Dallas Green has seen 51 spring trainings and doesn't pretend to have it figured out. But as he gazed down at the field one day earlier this week, he was generally upbeat about the team's chances, with the disclaimer that he didn't see enough depth to keep the team afloat in case of a string of injuries.
There was one thought that nagged at the only man who has ever managed the Phillies to a world championship, though.
"The only thing that worries me is that I've never been a switch-turner," he said. "Today's players, a lot of them, seem to want to just go about their business and they think they can just turn on the switch when the regular season starts."
A few hours later, after he finished pitching, veteran lefthander Jamie Moyer snapped to attention when asked about getting his work in. He didn't approach spring training that way, he said. "I'm one who believes you can't just flip the switch when the season starts," he added.
It's an old debate that seems particularly relevant for a Phillies team that has stressed getting off to a quick start this year, especially since the unforgiving schedule calls for them to play 22 of their first 28 games against National League East opponents.
In the last few days, manager Charlie Manuel says he has sensed the team starting to come together. Have they, in fact, flipped the switch?
The answer will begin to be revealed Monday when the season opens at Citizens Bank Park against the Braves.
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