Philly Leader

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets have dominated the conversation in the National League as the new baseball season approaches. However, the Philadelphia Phillies remain a formidable team, eager to prove their mettle after recent postseason disappointments.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson addressed the media on Monday morning from Clearwater, Florida, as his team prepared to break camp. "If they’re not talking about us, that’s fine with me," Thomson said. "This group doesn’t go looking for the spotlight. These guys know who they are."

Reflecting on past seasons, Thomson acknowledged challenges faced by his team. In 2023, despite leading three games to two against the Diamondbacks in the NL Championship Series, they faltered at home in Games 6 and 7. "We were trying to do too much and stopped controlling the strike zone," he explained.

Last year presented another setback when Francisco Lindor's grand slam helped eliminate them in Game 4 of their series against a resurgent Mets team. "We ran into a buzz saw," Thomson remarked.

Thomson believes these experiences will strengthen his team's resolve: "Without question, I think it will make us stronger... There’s a hunger here I haven’t seen before."

He emphasized the unity within his squad: "They celebrate together, they mourn together. To me, that’s a very big deal."

Dave Dombrowski, head of baseball operations for the Phillies, shares this optimism. The offseason focus was on enhancing the team's depth without altering its core led by Bryce Harper. Additions include starter Jesús Luzardo and reliever Jordan Romano. Max Kepler joins following an injury-shortened season but has impressed during Spring Training with a .375 batting average.

"[Kepler] is healthy now," Thomson noted, praising Kepler's discipline at bat.

The Phillies' lineup remains strong with stars like Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Nick Castellanos, and Alec Bohm poised to contribute significantly.

Despite past setbacks in crucial games against teams like the Astros and Mets over recent years, Philadelphia is ready for another run at success. With key players such as Ranger Suárez expected back soon alongside aces Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola leading their rotation, expectations are high for this seasoned roster.

"Don’t tell their manager that their window is closing," concluded commentary on potential doubts surrounding their future competitiveness; instead indicating readiness to compete fiercely once more this season.