For a faction of the Phillies fanbase, there is concern that this season’s struggles might be the product of complacency.
Rob Thomson’s response: What’s there to be complacent about?
Hopes were high for Philadelphia this season after last year’s incredible turnaround and run to the World Series. While they came up short in the Fall Classic, they have arguably an even better roster this season, complete with the addition of Trea Turner.
But the expectations have yet to get met, with the Phillies sitting at 22-26, seven games back of the Braves for first place in the National League East. And having lost seven of their last nine, things clearly aren’t going as planned for Philly.
Their manager chalked it up to execution, not complacency, in his weekly appearance on the 94 WIP Morning Show.
“I think it’s just poor execution, really, at this point," Thomson said. "And like I said we need to straighten it out, but I don’t think for one minute there’s any complacency in this clubhouse. I don’t know what you would be complacent about because we didn’t get to the ultimate goal, which is winning a world championship.
“I was worried about it going into the offseason," Thomson then admitted. "When I talked to these players, and hearing about how they were working, seeing how they came into camp in shape, what kind of shape they were in, I lost all those thoughts. I think these guys are focused on getting this thing done, it’s just a matter of we have to execute and we have to be consistent in every phase of our game.”
If there’s any team that could kick it into gear after Memorial Day, it’s probably the Phillies after what we saw last year. Until that happens, there undoubtedly will be some chatter that maybe they’re just coasting off 2022.
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