Doc to be guest instructor this spring, but no Schmidt
Halladay to join Andersen, Lidge, Hollins, Matthews; Hall of Famer has health issue
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies are bringing several former players to Spring Training next month as guest instructors, but they will be without Mike Schmidt in Clearwater, Fla., for the first time in more than a decade.
Philadelphia announced Wednesday that five former Phils will be in camp: Roy Halladay, who retired in December; Brad Lidge, who recorded the final out of the 2008 World Series; Gary Matthews, the former TV broadcaster and outfielder for the 1983 National League championship team; Larry Andersen, the current radio broadcaster and pitcher for the '83 and '93 NL championship teams; and Dave Hollins, the current scout and former third baseman for the '93 team.
Schmidt had been in Clearwater every year since 2002, mostly as a guest instructor.
"Mike is treating a health issue that requires him to remain near his doctors, and he will be unable to attend Spring Training as a field instructor this year," a Phillies spokesman said in a statement. "Mike plans to visit camp in the middle of March as part of his marketing relationship with the Phillies and continue his normal visits to Philadelphia throughout the summer."
It seemed a certainty Halladay would be in camp, based on what he said in December at the Winter Meetings.
"Baseball has been so great to me," Halladay said. "My goal is to try and leave baseball better than what I found it, and I've tried to do that in my career. I've tried to be respectful to the game and do things the right way. I've tried to do that to the best of my ability, and moving forward, I'd like to do the same."
Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg extended an open invitation to Halladay at that time.
Lidge and Andersen will be able to offer advice and perspective to the organization's young relievers, who need to step up this season to give the team a chance to win. Andersen has been interested in coaching again after working as the pitching coach with Double-A Reading (1995-96) and Triple-A Scranton (1997).
"It's my passion, working with guys in the bullpen," Andersen said. "It's all about making the team better. That's the bottom line."
Matthews has coaching experience, serving as a hitting coach for the Blue Jays, Brewers and Cubs. Hollins served as a hitting coach in the Mets' organization from 2004-05.