CINCINNATI - It is not only opening day for the Phillies on Monday at Great American Ballpark. It is also the continuation of an immense organizational competition that started in spring training with some surprising decisions and will continue right through the Oct. 1 season finale against the New York Mets.
Veterans such as outfielder Chris Coghlan, fresh off a World Series title run with the Chicago Cubs, and Ryan Hanigan, a backup catcher with loads of big-league experience, discovered that youth is a valued attribute for the Phillies as they continue their rebuilding project. Ready or not, catcher Andrew Knapp and first baseman/outfielder Brock Stassi got the nods over the two veterans for coveted spots on the opening-day roster.