Friday Notes

The countdown begins...

• The Bucs face the Phils tonight and tomorrow afternoon to tune up for the season. Both games will be on 93.7 The Fan; Saturday afternoon's 1:05 game will be on Root Sports.
• The roster is about set; the only hanging chad is an extra reliever, and we suspect they'll work out a minor deal to address that excess. They look ready to give Gaby Sanchez a shot at becoming the everyday first baseman, as he was in his Marlin days.
• Charlie Wilmoth of Bucs Dugout has a piece worth reading on the Bucs chances in 2014 - and their quiet offseason. 
• Mark Simon of ESPN-NY has his NL win predictions.
• Jake Seiner of MiLB.com looks at the Buc system and its shining stars in his Prospect Primer.
• Tell us something we don't know: Trip Advisor named PNC Park the nation's top ballyard.
• Matt Capps was assigned to AAA Columbus by the Indians. He still has issues with his shoulder. Mike McKenry, who was added to the 40-man roster, was sent to AAA Colorado Springs by the Rockies. He had one option remaining.