A message heard loud and clear: forget about last season's collapse.
RELATED: Joe Girardi sets eyes on postseason as Phillies spring training begins
"I don't judge people for what has happened in the past. You gotta give them every opportunity to show us what they can do. Because it's a new year, sometimes guys have good years, sometimes they have off years. I mean that's just the game of baseball," said Girardi.
🔥 Phillies Manager Joe Girardi 🔥
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) February 12, 2020
“I want to win so bad. That burning desire to be a champion is something I will fight and I will work tirelessly to get to that point.”@6abc #JoeGirardi #Phillies pic.twitter.com/FXshMvZcej
The Phillies could use a fresh start and a fresh voice.
Among the differences between Gabe Kapler and Joe Girardi, he plans to let his starting pitchers go longer and not burn out the bullpen.
RELATED: Phillies manager Joe Girardi says he picked Philadelphia for several reasons
"Seems like they want what we want, to stay in the game as long as we can starters," Jake Arrieta says citing if the bullpen is worn out early in the season it will hurt them at the end.
Jake Arrieta takes Field for 1st time in Clearwater
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) February 12, 2020
Arrieta missed the end of last season with surgery @6abc pic.twitter.com/wOVuCLWDlZ
Girardi wants to preserve his pitchers for the playoffs without giving away games to start the season.
"You gotta win in October, but you have to get there first. We have to start fast," said new starter Zack Wheeler.
New Phillies starter Zack Wheeler throwing off the mound for the 1st time during the 1st official workout for Phillies pitchers and catchers @6abc #Phillies 🌴 pic.twitter.com/r8hcNTcwh5
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) February 12, 2020
