As opening day approached, excitement reverberated through the fanbase, a tangibly electric anticipation. A few months ago, the Phillies ended a decade-long playoff drought and tore through the best teams in baseball to get to the World Series. Sure, they would be without Bryce Harper for part of the season, but they had signed the best shortstop in the majors, the hero of the WBC. Then Hoskins got hurt and was done for the season.
Still, there was hope. Even with Painter injured, the starters looked decent. The bullpen was filled with impressive arms.