillies swept “the Fish”  to boost the teams record over the .500 mark for the first time this season. Jamie Moyer capped out the series allowing only 1 run in 6 innings, as Phillies cruised to a 13-2 victory on Sunday.

MLB.com reports that the Phillies had little quality pitching before the weekend. They were 6-8 and carried a 6.31 ERA into the series, the worst mark in the NL. They had just four quality starts, the fewest in baseball.

Charlie Manual is optimistic that the Phils have busted out of the early season defensive slump.

Phillies fans can also expect Cole Hamels back on the mound this week.

If the Phillies want to land Sheffield they will have to guarantee him playing time as requested, which may be hard for the club to commit to at this time. According to MLB.com, Sheffield will make $14 million this season, but if Sheffield signs with the Phillies, they only would have to pay him the league minimum $400,000.

With Raul Ibanez in left, Shane Victorino in center, and Jayson Werth in right; the three musketeers will be at it again this season, making it almost impossible for Sheffield to see the field on a regular basis. Patrick Gallen of the Philadelphia Examiner also feels that the chances of seeing Sheffield in a Phillies “uni” are very slim.

Also on Tuesday, the Phillies released Geoff Jenkins.  Jenkins told reporters:

“What’s there to be mad about? I picked a great year to be here. I wish it worked out better and I could be with them, but I don’t regret one minute. I wouldn’t change a thing being with these guys going through what we went through last year.”

Jenkins’ only post season hit came in the bottom of the 6th inning in Game 5 of the World Series. His leadoff double set the tone for the finale of the World Series as the Phillies were crowned World Champions and Jenkins earned his first ring of his 10 year career. Jenkins was a play maker, especially with his bat and will be missed by the “cheesesteak” crowd for years to come.

What proved to be a very busy Tuesday for the Phillies, just didn’t seem to quit. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. also announced that Chan Ho Park beat out J.A. Happ for the fifth starter’s job. Patrick Gallen also reported from Phillies Spring Training on Chan Ho Park:

“His stuff is on point with a blazing fastball and beautiful off-speed pitches thrown in.  The Phillies just hope he can last a whole year, after last seasons debacle with Kyle Kendrick and Adam Eaton.  If not, Happ waits in the wings.”

“Happ was upset about it, but it was a fair competition.”

Patrick Gallen is the Philadelphia Phillies Examiner for examiner.com.  He also hosts his own internet radio show, “Basketball Roundup” on the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. The show airs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-12pm est.

Key Subtractions: LF Pat Burrell, OF So Taguchi, RP Tom Gordon, SP Adam Eaton, RP Les Walrond

A look at the lineup:

Catcher: Carlos Ruiz struggled with the bat from day one in 2008, but if his past is any indicator, the guy can still hit.  He may never figure it out on this level, but Ruiz hit over .300 in triple-A just a few years ago, so the potential is there.  The question is: can he take a step forward, because last year he went in the wrong direction.  Chris Coste is the backup, and he can hit for some power, but he’ll be on bench duty all year.

First Base: Ryan Howard is a beast and everyone knows it.  The only problem is, can he cut out the long swoons and be on more of an even keel for an entire year? If he were to do that, his numbers would be astronomical.  However, Howard has not proven to be that sort of guy, so we’ll have to go with what we know.  And that’s power, strikeouts, and a few giant months tossed in.

Second Base: We didn’t realize it at the time, but Chase Utley’s hip injury was serious.  His power stroke struggled by mid-season and after demolishing pitching in the first half (25 homers) he finished with a limp.  Utley has deemed himself prepared for opening day in ’09, and that bodes well.  Expect a slow start as he kicks the cobwebs, but as the best second baseman in baseball, expect greatness for a whole year.

Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins was an MVP.  Then he wasn’t.  The 2008 season was much different for him after an ankle injury killed him in the beginning of the year.  However, Rollins is healthy and showed he’s ready after a spectacular World Baseball Classic.  Look for steals and hopefully for the power we once saw.  Plus, he’s awesome in the field, which is just as vital to the success of the Philies.

Third Base: It was a long year for Pedro Feliz, as a bad back derailed him early, and he never really got going. After four straight seasons of 20-plus homers in San Francisco, Feliz dropped a dud, smacking just 14 on the year.  His back is fixed, but is his bat?  Greg Dobbs and Eric Bruntlett did a fine job in his absence, but I would rather see Feliz for a whole year.

