Even though the Phillies lost their first game of the
season, there are many reasons to feel optimistic about this season after game
one. If for some reason your feeling
down about what this season has in store, let me give you a few reasons to turn
your frown upside down:
1.
Chase Utley is back. He is finally back! He looked good all spring, he appears to be
fully healthy and in shape, and he performed on Opening day. He was 3-5 at the plate, with a homerun, 3
RBIs, and 2 runs. And there is no reason
to even discuss his defense. If he is
healthy, he has got it. Get used to
hearing ‘Web gem nominee’ when talking Utley.
2.
Domonic
Brown is finally looking confident and productive. He belted 7 homeruns and batted close to .375
this spring. And on Monday, he looked like he could play
the role of an everyday outfielder. I
feel like he is about to have ‘the year’ we have all been anticipating. So much so that he is competing for a starting
position on ‘Kung Foo Panda’ (my dominant fantasy team).
3.
Cole Hamels is going to be fine. So, he had a bad game? No big deal!
Glad he got it out of the way early.
He is healthy and we all know how the support of a home crowd boosts
performance. Not to mention, The Braves
batting line up is this year is pretty tough to pitch against. If any he lost any confidence, he is sure to
gain it back this weekend pitching against the Royals at home. Maybe he was just getting used to not having
that funky mustache he had this spring.
4.
I am pretty excited about Ben Revere. He looked great on Monday and had a good
spring. He was 1-4 with a run and stolen
base on Monday. He clearly has a lot of
speed and looks like he could be the everyday lead-off man. I also really like his energy! He seems to bring positive energy to the
clubhouse and is excited to be in Philly.
5.
Don’t forget about Chooch on the bench! He will be back in 24 games, but who is
counting? Chooch will boost production at the plate and his defense is a given. When Chooch comes back, Charlie Manuel will
have some flexibility with Kratz who is also performing well. Kratz had a decent spring and could give Ruiz
routine days off, as well as pinch hit down the stretch.
6.
I am confident that Roy Halladay will bounce
back from a rough spring. There is no
pitcher in the major leagues as dedicated and determined as Mr. Halladay. I have always loved him and been a fan, and
my opinion is not changing. He will
forever be on a pedestal in my world.
7.
We have arguably one of the best closers in the
game. When the ball gets to Papelbon, he
means business and he gets the job done.
I will admit, it is not always pretty, but a save is a save is a save,
right? Just close your eyes if you need
to when he takes the mound.
So, as you get ready to gear up for the next eight straight days of Phillies action, be a confident and excited fan. Good things are happening for the Phillies in 2013. Lastly, there is something to be said for ‘flying under the radar’. I would rather start the season with everyone pointing at someone else to be the powerhouse and favorite to bring home The World Series trophy. Because we know that is not how it works out in the end.
LETS GO PHILLIES!!
-CL
