Thomson talks Harper, closer, ‘deep camp’
PHILADELPHIA — Rob Thomson hung out this offseason at residence in Ontario, Canada, having fun with his household and watching hockey. But a baseball man can solely sit within the chilly so lengthy.
Thomson is prepared for sunshine. He mentioned Wednesday that he can be at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Fla., earlier than the top of the month. Phillies pitchers and catchers maintain their first official exercise at Carpenter Complex on Feb. 16.
Thomson answered just a few questions concerning the group earlier than he will get there:
Bryce Harper
The Phillies supplied a conservative timetable for Harper’s return from Tommy John surgical procedure, saying someday across the All-Star break in July. Others assume he might return earlier.
“He’s still light rehab, light conditioning,” Thomson mentioned. “I think they’ll start ramping it up toward the end of March. No functional work yet.”
The ninth inning
Thomson plans to make use of his bullpen like final season, with no official nearer.
“Unless somebody steps up and is just completely dominant,” he mentioned. “But I think you’re going to have to give guys days off, so having the depth in that bullpen is really big. I think it worked pretty well last year with the way we did it.”
Thomson definitely has choices, with Seranthony Domínguez, José Alvarado, Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto on the prime of the checklist.
Roster battles
Unquestionably, the most important roster battle this spring would be the No. 5 starter. No. 1 prospect Andrew Painter has a reputable probability to make the group. Left-handers Bailey Falter and Cristopher Sánchez will attempt to beat him out.
There are different roster battles. The Phillies traded Matt Vierling and Nick Maton this month to assist purchase Soto. Presumably, it makes three bench jobs accessible, assuming catcher Garrett Stubbs and infielder Edmundo Sosa are wholesome. Utility gamers Dalton Guthrie and Kody Clemens, outfielder Jake Cave and first baseman Darick Hall are maybe the 4 prime contenders for these spots.
“I feel really good about our balance and our utility people,” Thomson mentioned.
The skipper additionally famous that non-roster invitee Scott Kingery will get one other look. He is within the closing yr of a six-year, $24 million contract.
“Scotty is a highly talented guy,” Thomson mentioned. “He got a little sideways there for a little bit. Maybe we can get him back and get him going.”
Thomson mentioned there may be most likely one job accessible in a projected eight-man bullpen that figures to incorporate Soto, Domínguez, Alvarado, Kimbrel, Matt Strahm, Connor Brogdon and Andrew Bellatti.
“It’s going to be a deep camp,” Thomson mentioned.
Philly
Thomson was requested about being again in Philly with the Eagles starting what they hope to be a Super Bowl run.
“What a great sports town,” he mentioned. “I saw the other day on some website that this is the 19th-best sports town in the country. I question that. I really do. With lacrosse and soccer and the four major sports, this is a great sports town filled with great fans.”
Speaking of rankings
Another web site (playing.com) not too long ago named Thomson the second handsomest supervisor in baseball.
How does he really feel about these rankings?
“I told my wife,” Thomson mentioned, smiling. “I came out and I said, ‘Hey, listen, Michele, you know how lucky you are. I’m the second-most handsome [manager]. She was cooking dinner. She didn’t miss a beat. She turned around and she said, ‘Well, everybody else must have been tied for first.’”
