The Philadelphia Phillies thrilled their fans by completely turning last season around after Rob Thompson took over for his longtime boss, Joe Girardi. This team stormed through the playoff into the World Series. But all who followed them closely know that the team's run arguably began after the managerial change not in the fall.
But each season is its own entity. So, was 2022 just a dream or the start of a connected, multi-year playoff run?
The sporadic offense and inability to get more than two and sometimes three starters cranking out good work prevent this year's squad from rivaling the Atlanta Braves, who might be a runaway National League East Division Winner. If so, it would be that franchise's sixth consecutive Division pennant.
The Phillies' defense should improve if Bryce Harper plays first base effectively, Kyle Schwarber becomes mostly a designated hitter, Christian Pache takes over in center field, Brandon Marsh shifts to left field on a more regular basis and All-Star Nick Castellanos continues to maintain his decent right field performance.
Among many questions:
But will Harper's recovery allow him to hit home runs at anywhere near his normal pace?
Will Trey Turner hit more to his career norms from here on out?
Will J. T. Realmuto remain healthy?
Could Alec Bohm lead the team in RBIs, in what would become the best offensive season of his career and potentially his breakout year?
Can the bullpen continue its collectively impressive pace?
Will All-Star Craig Kimbrel's impressive bounce-back year be sustainable?
Will Aaron Nola produce effective starts rather than disjointed efforts?
Will Zack Wheeler revert to his dominant form, that was seen last season?
Can Tajuan Walker produce near to what he did to date?
Might Ranger Suarez' steady heartbeat translate into a better body of work by season's end?
What will Dave Dembroski feel he must do by the August 1 Trade Deadline?
A lot of questions were asked. Sure, all teams have them. But it is fair to ask if the defending NL Pennant-winners can answer enough of them to first, make the playoffs, and then manage to repeat or even come close to matching last season's stunning run?
