2012 Topps #28 Placido Polanco

Phillies 9, Yankees 3
Spring Training Game 3 - Monday Afternoon, March 5th in Clearwater
Record - 1-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phils won Joe Blanton's spring debut, behind Hector Luna's three-run double and Michael Martinez' two-run home run.

What It Means:  The Phillies notched their first win of the 2012 season*.  Here's hoping their final win of the 2012 season comes in the clinching Game 5 of the 2012 World Series.

*Unless you count the exhibition game against Florida State, which would technically be their first win.  But you catch my drift.

What Went Right:  Blanton recorded five ground ball outs in his two innings of work, which is definitely a good sign for the probable fourth pitcher in the team's rotation.  Luna and Martinez had the big hits, but Jimmy Rollins also enjoyed a two-hit day while stealing a few bases.

Featured Card:  Placido Polanco says he feels completely healthy for the first time in years.  He saw his first action of the spring yesterday, collecting two hits while playing five innings at third.  Polanco's 2012 Topps card is definitely in the early running as one of my favorite Phillies cards from series one, despite the goofy grin on his face.  It reminds me a little of this card, which also featured a sure-handed and steady Phillies infielder picking out his bat with rows of helmets in the background.