Photo via: Twitter / Jeff Kolakowski
Ice, snow, and frigid temperatures have ruled the early days of February in Philadelphia, but a sign of warmer weather and greener pastures has arrived, or more accurately, departed: The Philadelphia Phillies' equipment truck is on its way to Spring Training.
Pitchers and catchers will officially report to Clearwater on February 16, but the Phillies' equipment truck began its three day journey to Florida this morning. Full squad workouts begin February 18—the mandatory reporting date for all players.
It has been an interesting offseason for the Phillies, who strayed from recent history and decided against adding a big name to their roster, instead opting for players like Marlon Byrd, Roberto Hernandez, and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez.
When the truck arrives to Brighthouse Field, equipment will fill the lockers of players with a lot to prove. Though the Phillies are sick of hearing about their closing "window of opportunity," there is no deying that this is an older club with maybe one last shot at a championship with their current core.
Spring Training is a good place to start.
The annual departing of the equipment truck is a sign that baseball is right around the corner. After a hugely disappointing 2013 season for the Phillies, it can't get here (or there) fast enough.
–Greg Pinto
UPDATE: The Phillies truck was spotted by loyal reader Andrew. It seems that the truck had a police and fire escort and was allowed to run red lights. I guess the return of baseball is an urgent matter.
