In five years, when we look back at the Phillies, 2017 may be the nexus point for when things started to change. Just like right now, when we look back five years, we can see the path that led us to this spot.
The Phillies have been a team of change. Sudden, violent changes, and small, subtle changes. Firing Ruben Amaro Jr. as GM? Sudden, violent change. Having Ryan Howard and Tommy Joseph platoon at first base? Small, though not subtle change. (Seriously, they needed to start platooning Howard at least three years ago.