Roundtable: “I look forward to hearing _____ today”

With pitchers and catchers officially working out for the first time today, the soundbites will start pouring in. Let’s be real: most of them are going to be rather predictable. Is there ever a player who doesn’t come to camp in the best shape of his life?

Yet, these morsels of preseason hope, no matter how symbolic or hyperbolic, comfort us like sipping hot chocolate at an April night game at the Bank. Even though we cover the team, we look forward to these quotes just as much as everyone else.

Pat Gallen, Editor-in-Chief

I look forward to hearing that Ryan Howard is in the best shape of his life after the first day of workouts. Even if it doesn’t mean a damn thing, it’ll be nice to know the $25 million man is on his way back.

Ian Riccaboni

I look forward to hearing that everyone, including Yuniesky Betancourt, has a shot to make the team in 2013 from both Ruben Amaro and Charlie Manuel.

Jonathan Nisula

I look forward to hearing about Chase Utley and Roy Halladay after the first day of workouts. They are possibly the two most important players for the success of the team, and both have injury concerns.

Don M.

I look forward to hearing that our late-inning guys, Antonio Bastardo and Mike Adams, are in great shape and anxious to get the regular season started!

Eric Seidman

I look forward to hearing that the Delmon Young signing was actually a joke, or that his contract also includes the inverse clause that if he gains weight he has to pay the Phillies.

Jay Floyd

I am looking forward to hearing about the young bullpen arms that had Charlie Manuel so excited when I spoke to him recently. Led by the veterans Adams, Durbin, and Papelbon, as well as the experienced Bastardo, it will be interesting to follow the core of guys like Stutes, Aumont, De Fratus, Diekman and others to see how much they can contribute to what should be a major strength for the Phils this year.