The Atlanta Braves have won the National League East each of the last six seasons, including by fourteen games last season.
But apparently, that’s going to change in 2024.
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson, speaking to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Alex Coffey, laid out his team’s plans to start hot and not let Atlanta build up a big lead in the division.
It begins with the offense. Free agent acquisition Trea Turner started off incredibly cold after coming over on a free agent deal last offseason, while Bryce Harper took a while to return to form upon returning from Tommy John surgery. Additionally, several Phillies participated in the World Baseball Classic and Thomson says that impacted their spring training preparation.
Despite referring to Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto with his comments, Thomson expressed the need for everyone to get more spring training at-bats to be ready for the season, to prevent falling behind early in the divisional race.
If you get off to a little bit better spot … We were .500 in March and April, so it’s not like we were terrible. But in May? We weren’t good at all. And then you’re playing catch-up. And that’s a lot of energy being used. Whereas if you get off to a better start, there is not as much anxiety in August and September.”
Thomson also identified the relievers as an area where the Phillies can adjust their preparation…but unlike with the hitters, it’s imperative they not get additional work in minor league settings.
