Phillies Take on Canada Today

Vs.
Round One!

Matt Stairs will suit up today for a spring game in Clearwater, FL, but will be wearing the colors Canada instead of the red pin stripes of the Phillies. The Phillies will host Team Canada in exhibition play this afternoon.

This is the first of two games against World Baseball Classic opponents, with the second coming tomorrow afternoon against Team USA.

For the Phillies though all eyes will be on ace Cole Hamels, who will make his spring debut against the Canadians. There has been little need to worry about Hamels entering the spring.

He was given a little extra time before pitching against opposing bats though to allow guys like JA Happ and Carlos Carrasco to get some time to compete for the fifth rotation spot. Hamels has already been tabbed as the opening night starter for the Phillies by manager Charlie Manuel.

With Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino with Team USA you can expect the Phillies to use more players competing for roster spots to fill the void. Pablo Ozuna has been impressive at second base and should be an early candidate to fill in for Chase Utley if needed.

Jason Donald has struggled at the plate but has made up for it with some nice plays in the field. Donald will likely see more time at third base though with Pedro Feliz still out.

Raul Ibanez has played well thus far in left field and at the plate. John Mayberry Jr. has helped ease the pain and questions surrounding Jayson Werth. Mayberry Jr. may be the front-runner for the right-handed bat off the bench, if he continues to play at the level he has been.

First pitch from Clearwater is set for 1:05pm. Join in on the live blog here as well! Live blog opens up at 12:30 PM and be open for the entire game today.

It's a beautiful day for baseball, eh?