Everyone Else: What to Watch For
By: Mike Reisman
With Pitchers and Catchers already training in Clearwater, other position players will start training today. There have already been some pretty good stories, the big four pitchers showing that everything they do this year will include Joe Blanton, or Chase Utley showing his excitement about working with Ryne Sandberg. However, with the rest of the team coming back, there should be some more good stories. Here are a few to watch.
Jimmy Rollins: Rollins hasn't been the same since his MVP season in '07, not being able to get his average above .280 since then. He says he is ready for a big season, but with declining health, age and numbers, it will be interesting to see how he does. Whether he does well or not, there is no doubt that he will be an important part of the Phillies' season.
Ryan Howard: Howard had a disappointing season last year, at least by his standards. There is no doubt that without Howard there was something missing in last year's playoff lineup. Howard needs to have a great season this year to reassure fans that he is worth the $20 Million due to him this year, and that he can still hold the middle of the line-up together. Expect him to have a big spring.
Ben Francisco: Francisco is expected to share time with Domonic Brown in right field, however, Brown is expected to get much more playing time. The only way Francisco will be able to compete for the starting job is to have a big spring. It will be interesting to see if Francisco can step up and snag Brown's job.
Chase Utley: Utley is considered by many the best player that has not yet won an MVP award, and his goal of getting one is no different this year. Many think this is a good year for him, however coming off of an injury will not be easy for him. Like Howard, he is vital to the team's offense and will need to have a good season if the Phillies want to go far in the post-season. The key for his spring will be seeing how he has recovered.
Domonic Brown: With Jayson Werth gone, somebody needs to have a big season to replace him, and many people believe that you need not look further than Brown. He hasn't even officially been given the job, as he still must win it from the above mentioned Francisco. After a disappointing debut, coaches claim that Brown's swing has been slightly modified, and he should be hitting like he was in the minors. Though he hasn't proven his swing in games yet, it sounds promising and if Brown can have a big spring, he might be a force to be reckoned with in the regular season.
This spring is filled with promise and World Series aspirations, however some big things will need to happen. If the Phillies can start their success in Spring Training, it will make the journey much easier. Look for some big names to have big springs, and pray for no injuries.