Six Phillies takes after first half dozen games of season

4. Citizens Bank Park is fun again.

Citizens Bank Park finally has more fans than just the Phandemic Krew watching games from outside the center field gates. The crowds undoubtedly have been a factor, providing the Phillies energy and confidence during the first week of the season.

The Opening Day capacity has already been expanded by a few thousand, and hopes for gradual progress toward full capacity are finally feeling realistic. Hopefully, as more vaccines roll out, the “curve” is lessened even more and life can return back to normal sooner than later.

5. The CF competition wasn’t an overplayed storyline during spring training.

Former first-round pick Adam Haseley has posted a modest .286 batting average through the first six games, but he has never proven himself to be more than an average major league player.

Roman Quinn has gone hitless so far this season. He must be competent at the plate for his baserunning and defense to be valued and warrant a 26-man roster spot.

Expect to see this storyline persist in conversations surrounding the team this season — with current alternate training site players Odubel Herrera and Scott Kingery vying for playing time.

6. Defensive has highs and lows

The Phillies don’t have a reputation around the MLB as a top defensive team. Moving forward, they will look for improvement from Haseley and Rhys Hoskins, in particular.

However, timely plays when things are going well can drastically help a team’s morale. On Opening Day, Quinn and J.T. Realmuto teamed up for superb execution to prevent the go-ahead run from scoring in extra innings. Alec Bohm and Didi Gregorius also made highlight-reel plays.