I'm anxious for the season, too.  I like the young guys.  They seem to play with enthusiasm.  Last year, when the opposing team scored 3 or 4 runs, I figured it was over.  This year I'd like to see the Phils fight to the end and maybe come back and win a few games late when they need 2 or 3 runs in the 8th or 9th inning.

I'm watching them play the Indians right now and I know this is the first time they've been more than two games over .500 since late 2012.

I mean, who knows. They've been enjoyable to watch so far. They swept the Nats last week. The starting staff has far exceeded expectations. The bullpen, outside of opening weekend, has been, not horrible. 

Ryan Howard is garbage, but this is his last season.

Maybe 80 wins???

The reason I'm excited about the Phils is that they seem excited and energized, too.  Actually entertaining to watch, win or lose.  Big difference from last year.

Well, last year when a team went up 3 runs by the 5th or 6th inning, I found something else to do.  At least now I'm hanging in there.  You're right, Lager, they're not tearing the cover off the ball, but this year they're getting a few hits with runners in scoring position.  Last year they must have led the league with runners-on-base.  It would be nice, though, if they'd have more outfielders batting above the Mendoza Line.

It has been 3 weeks and the Phils are still above .500, although they are only 4-6 in their last ten games.  Their pitching is still near the tops of the NL and the offense is still pretty weak.  They are starting to show signs of struggling.

It was nice to see Tommy Joseph come up, glad to see his physical issues seem to be resolved and he is turning into the player they hoped when they traded for him in the Hunter Pence deal.  I would love to see him play all the time and bench Howard, getting Howard out of the lineup is long overdue.