1/5/25 : Spring Forward (or at least looking to 😎)

In anticipation of the new baseball season I asked a few of the Phillies minor league players  “What is it that you are most looking forward to in regard to returning to Clearwater for training camp?”   Following are the 64 responses I received :

‘Warm weather😂” - LHP AJ Wilson

“I’m looking forward to seeing my teammates from last year and getting to play baseball after a long offseason.” - OF Jordan Viars

“The biggest thing I’m looking forward to is getting back into the routine of training at the complex and being around the coaches and staff and using all of the resources.” - RHP Ethan Chenault

‘I’m fired up to see the boys, I’m ready to get back to work!” - RHP Gunner Mayer

“I am looking forward to seeing the guys, staff members, and meet the people I haven’t got to connect with yet. Coming from Kansas getting out of the cold weather doesn’t hurt either!” - RHP Tegan Cain - Tegan is working back from TJ surgery.

“I think the biggest thing I’m looking forward to is the pre-spring training grind with my teammates and competing once we start rolling into bullpens and live. There’s nothing better than preseason because it really confirms the saying of “iron sharpens iron”” - RHP Ryan Dromboski

“To stay healthy to continue competing with the team.” - RHP Jonh Henriquez

“I’m most looking forward to being back on the field getting the opportunity to play and work again, as well as, being around all the guys.” - 1B Carson Taylor

“I am looking forward to being around the guys and working back to get on the mound again!” - RHP Nate Karaffa. Nate is working back from TJ surgery.

“Just pumped to be back with my teammates and continuing to progress in my rehab.” - RHP Alex Rao - Alex is working back from TJ surgery.

“The thing I’m looking forward to the most is just the opportunity to play again and the chance to continue to get better. I feel like the offseason, although you are lifting, conditioning, and hitting, gets old pretty fast as the days could be done within the matter of a few hours. The best part of baseball is just being able to play and I think that’s what I’m looking forward to the most.” - 1B/3B Raider Tello

“Baseball is a team game, I love going back to spring training and seeing the guys I haven’t seen since the end of the season or guys who were at a different levels that I hadn’t seen since last spring training. It’s always good to reconnect with everyone. Also just looking forward to getting to work, I’m going to be the most ready I’ve ever been and I want to prove it.” - C Ryan Leitch

“The heat, being from PA it’s gonna be warmer for sure. Obviously the game itself, we are getting back into the swing of things where we are full go. There’s nothing better than what we get to do, it’s a child’s game played by men for a living -there’s not much better!  And the people, you get to play/work with all these great people everyday and it makes it feel like a dream.” - LHP Erik Ritchie

“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my teammates and staff members. Getting to put on the cleats in the warm weather and feel the start of baseball season ahead of us. I’m really excited to get down to Florida and start competing again!” - LHP Wesley Moore

“Excited to be competing again with my guys. I miss going out to the field everyday with them and the challenges everyday brings.” - OF Cade Fergus.

“Getting back on the grind with the guys and competing for where I want to be!” - LHP Mavis Graves

“I’m most looking forward to seeing everybody again and continuing to develop.” - OF Dante Nori

“Well first off just excited to stay in Florida, but also getting into a new spot is always exciting. I’m definitely looking forward to meeting everyone, getting back to competing, and getting better!” - RHP Aaron Combs - Aaron was acquired in a trade from the White Sox who train in Arizona - he’s a Florida resident.

“Getting to be surrounded by those who are in the same pursuit as me every single day!  The energy at our complex is absolutely infectious.” - LHP Tristan Garnett

“I would say being able to get back outside in the nice weather and having the staff there to help out and notice the changes I’ve made in the offseason. Being from Michigan I haven’t thrown outside in a long time, haha. Also seeing all my friends again.” - RHP Luke Russo

“Seeing the guys and being able to get back into the routine of the season.” - RHP Tommy McCollum

“Definitely getting back to see all the other guys and getting a good jumpstart to get ready for the season.” - RHP Zack Tukis.

“What I'm most looking forward to going to the training camps is to stay healthy all year round to be able to compete at 100%.” - OF Junior Marin

“Hi Steve, for this training camp I hope to stay super healthy, I will come ready to go.” - RHP Jaydenn Estanista

“Getting ready to prep for my first spring training. Excited to get down to some warm weather as well!” - RHP Ryan Degges

“Being back with guys with a common goal and doing what I love most.” - RHP Tanner Gresham

“The thing I’m looking forward to most is seeing the teammates and all the staff I haven’t seen in a while! Also it’s a chance to see all of the off season work pay off, how all of the working out and throwing is going to impact my upcoming season. Definitely looking forward to it.” - LHP Danny Wilkinson

“Look forward to being back around all of the guys and staff. There are some things you just can’t replicate and one of them is the culture and environment we have in Clearwater. Very excited to begin.” - RHP Reese Dutton

“I would say I’m looking forward to coming in and showing every one all the work I’ve put in this off season and being around that atmosphere again where it’s an adrenaline rush every day.” - RHP Jose Pena Jr

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the swing of things preparing for an important first professional season. I’m looking forward to seeing some of my guys that I don’t get to see away from the complex. Just a great environment to be in; everyone is there to better one another.” - LHP Kevin Warunek

“Definitely just getting back to see all my teammates and staff that you don’t see for a few months.” - RHP Andrew Schultz

