Writer: Matt Rappa

With six weeks until Opening Day, the Philadelphia Phillies continue to look to improve their starting rotation. The club has been in contact with the Chicago Cubs regarding the availability of LHP Mike Montgomery, according to the Chicago Sun-Times’ Gordon Wittenmyer.

With pitchers and catchers reported to the Carpenter Complex, spring training is officially underway as the Philadelphia Phillies commence their 136th season in franchise history.

When the Philadelphia Phillies hired Gabe Kapler as their 54th manager in franchise history on Oct. 30, the front office and ownership group knew drastic change on all facets of the game was imminent.

According to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, the Philadelphia Phillies are “talking” to veteran free agent LHP Tony Watson. The club currently has just four southpaws on their 40-man roster, all relievers.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of their 2008 World Series championship, the Philadelphia Phillies will honor the team pregame during their annual Toyota Phillies Alumni Day on Sunday, August 5 against the Miami Marlins.

With minor-league catcher Eric Fryer retiring on Monday after a seven-year career, the Philadelphia Phillies announced on Tuesday they have added catcher Nick Rickles to big league camp as a non-roster invitee, according to The Morning Call’s Stephen Gross.

The Los Angeles Dodgers reached an agreement with 39-year-old INF Chase Utley on Tuesday, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Just two days prior to Philadelphia Phillies pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, one of the club’s four non-roster invitee catchers announced his decision Monday to retire from the game of baseball, Eric Fryer.

Back in October at his state-of-the-team news conference, Philadelphia Phillies president Andy MacPhail hinted that “investments in the ballpark and in the fan experience” are soon on the horizon for Citizens Bank Park.