Newcomers bonding with Realmuto; Walker’s velocity up as camp begins originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
CLEARWATER, Fla. — This is the time of year when all 30 MLB teams are optimistic about accomplishing their goal in some form, but the national expectation as spring training camps open this week in Florida and Arizona is that one will tower over the rest.
The Dodgers followed a World Series with a slew of splash signings. Their odds to repeat as champions are by far the shortest and their over-under win total is nine games higher than any National League team.
The Phillies, with a veteran-laden group, ample postseason experience and the majors’ second-largest payroll, are unintimidated despite flaming out far earlier than anticipated last October.
“I don’t hear anybody say, ‘Hey, the Phillies beat the Dodgers five out of six last year,’” president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Wednesday. “We did. They’ve got a tremendous club, as do others in our league, but I think we match up against anybody. I hope we get that opportunity in October.
“It’s a really good club. Disappointing finish, we all know that. … We just like our ballclub overall. Always a great place to start is starting pitching and I think we have tremendous starting pitching. We have good positional players. I don’t think we have a glaring weakness anywhere out there.”
Wednesday was the first official workout for Phillies pitchers and catchers, although some arrived early. Newcomers Jesus Luzardo and Jordan Romano were already at BayCare Ballpark to throw bullpen sessions earlier this week to J.T. Realmuto, who lives in Clearwater from January through March.
Both pitchers excelled in 2022 and 2023 but are coming off of injury-plagued seasons that enabled the Phillies to acquire them. Luzardo made just 12 starts because of a back injury. Romano didn’t pitch after May 29 because of an elbow impingement.
Both got to work early this offseason and are excited about how healthy they feel.
“I’m right on track to have a normal spring training,” Luzardo said. “I’ve been probably throwing a bit more just based off last year to get back all the way. But I’m on track for a normal spring training for me.
“I’ve gone through the ringer of exams, I’ve had a lot of exams. They checked me up and down and everything checked out. Arm and back all feel healthy. Looking to keep it that way.”
Romano already found his throwing partner. Matt Strahm…