By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor 
When the Philadelphia Phillies traded Pat Neshek to the Colorado Rockies late last July, the veteran reliever spoke highly of his short stint in Philadelphia. After representing the Phillies at the All-Star Game just a few weeks prior, Neshek said that the Phillies would "probably be his No. 1 destination" if he ever got the chance to pick his team in the future. It turns out he wasn't kidding.
In fact, the 37-year-old, who signed a two-year/$16.2 million free-agent contract to return to the Phillies in December, says he left some money on the table to return to the Phillies.
"We didn't really wait for other teams," Neshek told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki Wednesday. "I probably left a little bit more on the table from other teams. Well, I know I did because a team called me after I agreed [to a deal with the Phillies]. Their first offer was better, but it was a comfort thing. I was really happy with the offer. I didn't want to wait and see anything else."
Following the announcement of his trade to Colorado last July, Neshek, who has been well traveled throughout his career, spoke about why he enjoyed Philadelphia so much.
"I felt really comfortable [with the Phillies] – my family loved it [Philadelphia], we loved where we lived," Neshek told the collective media after being informed he was traded. "I enjoyed all my teammates, more so that a lot of places. So, I'd love to come back, maybe."
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In 43 appearances for the Phillies in 2017, Neshek posted a 1.12 ERA and a 1.94 FIP, making him the one stable force in a bullpen that struggled for much of his stint with the team.
While there are many familiar parts about the Phillies team that Neshek is rejoining, much has changed since the end of his first stint with the team. Hector Neris, Luis Garcia, Adam Morgan and Hoby Milner were among the bullpen arms that were lights out for the Phillies in the second half of the 2017 season. The Phillies also added Tommy Hunter on a lucrative free-agent deal this offseason, and if some reports are to be believed, they are still at least monitoring the market for another potential upgrade. Neshek, who wore No. 17 with the Phillies in 2017, will now wear No. 93, because No. 17 now belongs to Rhys Hoskins, who Neshek hasn't played a regular season game with yet.
Perhaps most importantly, the Phillies have a new manager in Gabe Kapler, one who couldn't be much more different than his predecessor, Pete Mackanin. From a philosophical sense, Kapler is likely to take a more progressive approach with how he handles starting pitching and relievers than Mackanin did, especially given that the Phillies starting rotation remains their biggest question mark in 2018. It probably won't be a drastic adjustment for Neshek to pitch in different roles throughout the season, he's done that his entire career. However, he figures to be a valuable piece from a leadership sense in the bullpen, as he can help younger arms get accustomed to having to be prepared to pitch in any role that the game dictates.
For Neshek, comfort was a big reason that he returned to Philadelphia. The Phillies were interested in a reunion with him because of the comfort level that he'll bring to the team. He, presumably, will be one of the most reliable arms for Kapler out of the bullpen. He's also likely to bring a calming presence around relievers who are traditionally used to knowing the exact inning they will appear in each game.