Left Field: Goodbye Pat Burrell, hello Raul Ibanez.  The former Mariner outfielder is a model of consistency, something Pat the Bat clearly was not.  Will it translate to the NL?  Ibanez is aging, but gracefully.  And he should have plenty of opportunities to knock in runs with this offense.

Center Field: Shane Victorino was marvelous in centerfield, playing stellar D and posting career highs in every offensive category.  He too was included in the WBC and now finds himself among the elite outfielders in entire game.  My they grow up quickly.

Right Field: Another blossoming outfielder is Jayson Werth.  He gave the Phillies fans a new cult hero to love after slamming 24 homers in just over 400 at-bats.  The potential is there for something special, but he needs to cut down on the K’s.

A look at the pitching:

Starters: Cole Hamels is the man.  Hollywood, as they call him in the clubhouse, won several postseason awards and made himself a household name.  The one problem with Hamels is his elbow, which has bothered him throughout the spring, but he should be ready for the first week.  The Phillies are hoping he can stay healthy again for a full year after pitching over 250 innings in 2008, by far the most he’s ever been on the mound.  Hamels did not get much run support last season, so if he can this year, it could mean 18 wins.

With the middle three spots of the rotation, you basically know exactly what you’ll get. Brett Myers will once again be the opening day starter (only by default) and will once again start the season as the biggest mystery.  He has all the potential in the world, but have we seen the best from him already?  Every year we wonder when Myers will win 16 or more games, and it has yet to happen.  Will this be the year? If the past is any factor, he will once again toy with the fans and give us around 13 wins.

Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton are also back in the middle of the solid rotation.  Moyer continues to defy the odds, but how much more is left in the tank?  He has had a so-so spring, so the talks of aging will be there all year, good or bad.  Blanton was terrific last season, and was a huge part of why the Phillies now have a second World Series title.  Joe the Pitcher will not wow you with his stuff, but he has a steady hand.  Expect about 13 wins and an ERA in the 4’s, but you can’t get much better as a number three or four.

Chan Ho Park is the wild card here.  He is the new fifth starter, and if his spring performance is an indicator of things to come, the Phils could have a steal.  Park beat out J.A. Happ for the final position and while his past is not pretty, it’s all about looking ahead.  His stuff is on point with a blazing fastball and beautiful off-speed pitches thrown in.  The Phillies just hope he can last a whole year, after last seasons debacle with Kyle Kendrick and Adam Eaton.  If not, Happ waits in the wings.

Bullpen: One of the best bullpens in baseball in 2008, the team will be hard pressed to provide a repeat performance this season. Brad Lidge did not blow a save and finished 4th in the Cy Young voting.  Ryan Madson was a new man in the set-up role he shared with lefty J.C. Romero.  Romero will be missing for 50 games after being suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs.

Scott Eyre, Clay Condrey, and Chad Durbin are all back and although they each had very good 2008 seasons, it’s going to be hard to get much more out of them.  As of this writing, we still await word as to who will join this crew.  J.A. Happ, Gary Majewski, and Jack Taschner are vying for two spots.  Happ would be used for long-relief, so there is a very good chance he stays.  Majewski and Taschner are a toss up at this point, with Majewski having been in camp longer.  Look for him to have the slight edge.

Prediction: It’s hard to go against a team that won it all the previous season.  So I won’t do that now.  They have basically the same team once again, so why can’t they win the NL East?  The Phillies and Mets will lock horns for 162 more games, but as of now the Phillies look to have the superior talent.  Look for 90 wins and another postseason invitation.

According to the Zo Zone, Hamels did pitch in a minor-league spring training game Sunday at the Carpenter Complex. The Phillies said afterward that his performance went well and that he remained on schedule to start Opening Day on April 5.

“We do not think it is serious, at least at this time” Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “We thought it was important for Dr. Ciccotti to check him out and see if there is anything more serious than what we think it is. He’ll decide once he sees him tomorrow morning if he needs to do any testing or any further testing. We did do a physical on him before we ended up finalizing the multiyear deal with him and felt comfortable with the diagnostics and such. But he’s had a little persistent soreness and we want to be cautious about it and have him checked out.”

With opening day less than twenty days away Hamels does not seem too stressed about his discomfort.

“Twenty days until Opening Day,” Hamels said. “My body and shoulder is pretty much ready. It’s just trying to get that mild discomfort out.”

After signing a 3-year $20.5MM deal less than two months ago, the Phillies will be sure to keep an eye on their ace.

The previews will include; Key Additions, Key Subtractions, and in-depth looks at the lineup and pitching rotations.  We will also be including a season outlook along with predictions of what we expect from each organization.

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