After an off-season in which the Phillies added a new manager, a new pitching coach, a No. 2 starter, a new shortstop, a bunch of no-name bullpen arms and a slew of non-roster invitees to spring training, the team had a number of questions marks as players convened in Clearwater back in February.
It was hoped a number of those questions would be answered as Opening Day neared but alas, COVID-19 stuck its unwanted foot in the door and fouled up the works. Manager Joe Girardi appeared to have the team playing well down in Florida, and there was a general sense of confidence and competence surrounding the squad, but it was certainly a team that no one thought was a shoo-in for a playoff spot.