Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson has issued a warning to the Atlanta Braves, signaling a potential shift in the National League East dynamics for the upcoming season. Despite the Braves’ dominant six-year streak in the division, Thomson believes that 2024 could mark a change in fortune.
In an interview with Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Thomson outlined his team’s strategy to challenge Atlanta’s stronghold. He emphasized the importance of a strong start, particularly focusing on improving the team’s offensive performance. Thomson pointed out that key players like Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and others faced challenges in finding their rhythm last season due to various factors such as free agent transitions, injury recoveries, and international commitments like the World Baseball Classic.
To address these issues, Thomson stressed the significance of ample spring training at-bats for all players, ensuring they are fully prepared for the grueling season ahead. He highlighted the use of advanced training tools like the Trajekt pitching machine to enhance their readiness.
Regarding pitching, Thomson acknowledged the need for careful preparation, especially for relievers. He outlined specific criteria that the pitchers must meet during spring training, such as handling back-to-back games, extended innings, and high-pressure situations with runners on base. Unlike hitters, Thomson emphasized the importance of simulating these scenarios in major league spring training games rather than minor league settings to replicate the intensity of regular-season matchups.
Thomson concluded by emphasizing a shift in approach during the final stages of spring training, treating the last few Grapefruit League games as a simulation of regular-season conditions to acclimate the team to their roles and responsibilities.
Despite recent playoff successes as wild card entrants, Thomson expressed his team’s ambition to aim higher by clinching the division title. He rejected any notion of settling for a wild card spot, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance throughout the season to secure a divisional crown.
The Phillies, aiming to reclaim the NL East crown for the first time since 2011, are gearing up for a competitive campaign, with Thomson instilling a mindset focused on divisional supremacy rather than playoff qualification alone.
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