Sunday Update: How Our @IronPigs Are Doing in @Phillies Camp

I’ve been following the Twitter Machine, and here’s some of the stuff I’ve learned today–

1. AJ Burnett has officially been signed.  Ryne Sandberg is happy with the signing.  AJ cited proximity to his Maryland home as a prime motivator for signing with Philly.  He has a limited no-trade where he can specify 9 teams he’s willing to be traded to.  He also has a mutual option with Philly for next season.  Roy Halladay has also mentioned to him that he has a house in Philly that is available if AJ would like to move closer…
2. Jon Pettibone is unable to throw today with shoulder soreness.  It’s been tight for a few days, and they’re just “being cautious.”  I never like shoulder soreness.  This scares the heck out of me and I’m fearful for Jon’s season.  Let’s hope it’s nothing… I don’t want to see him mentioned with Adam Morgan and Shane Watson…
3. The news on Cole Hamels changed a bit as time went on.  He’s been able to do fielding drills with the pitchers and is just way behind in his throwing program as he begins to build strength.  Reportedly, his shoulder is OK.  “Not ready for opening day” has now become “Starts on the D.L.” though.  It’s a long season, and they don’t want to rush him.  I get that…
4. In order to make room for AJ Burnett on the 40-man roster (no 25-man until MLB opening day) our old friend Joe Savery was Designated for Assignment (DFA’d).  Sources say he has 1 option left, so as long as he passes through waivers (I believe another team can add him to their 40-man) he should be optioned to AAA.  I would imagine that he would remain at MLB camp.  The danger could be a team who could afford the 40-man spot might like to keep him at AAA as LOOGY (Lefty One-Out GuY) backup for their MLB pen.  We’ll see.  This must mean that Bastardo, Horst and Diekman are perfectly healthy if they can afford to lose a lefty.  Jimenez is in the mix there, too.  
5. Dave Sappelt–a minor-league free-agent OF and non-roster invitee–is not on the official camp roster.  He appeared in 31 games for the Cubs last season and can play CF.  I have him starting with the IronPigs.  He’s no longer listed with the other non-roster invitees on the Phillies site, either.  Speculation on the web is that he may not have passed his physical; however, if that was the case then he likely would have been released and an announcement made a la Chad Gaudin (ex-Giants Pitcher released last week).  More likely he’s just been shifted to minor league camp which doesn’t open until March 1.  Dave’s Twitter account–as well as the MiLB.com site–both list him as Phillies property at this time.  

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That’s all I’ve got for right now.  Please add any new information in the comments–including any errors I’ve made above.  Thanks,

@Kram209