The Greatest American Sport
Starts today! At least for the Phillies as they find themselves on the road against Cincinnati. This seasons campaign, following their 99 loss run last season, brings some form of hope back to Citizens Bank Park. Ryan Howard looked alive during Spring Training, making contact and launching fly balls deep over the wall. Maikel Franco is really starting to come into his own, holding down the hottest of corners at 3rd. Blanco, Galvis, Hernandez, and Ruf round out the infield of the 1st 25 man roster. Playing in the outfield, Bourjos, Herrera, Goeddel, and Hunter are really the biggest concern going into this season, but through no fault of their own. The Phillies are rebuilding, we knew this going into last year. There might be some rough spots in the OF, maybe some utility guys cycling through spots, but it’ll get figured out. Remember, Amaro Jr. made NO MOVES toward the future in his time as GM. Maik and Howard can hold down the corners. Blanco, Galvis, and Hernandez will try to hold down the middle. Ruiz is behind the plate. Ruiz makes everyone feel better behind the plate. On the pitching side, Aaron Nola looks to continue his professional career this season, after coming up last year and adding some excitement to the rotation. Gone are the Phillies superstars of old: Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Roy Holliday. Instead, we now get all these rando’s. At least Aaron Harang is gone. He can take that “walked the bases full” expression down the road. Not trying to win the NL East, just trying to not be last. Phillies, 2016: Better than the worst, much worse than the best.
