Here are some of the team's remaining issues as camp winds down:
Freddy Garcia. There's a chance he'll recover from right biceps tendinitis and open the season on time. More will be known when he throws today. If all goes well, he could pitch in a game Wednesday, stay in Clearwater for a minor-league start next week, and pitch April 7 or 8 at Florida.
Manager Charlie Manuel said he is concerned only about Garcia's health, not the below-average velocity Garcia has shown in camp.
"I've spoken to guys he faced last year and they said he was 85-89 [m.p.h.] early in the game but got to 91 as the game went on," Manuel said.
Jon Lieber. Will he be the fifth starter while Garcia recovers or a bullpen find? Probably neither. Manuel said the righthander could need 10 days to recover from a strained right oblique muscle and that probably will mean a trip to the disabled list. If Garcia can't be the fifth starter, Zack Segovia or J.A. Happ might get a shot.
The catching puzzle. Carlos Ruiz is battling shoulder tendinitis. He began throwing yesterday. If he's not ready, Jayson Werth could be the backup, or Chris Coste could open in the majors. Coste has been hampered by a right hamstring injury, has only had 18 at-bats, and could need time in triple A.
The bullpen riddle. Tom Gordon is healthy and that's what matters most. He still needs repetitions and will get them this week. Antonio Alfonseca, Ryan Madson and Geoff Geary slide in behind Gordon. The final three spots are unclear, and there's always a chance one could be filled from outside the organization in a trade. Segovia has made a case to make the roster. He could improve his stock with a good outing against the Yankees today. Clay Condrey, who is out of options and can't be sent to the minors without passing through waivers, remains in the picture. Lefthanded relief is a major concern as neither Matt Smith nor Fabio Castro has pitched well.
