The 2018 MLB season seemed to be unpredictable for most Phillies fans as most of the team has underwent rebuilding with the departure of familiar faces, to new faces added all around from the lineup to the managerial positions. One of those new names that began circulating opening week of the baseball season was none other than Gabe Kapler.
The Phillies beginning season woes were a series of unusual situations that most fans or players get to see often. For Opening Day Aaron Nola, the ace for Philadelphia was set to pitch his season debut, but after simply 68 pitches he was lifted from the game by manager Kapler. Now for those who don’t know Gabe Kapler is a rookie manager in the 2018 MLB season. The Phillies will be his first official team to learn from and hopefully guide well into competing. Due to his lack of experience some unfortunate events took place only three games into the season:
1: Hoby Milner called from the bullpen without a warm-up.
2: Using 18 relief pitchers used over a three day span.
3: New incomer Pat Neshek placed on the Disabled List (DL).
The organization was blunt about their expectations and trust in the new manager Kapler. After his shaky first days and few rookie mistakes General Manager Klentak became vocal on his views of every incident. “Never in our wildest dreams did we expect Kap or any first-year manager we would have hired to come in and be perfect from day one,’’ Klentak said. “That’s just not realistic. I wasn’t perfect in my first day on the job as a general manager, either. Kap will learn and grow the same way that the players and I are learning and growing, and we’re all going to develop together.” The Philadelphia fans were their typical selves during their home opener as they booed Kapler when he was announced during opening day ceremonies.
Surely ‘The Process’ is one that involves both the coaching staff and the players. The weight of a team or championship does not fall on one person’s shoulders, but is diversely carried together. Both the Super Bowl LII Champion Eagles and the playoff bound 76ers sure have walked the same footsteps where the Phillies find themselves. The triumphant story continues to unfold and show the City of Philadelphia that new beginnings can be overcome.
Currently the Phillies have a strong record and are in a good spot in the much too early to look at National League East standings. This is an eye-opener to most people this year for such a young team. In their last ten games they are 8-2 against opponents. During their home series the bats lit up game after game scoring runs in the double digits, taking advantage on other teams in rebuild mode. It may be safe to say the season won’t be smooth sailing, but it’s sure one you won’t want to miss.
Daniel Finegan 
Will Cunningham 
Paul McConnell