PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Brandon Marsh knows well a cold after not one or two, but four! — Phillies clubhouse celebrations leading up to the World Series.
So when the 25-year-old outfielder appeared on the big screen this week at a Flyers game, Marsh pleased fans with pounding his beer to a thunderous ovation. Bathing in the experience with a smile, two seats to Marsh’s right, Phillies manager Rob Thomson.
All the Phillies have to worry about now is the hangover.
No, not from a night out at a hockey game, but from a potential upset after a successful season.
Thomson, who is entering his first full season as coach, is not afraid of a lack of focus. While doing the World Series was awesomeYou won’t get over the thrill of winning one.
“They have fun but they don’t waste time,” Thomson said. “They act like professionals.”
The Phillies likely won’t have NLCS MVP Bryce Harper until the All-Star break following surgery on his right elbow in late November.. Harper, 30, suffered a minor ulnar collateral ligament tear in his elbow in April. Even with the elbow injury, Harper led the Phillies to their first World Series since 2009, losing in six games to Houston. He hit .349 with six home runs and 13 RBIs in 17 postseason games.
Thomson said Harper will undergo light rehabilitation until the end of March.
“Just more strengthening than anything else, no functional training,” Thomson said Wednesday.
Good thing the Phillies had a Plan B.
Among a flurry of moves this offseason that included acquiring two-time All-Star Gregory Soto and eight-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel to strengthen the bullpen, there was no bigger stir than adding Trea Turner. The Phillies signed the star shortstop to a $300 million, 11-year contract. Turner hit .298 with 21 home runs and a career-high 100 RBI last year in his only full season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I think he’s going to fit right in in this clubhouse,” Thomson said. “He can do everything on the field.”
Turner, however, will see his first spring training with the Phillies interrupted due to the World Baseball Classic. While the rosters are not set, Gold Glove catcher JT Realmuto and National League home run champion Kyle Schwarber have said they would play in the international tournament. Pitchers Ranger Suárez, José Alvarado and Seranthony Domínguez want to join their countries, as do backup catcher Garrett Stubbs and starter Taijuan Walker..
The interruptions will come during a spring training in which teams adjust to a shot clock and limits on defensive at-bats. Thomson said his biggest concern was the shot clock.
“Just because a lot of guys aren’t used to it,” Thomson said. “There will be some frustrating moments. So I’m glad that from the first game of spring training we’re going to use it so they can feel comfortable and get used to it.”
Thomson said he would send rule reminders next week to the team next week.
“I hate frustration,” Thomson said. “It takes away from people to lock themselves in and perform at the highest level.”
The Phillies won just 87 games in a loaded NL East before crushing the Cardinals, Braves and Padres in the postseason. The Mets have won 101 games and added three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, and the Braves have won 101 games and have a young core committed to long-term deals.
“And you can never write Miami off,” Thomson added.
How good was the offseason for Thomson? According to a survey, he was ranked #2 among the most handsome managers in baseball..
“I told my wife, I said hey listen Michelle you know you’re lucky? I am the second most handsome manager in baseball,” Thomson said, laughing. “And she was cooking dinner, and she didn’t miss a beat and she turned around and said, ‘so everyone else must be tied for first place.'”
Thompson, Marshall and utility player Dalton Guthrie are on a stormy offseason tour across the state and pitched in for volunteer work and visiting youth baseball teams. Thomson has one more out-of-state stop on his schedule: The former Kansas Jayhawks baseball star will give a pep talk to the team Friday before taking part in the second-ranked basketball team’s game against Kentucky on Saturday in Allen. Fieldhouse.
On a windy day at Citizens Bank Park, memories of last season were there with the World Series signs still on the walls and above the dugout. But there was a look ahead to opening day in the form of a 76-foot-tall, 97-foot-wide scoreboard that put the jumbo in jumbotron under construction as a baseball Death Star in left field.
It will be ready for the start of the season, when it finally comes to 2023.
And, Thomson insisted, no pressure.
“I’m not sorry because I think we have a good baseball club,” Thomson said. “I think if we stay healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, I think the results will be there.”
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