The last horse has crossed the finish line

Better late than never, right?

As Phillies spring training gets rolling in Clearwater, Florida, themes are beginning to emerge.

An even-keeled, ‘let’s-take-it-one-day-at-a-time feeling’ seems to have replaced last year’s World Series or bust talk. The subject of age, mortality and how many more chances this group gets together is present. Reminders of ‘hey, we’re still pretty good!' echo from Dave Dombrowski’s chair. Tougher love seems to have arrived from the hitting coach.

But the most interesting thing I’ve heard so far has to do with something the Phillies finally seem willing to do, years after the best championship contenders committed to doing regularly.