Philadelphia Phillies' Star Slugger Using Last Year's Disappointment as 'Fuel'
After defeating the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series for the second year in a row, the Philadelphia Phillies appeared to be a lock to at least reach the World Series again.
Instead, the Phillies were stunned by the Arizona Diamondbacks in seven games in the National League Championship Series.
The sting of losing hasn't evaporated just yet.
“I've thought a lot about how the season ended," right fielder Nick Castellanos told reporters, including Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. "Last year sucked. There's no way around that. But you can use that as fuel."
Had Philadelphia not struggled so badly at the plate in those two losses to the Diamondbacks, who knows what could have happened?
They absolutely could have won the World Series.
All they can do is reboot in spring training and attempt to make another deep run in the postseason.
"Patience is really important in the game of baseball, and winning is very difficult," Castellanos told reporters. "Team camaraderie and the things that outside people aren't privy to, it’s really good in here. Baseball is hard, winning is hard. I think the more that this group stays together and we get to experience all the emotions of pursuing the World Series, I love the fact that we have all the same guys coming back."
Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola … the Phillies feature a loaded roster once again.
Is it good enough to win a championship?
Absolutely.
The Phillies need to get past last season's disappointing finish. This is a new year with some new faces.
Every season is different.
This much is known: Philadelphia can compete with any team.
Where it all ends is anyone's best guess.
