The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

Phillies spring preview

By Matt Cruz
Staff Writer

The first impression can be a lasting one but the Phillies spring debut, even though ending in a 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday, had some promising signs for this aging roster. Pitcher Roberto Hernandez, one of the Phillies offseason signings, pitched two innings allowing four hits and two earned runs in the first exhibition game of the year. Hernandez one of the candidates for the fifth spots in the rotation along with pitchers Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, Jonathan Pettibone, Ethan Martin and others.

It is unlikely though the Phillies paid him $4.5 million this year to start in the bullpen. Former Phillies starter, J.A. Happ pitched on the other side for Toronto allowing two runs on four hits and one walk in one inning.

First baseman Ryan Howard and outfielder Marlon Byrd each singled to score a run against The Blue Jays to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first after Blue Jays first baseman Jose Bautista homered just over the left field wall in the top of the first. These are promising signs for both veterans. Howard’s trying to have a comeback year after his subpar, injury plagued 2013 season and Byrd is trying hush those who criticized the Phillies for signing him and show he can still be an everyday player at the age of 36.

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The Blue Jays scored two runs in the third against Phillies reliever Phillippe Aumont to take the lead. Blue Jays right-hander Todd Redmond pitched two scoreless innings to pick up the win. Phillies left-hander Antonio Bastardo, who is trying to bounce back following a 50-game suspension for PED’s, pitched a scoreless inning.

This team has never been questioned when it comes to talent but the lingering questions remain to be, can they stay healthy and how much of a factor will age play? Something to note: Of the 30 Major League teams, only the Yankees are older than the Phillies. Age is a the main concern, but if their core players, Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Ruiz, can have an “Old School” type performance and remain healthy, the Phillies could be much better than preseason predictions.

“I look around at the potential of our lineup, I look at the potential of our bench guys, the potential of our starting pitching and our bullpen, and I like what I see,” said Manager Ryne Sandburg in a report with Phillies.com.Sandburg took over for former Manager Charlie Manuel to the new manager, communication with the players is extremely important.

“I want to let them know how I’m feeling,” Sandberg said. “Communication is No. 1, and structure No. 2. I want the players to play at the top of their abilities, and also be allowed to show their abilities and utilize their skills.”

Overall, the first game of the year showed signs of promise but the team has a long way to go before being able to reach that World Series pedigree that the city of Philadelphia expects from its hometown boys.

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Phillies spring preview