Does anyone remember Baseball Zen?
It was that beautiful state of careless bliss that came with rooting for a team with hard realities but hopeful youngsters. The Phillies wouldn’t be good, and we knew that, but in the end we’d see some prospects give it their all. Maybe some breakout talents would emerge. All would be fine. Baseball Zen.
And it started that way. Vince Velasquez struck out 16 Padres. Aaron Nola sat down offense after offense. Tyler Goeddel brought out the hose and Cameron Rupp supplied the boulder block.