MIAMI, FL - JULY 3: Bench coach Larry Bowa #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies gets ready for batting practice prior to the start of the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 3, 2014 in Miami, Florida.

The Phillies are finally back! They begin their season in Texas today against the Rangers. And to get some insight into the upcoming season, Anthony Gargano talked to Phillies legend Larry Bowa. Bowa said that one of the big keys to this season, is Alec Bohm taking the next step, and Nick Castellanos having a bounce-back year. The good thing is, Larry Bowa was pretty confident in both of those things happening.

On Alec Bohm…

“I think Bohm is going to hit. Offensively he is ready to take the next step. He has learned how to look for pitches. When he is ahead in the count, 2-0 or 3-1, you are going to see him hit some home runs to left field. When he first came up everything was to right field and right center… He is a lot bigger, a lot stronger, and a lot more mature.” 

And on Nick Castellanos…

“(Castellanos) is more patient at the plate, and took his walks. He is staying back and letting the ball travel a little bit more. And I think the fact that it is his second year here. He knows the city, he knows his teammates. I expect a good year out of him. It doesn’t have to be a great year, it needs to be a better year. He will be the first to tell you that… Out of all the guys in the lineup, this is the guy who needs to get out of the gates quick.”

You can listen to the full conversation with Larry Bowa below…

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