Amid the highest hopes they have had since the stars of another era began fading away, the Phillies will report to spring training Tuesday. The first workout for pitchers and catchers on the four fields at the Carpenter Complex will be Wednesday and some standard story lines will ensue during the team’s lengthy stay in Clearwater, Fla.
This year’s Grapefruit League games, as in so many other years, will be all about figuring out the starting rotation. If you concede a spot to Aaron Nola — and why wouldn’t you? — then seven other guys who made starts last season will be competing for the four other jobs when the exhibition games begin later this month.