CLEARWATER, Fla. (WPVI) -- The Phillies are throwing five new starters on the mound who were not on their opening-day roster last season. The change up is expected to be led by 2014 first-round pick Aaron Nola.
"Definitely a lot of potential, a lot of talent over here and I think our biggest thing, you know, once we start get going and playing we gotta play as a team" said Nola, pitcher.
"There's a lot of great quality people in here and athletes as well and pitchers in here so there's nothing but high expectations," said Jerad Eickhoff, pitcher.
The sky is the limit for Nola and Eickhoff. Both pitched well late last year as rookies.
Off-season additions Charlie Morton and Jeremy Hellickson are the veterans on the staff and the fifth spot is an open competition.
With jobs up for grabs, there's a different feel down in Clearwater, Florida, this year.
"Players are not stupid. They know there's jobs available. They know there are things they can do to make an impression," said Pete Mackanin, Phillies manager. "A lot of competition I think is going to breed a lot of excitement and vice versa."