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Area camps roundup

By JOHN SCHWARB and MARK DIDTLER

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 31, 2001

Chen happy to be in rotation

CLEARWATER -- For the first time in his pro career, Bruce Chen will begin the season knowing exactly what his role is -- starting pitcher.

He plans to amke the most of it, even though his spring numbers have been less than sparkling.

Chen pitched six innings Friday and took the loss, 3-0 to Cincinnati, giving up three runs and seven hits. But he called the outing a "big step forward" and said he is ready to step in as the Phillies' third starter behind Omar Daal and Robert Person.

Last season, Chen went 7-4 with a 3.29 ERA. He was traded to the Phillies in July from the Braves as part of the Andy Ashby deal. In Atlanta he was a reliever and occasional starter.

"It's a big difference," said Chen of knowing he will start full time. "In Atlanta I didn't know what my role was, I didn't know where I was going to be the next day."

This spring he worked 22 innings and gave up 18 earned runs, including a team-worst seven home runs, but is unfazed.

"I'm close," he said. "I'm not quite there like last season, but it's a long season so you don't want to have everything clicking right away because you might run out of gas later on."

LONG SHOT COMES IN: Eddie Oropesa, a 29-year-old minor-league reliever, made the team as a non-roster invitee. The left-hander pitched in the Double-A Texas League a year ago with a 2-4 record, 3.07 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 761/3 innings, and was signed by the Phillies as a minor-league free agent in October.

Oropesa worked 122/3 innings this spring without surrending an earned run, earning a spot on the team and the chance for a reunion with his family on Monday in Miami, where the team opens against Florida. Oropesa's father has never seen him pitch.

"I'm sure he's going to be a little emotional on Monday, with his dad watching him for the first time," manager Larry Bowa said.

WARM WELCOME: Korean pitchers Seung Lee and Il Kim arrived, met the media and took in a few innings of the game, where they ate their first Philly cheesesteaks. The right-handers, both 21, were pursued by several teams, including the Yankees, but signed with the Phillies this month. Both are expected to be in uniform at the Carpenter Complex today and probably will be assigned to Class A Lakewood next month.

MOVING: Right-hander Clint Sodowsky and left-hander Ed Vosberg were reassigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and first baseman Brian R. Hunter was released.

TODAY: The Phillies travel to Sarasota to face the Reds at 1:05 p.m. Randy Wolf is scheduled to start against Cincinnati's Elmer Dessens. -- JOHN SCHWARB

Jeter likely to start on DL

TAMPA -- Derek Jeter (right quadriceps) played shortstop and ran the bases for the first time in two weeks during a minor-league intrasquad game. Despite positive reviews, Yankees officials lean toward placing Jeter on the disabled list.

"He's liable to be ready, but I'm still hesitant to do that," manager Joe Torre said. "We haven't officially done anything yet, but I'm still leaning on the side of caution."

Jeter went 2-for-5 and made a strong play up middle, throwing out Andy Morales from behind second base.

"I thought I ran well," Jeter said. "I think I'm ready. I told them. Now it's their decision."

Jeter will play in another minor-league game today at the Himes Complex. A decision on his opening-day status is expected after the Yankees close spring training with a game against their minor-league all-stars at 1:15 p.m. at Legends Field.

ETC.: Andy Pettitte threw 87 pitches over five innings in the minor-league game. ... Former Michigan quarterback Drew Henson drew a bases-loaded walk off Ramiro Mendoza on a 3-and-2 pitch. ... Pitcher Darrell Einertson, who had made the opening roster, will have his rotator cuff examined by Dr. James Andrews and likely will be placed on the 60-day DL. ... Sid Fernandez will continue his comeback as a starter for Triple-A Columbus. ... Orlando Hernandez (right elbow inflammation) threw in the bullpen and is on target to pitch in a minor-league game Monday in Tampa. -- MARK DIDTLER

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