The wait is finally over – pitchers and catchers have officially begun spring training for the 2024 MLB season.
It's a new season, a new start. However, this does not mean that the results of the previous season do not weigh heavily on the club.
2023 ended too abruptly for players, coaches and fans. After losing Game 7 at home to the Diamondbacks, no one expected the Phillies to pack up for the offseason without preparing for their second consecutive World Series appearance.
It's not something you can ever get over and move on from the next day. It leaves a sour aftertaste in your mouth. We are left with the idea of what could have been.
It will also add fuel to the fire.
The Phillies are not happy with how their recent playoff run ended and are entering this season with unfinished business in mind.
Manager Rob Thomson said: “I think it's going to last quite a while, I really do.” “I think everyone realizes how close we were this year. It was the same last year, but this year we were in a really good position and then we got separated.
“Next time we go through this, we have to make sure we put the hammer down and end it.”
The Phillies are entering their 141st season with just 16 playoff appearances. Each season ending with baseball in October is nothing to take for granted…and the team knows it.
“As you all know, we were a very good team,” Aaron Nola said. “It was a good accomplishment for us to get to the playoffs for the first time for a lot of us, and even though we didn't win the World Series, it was a good accomplishment to be able to finish it. Of course we wanted to win, but it was a good accomplishment.”
“And losing last year was tough. It was a lot tougher than losing in 2022 because we knew how to get to where we were in 2022 and we knew how difficult it would be. So, last year was kind of like, “I think I'm going to be a little hungrier this year.''
“I believe we can go back and I think everyone believes we can go back to that point.”
Spring training games officially begin in 10 days, and the countdown to opening day continues.
Taryn Hatcher sat down with Rob Thomson and Aaron Nola to find out how they're feeling heading into 2024 after a disappointing end to the 2023 season. Check out the full interview next week on SportsNet Central!
