There was a point where this Phillies team could do no wrong. Even after losing to the Astros in the 2022 World Series, this team and the fans were like Newlyweds, it was puppy Love. We started to see some fractures last season, but the Mets series finally did it.

Where once this team had the full backing of the fanbase, Phillies fans now just want results. Not moral wins, they want a parade. There has been enough clumsy flirting.

(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The team enters Spring training with more pressure on them from the city than they have ever had. The Phillies chose to mostly run it back. The main guys are all still here, they just added a couple of new faces, with the Leffty Jesus Luzardo being the prize catch of the off-season. But it was not the rotation that had fans worried, it was the lineup. And the addition of Max Kepler has done nothing to make fans confident in those lineup issues turning around.

Related: 6 Things The Phillies Need To Do To Follow The Eagles Footsteps

There is nothing the team can do in Spring training to fix that. Honestly, there won’t be much they can do in the regular season. if they come out on fire people will be excited, but the relationship can’t be truly be mended until October. Think about the Eagles and how many fans weren’t ready to get fully back on board until they were in the Super Bowl.

But there are things we can learn from Spring Training. Could we see the lineup shaken up? Will any young guys step into new roles? Can they avoid using multiple platoons? Are there any prospects to watch out for? Let’s look into some of the things to watch this Spring.

Here Are The 5 Biggest Storylines For Phillies Spring Training:

• What Will The Lineup look Like?

  Kyle Schwarber’s leading-off has been a contentious debate for the past several years, even while Schwarber continued to prove he is one of the most productive leadoff hitters in the game. He just set a record for Leadoff HRs and has the highest OPS leading-off games in Phillies history.

  But for the 1st time, Rob Thomson is entertaining the idea of a lineup change. Trea Turner is the obvious choice if it is not Schwarber. Harper would make a lot of sense too, but he doesn’t like leading off. No one else is a realistic option.

  Thomson has not made any promises, but he has shown he will experiment with the lineup. Expect to see a few different variations while they figure out what works. It will also be interesting to see who hits 4th and 5th.

• Andrew Painter's First Taste Of The Pros

  Andrew Painter will make his debut at some point this season. Phillis have said to expect him in either June or July. They will take it easy with him as he continues his recovery from Tommy John, but barring another injury, he is going to pitch in the pros this season.

  But before that, we will see him in Spring Training. We only got a brief glimpse of him 2 years ago when many thought he would make his debut at 19. He quickly suffered an injury, so we didn’t really get to see what he has to offer. But he gets a second chance this spring. And how he looks vs pro hitters, even if it is just an exhibition game, will be one of the most exciting things in this Spring Training.

• Can Bryson Stott Or Brandon Marsh Breakout?

  Stott and Marsh were both considered good prospects at one point. They have both had their moments in the pros. But neither have proven they are everyday players yet.

  Marsh because his platoon splits are horrible, Stott more because his bat isn’t consistent enough against lefties or righties. But neither of them are prospects anymore. Both have multiple seasons under their belts, and it is time for the kid gloves to come off. This season is very important for both of them to show they can be consistent hitters at this level capable of playing every day.

  We can only learn so much from Spring Training. But we can at least see how much the team plans to use them. Do they give Marsh chances against lefties? Or will it be another platoon? Can Bryson Stott finally find a consistent bat?

  Both those questions will be key in deciding if this Phillies team can accomplish what the Eagles just accomplished. We know both guys are capable of great things. They have both had moments of brilliance. But the team needs to consistently.

• How Do Ranger Suarez And Jesus Luzardo Look?

  The Phillies rotation is great. But it could be better than great. We know who Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler are. Cristopher Sanchez is coming off a fantastic season. The question is can Suarez and Luzardo bounce back?

  Both guys have been among the best Lefty starters in the league when healthy. But health has plagued both of them. They come into camp healthy, and on time. If they both return to form, the Phillies not only have two of the best righty pitchers, but 3 of the best lefty pitchers.

  If those two look good, there will be real reason for excitement. With a rotation like that, they can be in any series with any team.

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