Phillies news and notes from the official start of spring training

Phillies spring training officially started Wednesday as pitchers and catchers reported, but workouts have already started.

It’s officially Phillies season again as pitchers and catchers reported for spring training Wednesday. Granted, plenty of players have already been in Clearwater for some time, starting to prepare for the season under new manager Gabe Kapler. Even though spring training just started, there is already plenty of interesting news coming out of camp.

Easily the biggest storyline is how things will be run under Kapler. He is unlike any previous manager the team has had, and even he recognizes that.

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Kapler has taken his own approach to running practices this season. For instance, practices don’t start until 11 a.m., allowing the players to get as much sleep as they need, rather than jolting themselves up early in the morning. Kapler would rather have his players coming in rested and ready to practice rather than half-asleep early in the morning. He even said he might tell players to go get a massage the day after a tough practice and get some rest.

Kapler also wants his players to be comfortable off the field so they are on the field. Even though he wants them to be comfortable, he also wants them to play with intensity, to play “boldly.” If they do that, Kapler believes the team will improve and win more games this season.

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Versatility is something Kapler and the team will focus on this spring. Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia said Tommy Joseph and Scott Kingery both took reps at third base, while Roman Quinn saw some time at his old position of shortstop as well as second base. Matt Breen of Philly.com also noted that Cesar Hernandez and J.P. Crawford may be moved around the diamond as well to see where else they can play.

Salisbury also wrote that another starter may still be added to the rotation, likely in the “second tier” of free agency. This would include guys like Jason Vargas, Andrew Cashner, ad Jaime Garcia.

In a rather minor note, Mark Leiter, Jr. changed his number to 31, the one his father wore while he was in Philadelphia.

In addition, the team will wear their 80’s powder blue jerseys on various Thursdays throughout the season. 

Next: Phillies 2018 preview: Maikel Franco

Also, Carson Wentz and his AO1 Foundation will host a charity softball game at Citizen’s Bank Park June 1. Eagles offensive and defensive players will face off to raise money for Wentz’s charity.