--RHP Kris Benson's first minor league start received mixed reviews. On the positive side, he didn't experience any physical problems. On the negative side, he got hit hard. Benson, who is attempting to return to the majors after shoulder surgery in March 2007, allowed five runs on three hits and two walks and took the loss for Class A Clearwater against Dunedin, the Blue Jays' Florida State League affiliate. Benson faced 13 batters and threw 52 pitches. According to team officials, Benson's fastball velocity peaked at 90-91 mph, higher than his previous readings of 86-89. "He made progress, and that's the important thing," GM Pat Gillick said. "He's a little bit better than his last time out (in extended spring training). His arm was OK. If he's going to pitch with the fastball that he had last night, he needs to have better control. But he's improving."
--SS Jimmy Rollins stole a base Friday night. It was his 15th steal of the season and his 29th straight dating to last season. Rollins' streak is the longest in the majors. He hasn't been caught stealing since Aug. 31, 2007 at Florida by C Miguel Olivo. --RHP Brett Myers will make his latest attempt to reverse his fortunes this season when he takes the mound Saturday night against the Angels. Myers, the Phillies' two-time Opening Day starter, is 3-8 with a 5.58 ERA. For now, he remains in the Phillies' starting rotation, but if the team can find pitching help before the trade deadline, he could be moved to the bullpen. "You definitely have to show confidence in a guy and give him some time, especially if he's been around for a while," manager Charlie Manuel said. "At the same time, there comes a time where, if you have options, you want to do what's best for your team. You want to win. We're here to win. We're not here to experiment. We'll get to a point where we won't have time to put up with things."
--OF Zach Collier, the Phillies' compensatory-round draft pick, signed a pro contract Friday and will begin his career next week in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Collier, one of the picks obtained by the Phillies as compensation for losing CF Aaron Rowand via free agency, was the 34th overall pick in the June 5 first-year player draft. Collier, 17, batted .450 with seven homers and 27 RBIs in 80 at-bats this season for Chino Hills (Calif.) High. Phillies scouting director Marti Wolever has compared Collier to Angels OF Garrett Anderson.
BY THE NUMBERS: 18 -- Saves through Sunday for closer Brad Lidge, who has broken the franchise record for consecutive saves to open a season. Al Holland set the previous record by going 15-for-15 to begin 1984.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm busting my rear end to throw nine shutout innings. Going out there and giving up five or six runs and expecting these guys to bail me out every time, that's not going to happen. I can't go out and give up five, six runs. That's not me." -- RHP Brett Myers, on his season-long struggles.
