35 Reasons to Believe

The Phanatic Magazine kicked off its 35 straight days of Phillies on Sunday, one article per day detailing each member battling for position as the season begins. Also, look for Michael Rushton's season outlook, which will cap the offseason look at the Phillies on Opening Day -- April 2nd against Atlanta.

DAY 2 : CLAY CONDREY

By Eric Redner

Clay Condrey appeared in 21 games over three stints last season with the Phillies. It was his first time he had pitched in the big leagues since 2003 when he was a member of the San Diego Padres.

The right-hander threw a total of 28 2/3 innings in his appearances and finished with a 3.14 earned-run average and a 2-2 record.

During that time he gave up a total of 35 hits and 11 runs (10 earned) with three long balls surrendered along with nine walks and 16 strikeouts.

The Phillies acquired Condrey from the Padres on March 30, 2004 for second baseman Trino Aguilar. His first two seasons in the Phillies organization were spent with the clubs' Triple-A affiliate at the time in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he started 51 games. Last year he appeared in 39 contests with the Red Barons as a reliever when he was not in Philadelphia.

Expect to see Condrey used in much the same role this year, splitting his time between the big club and Triple-A Ottawa. Whenever an injury happens in the bullpen, or injuries to starters force a bullpen pitcher into a starting role, the Phillies will call up Condrey as a middle reliever.

At this point, he appears a long shot to make the club out of camp in Clearwater.

Tomorrow: Justin Germano