Good feelings, for now

Left-handed pitcher Phil Dumatrait and righty Jaret Wright, part of a seeming cast of thousands of candidates for mound spots, came away from Thursday's 11-6 victory against the Phillies in Clearwater feeling upbeat about their chances.

Dumatrait, who was claimed off waivers from Cincinnati, pitched two one-hit scoreless innings. Highlights included a strikeout of slugger Ryan Howard and a ground-ball double play on a curve to Geoff Jenkins.

"I was able to throw quality strikes down in the zone, and (catcher Ronny) Paulino did a good job keeping guys off-balance," Dumatrait said.

"I just want to give myself an opportunity, and yesterday was a good start."
For Wright, 10 seasons have passed since he started Game 7 of the 1997 World Series for Cleveland against Florida (he did not get a decision in the Marlins' 3-2 victory). He was injured much of last season before getting released by Baltimore.

Wright allowed a walk and no hits in his inning of work. "I thought it went alright," he said. "I threw a couple of alright sinkers, got some ground balls. I hadn't been in a big-league atmosphere for a while, so it felt good."