The 2016 Philadelphia Phillies will look to improve after a disastrous 99-loss 2015 campaign. Philadelphia will start its season on the road, traveling to Cincinnati and New York before returning home for its Home Opener on Monday, April 11 against the San Diego Padres. Fans can find great ticket deals for Philadelphia’s home opener on Razorgator. Padres vs. Phillies tickets start at $33 while countless parking deals for Citizens Bank Park parking exist on Hipmunk.com.
Philadelphia’s ownership started with changes at the top; Ruben Amaro Jr. was relieved of his general manager duties and Matt Klentak was brought in to turn things around. Klentak made a few minor moves to sure up the roster, but spending a lot of money and/or trading away prospects is questionable given the current state of the roster. Klentak acquired pitcher Jeremy Hellickson from the Diamondbacks and pitcher Charlie Morton from the Pirates to fill out two starting rotation spots. Hellickson and Morton will join Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff, and Vincent Velasquez in the starting rotation.
The Phillies also claimed Peter Bourjos from the Cardinals to sure up their outfield. The starting rotation is expected to go through some growing pains with Nola and Eickhoff preparing for their first full regular season. Morton and Hellickson have had some good years and bad years, so fans will have to ready for a range of outcome during each start. Regardless, the 2016 season will provide some valuable experience for Philadelphia’s young rotation.
Philadelphia’s infield features players that can score runs and is perhaps highlighted by third baseman Maikel Franco. Franco mashed 14 home runs in just 80 games last season, so fans are anxious to watch him over a full 162-game season. While Ryan Howard is entering the final year of his contract, fans are hoping that Darin Ruf gets a few more at-bats to prove he can take over full-time next season.
Second baseman Cesar Hernandez had a breakout season last year and will look to build upon it in 2016. Freddy Galvis will initial man shortstop, but he’s just keeping the spot warm until J.P. Crawford makes his debut. Philadelphia does not have much outfield depth, so the onus will be on the infield to put runs on the board. Opening Day is always an emotional day, so fans should rally to buy their Padres vs. Phillies tickets today.
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