A different kind of spring for Phils

The Flyers won a shootout over a very good Tampa Bay Lightning.


Villanova toughed out a gutty win over Seton Hall. The Eagles placed the franchise tag on Michael Vick and a transition tag on kicker David Akers. Even the Sixers played well in falling to the Grizzlies.


But none of them compared to the vision of Cliff Lee wearing those Phillies pinstripes, climbing the mound in Clearwater, Fla.


Spring has sprung, and all eyes are on the Phillies.


A few eyebrows were raised when Lee, who is no stranger to spring-training injuries, cut his session on the mound short. Everyone assures it was no big deal. Lee then did some running in the outfield.


They might as well get used to it. Every move this dream rotation the Phillies have put together will go under a microscope this spring.


The bar has been set high. Fans are making plans for the World Series, even before a single pitch has been thrown.


This is unaccustomed territory for Philly fans. No more Kevin Millwoods at the top of the rotation.


The bull’s eye is now squarely on the Phils as they look to capture another NL East crown and get back to the World Series.


So if one of the Fab Four sneezes in Florida, everyone in the Philly region will say “bless you.”


It’s going to be that kind of spring.


Nice for a change, no?


Make sure you follow Phollowing the Phillies, the blog by our Phillies beat writer Ryan Lawrence. You can also catch Ryan's 'tweets' from Clearwater for updates throughout the day.


 

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