“I’m excited to get back together with all the guys and get back to work!” - 1B Keaton Anthony

“I would say the thing I’m most excited for is returning knowing who I am as a pitcher fully now with correct mechanics and a firm competitive mentality that is going to produce a lot more consistency for me this year. I think all the external factors of me not developing are finally gone. The guys down at Cressey this offseason have helped me a lot, and I can’t wait to show everyone how much I’ve progressed.” - RHP Andrew Baker

“Competing and seeing everyone again.” - RHP Konnor Ash

“I’m looking forward to continue to build on my secondary pitches with command and be able to have some immediate feedback from pitching coaches while doing so.” - RHP Casey Steward

“Looking forward to being around the guys all working together to get better.” - OF Avery Owusu-Asiedu

“I’m most excited to get back together with everybody again! We have such a fun and hard working group that it makes it easy for us players to show up and do our job everyday.” - SS Aidan Miller

“This is my first major league spring training - I am excited to be with experienced players from the big leagues who can help me. I know I can learn a lot from them.” - RHP Jean Cabrera - Jean was added to the 40 man roster this off-season.

“Go back to camp healthy and give my best.” - 1B/3B Felix Reyes - Felix is playing winter ball in Colombia.

“I am excited to get back to work, develop my arsenal and get my body ready for the season.” - RHP Luke Gabrysh

“What’s up Steve, hope you had a happy holidays! My answer is, just getting back around the guys after a long break.” - RHP Jake Eddington

“I’m looking forward to pitching and refining my craft in the nice weather.” - RHP Mick Abel - Mick will be in his first major league spring training as a member of the 40 man roster.

“Hey Steve, I’m just excited to get back to work and make some improvements.” - OF Gabriel Rincones Jr

“Very good question! My answer would be that I expect a lot from this season in Clearwater, I am determined to give my best as soon as I am fully recovered, I trust in God that this will be a great year, we are going to fight and give everything on the field to pursue my dreams and fulfill my goals❤️💪🏻” - RHP Guisseppe Velasquez - he is working his way back from TJ surgery.

“What I hope for when I return to the training camp is to arrive in good physical shape and give my all in this new season and gradually raise my level by doing the work that is asked of me, staying healthy throughout the season and giving my best.” - LHP Juan Amarante

“I’m looking to being bigger, stronger and faster and getting my body ready for the upcoming season!” - C Kehden Hettiger

“Just that Clearwater brings another opportunity to take a step in the right direction😊.” - RHP Christian McGowan

“Just eager to get back in the routine of going to the field and being around the guys. I am also excited for new relationships and to compete with some of the same guys and some new guys!” - OF Ethan Wilson

“Well, what I’m going to do when I get to Clearwater is to continue working hard physically and mentally with the great help that all the coaches give us🙌🏾💪🏽 to be ready for this new season 2025🙏🏾💪🏽 and the other thing is to continue staying healthy all year round and as always I come to give my best.” - RHP Estibenzon Jimenez

“Well, the first thing is to arrive healthy to compete and earn a place.” - RHP Maxwell Hernandez

“I hope to have a strong mentality, be professional and also have more focus on all my goals and objectives day by day!” - C Alirio Ferebus

“I’m most looking forward to reuniting with my teammates and coaches after the off season. I am eager to get back on the mound and continue improving my game.” - RHP Micah Ottenbreit

“I’m most looking forward to seeing the boys again.” - INF Trent Farquhar

“I am looking forward to seeing teammates again, and getting back to a closer to in season routine. It’s something you begin to miss as the offseason winds down. I’m excited to be heading into another camp this year and looking forward to what it brings.” - LHP Andrew Walling

“Getting back with all my guys and competing again!” - RHP Drew Garrett

“One thing I’m looking forward to is chasing the ultimate goal with the guys. Being able to go out and compete with your friends by your side is why I play the game. It’s going to be a great year!” - OF Marcus Lee Sang

“Well, what I most hope for is to play again, compete, enjoy, share and work with each of the boys and with each of the staff.” - C Guillermo Rosario

“I hope to return healthy and stronger, continue working my body and my mind too and give my 100% day by day to improve to level up.” - RHP Orlando Gonzalez

“Hi I am looking forward to working hard and going into the season ready to go. I’m excited about the process as a whole because it will be my first full minor league season!” - INF Brady Day

“Looking forward to seeing all the guys. With camaraderie that gets built over a season it’s hard to stay in touch with everyone, so catching up there. And the weather.” - LHP Braeden Fausnaught

“What i’m most looking forward to is getting my first taste of professional baseball and seeing where I stack up.” - LHP Camron Hill

“I’m looking forward to being back with my teammates again and getting ready for the season.” - Catcher Jordan Dissin

“Hey Mr. Potter, sorry for the late get back. I would say besides the fact of seeing all my buddies again, getting a new start and having my work done in the offseason transition over to give them a new look on me!” - Catcher Lou Albrecht

“Hey, Steve didn't have much time, sorry for the delay. Yes, well, take advantage of the time in camp by focusing on continuing to improve, my discipline and calmness when hitting while being consistent throughout the season, I will work on my baserunning will be essential!” - OF/1B Leandro Pineda - he played in the Venezuelan Winter League this off-season.

I gave them all a laugh by responding “I thought saying hello to your favorite minor league reporter would be it 😂”.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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