5 Reasons Phillies Fans Should Be Optimistic Heading into Spring Training
February 21, 2013 by Alec Snyder
Filed under Fan News
Spring training has been underway for the Philadelphia Phillies for just over a week and already things have been exciting. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins still believes the Phillies can win the NL East. Chase Utley will play in his first spring training games since 2010. And Cole Hamels will likely be the Phillies’ Opening Day starter (per CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury).
Even though division rivals such as the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves made significant upgrades to their respective rosters, the Phillies certainly didn’t stand pat over the offseason. They spent wisely and found more creative ways to fill holes via trades as opposed to lucrative free-agent signings. Not all of their moves were flashy, but the Phillies still have the roster to compete with the other guys.
For a number of reasons, Phillies fans should be ecstatic and optimistic about the team’s chances as spring training continues and games start tomorrow. Here are five reasons why that’s the case.