Franco And Nola Wake Up Against Brewers

GAME RECAP: Phillies Hammer Brewers 5-2

Maikel Franco homered twice and Aaron Nola pitched a seven-inning gem in the Phillies' 5-2 win over the Brewers at Miller Park on Friday night. Nola became the second right-hander in as many days to all but shut down the Brewers' offense. He retired 11 consecutive batters from the second inning to the sixth, one shy of Ricky Nolasco's best stretch in a Twins win Thursday, and earned his first victory of the season by holding the Brewers to one run on four hits with seven strikeouts. With 30 strikeouts this season, Nola is tied with Clayton Kershaw for the National League lead, trailing only Boston's David Price (32) in the Majors. "I was a little concerned in the first inning," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "Nola looked a little shaky at first, then he settled down. He started pitching inside a little more, which made a big difference for him." The Phillies erased a 1-0 deficit with Darin Ruf's shift-beating single in the fourth inning against Brewers starter Zach Davies, then took the lead with a three-run fifth. Freddy Galvis hit a go-ahead RBI triple before Franco connected against Davies for a two-run home run. Franco homered again in the seventh off Chris Capuano, a 426-footer that left his bat at 105 mph, according to Statcast™. "We've got some starters that are learning on the fly here, so we're working on it," Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy said. "We're trying to get better every day. Sometimes we're going to make some mistakes and are going to get beat. We have to minimize those mistakes and learn every day and not worry about any of the other stuff."

PHILS PHACTS:

• Franco stepped into the batter's box in the fifth inning in a 4-for-32 slump. But he hit a 1-0 curveball from Davies over the left-field wall for a two-run homer to make it 4-1, and he hit a solo homer to left-center against Capuano in the seventh to make it 5-1. They were Franco's third and fourth homers of the season, and the second multihomer game of his career. "I've been in a tough slump," Franco said. "I know it's going to happen. Every single day you're not going to feel good. When you're in a tough moment like that, you have to stay positive and continue to work hard."
• Nola allowed a career-high seven runs in his last start Saturday against the Nationals. But after he allowed a run in the first inning to the Brewers, he settled. Nola allowed four hits, one run, two walks and struck out seven in seven innings. After he allowed a two-out single to Domingo Santana in the second, he retired 16 of the final 17 batters he faced. "After the last outing, I felt I really needed to command the baseball inside a lot more," Nola said. "After the first couple innings, I felt like I got more comfortable throwing inside to lefties and righties, especially to lefties tonight. So I think that kind of opened a little more stuff up tonight." 
• "I remember his last outing last year. I took him out early in the fifth or sixth inning. I told him, 'We're going to baby you this year. But next year, we're not going to baby you.'" -- Mackanin, on letting Nola throw a career-high 105 pitches and having him pitch seven innings for the third time in four starts.
• The three runs the Phillies scored in the fifth inning were a season high. They had not scored three or more runs in an inning since they scored four in the seventh inning Oct. 4, 2015, against the Marlins.

NEXT GAME:

Phillies right-hander Charlie Morton makes his 15th career start against the Brewers on Saturday night at 8:10 p.m. ET at Miller Park. The former Pirates hurler is 4-7 with a 4.17 ERA against Milwaukee. He is 1-3 with a 5.06 ERA in six career starts at Miller Park.

PHILS PHACTS:

Breaking Out – Maybe this is the jumpstart Maikel Franco and the Phillies needed. Franco hit a pair of home runs Friday night in a 5-2 victory over the Brewers at Miller Park. He hit a two-run home run to left field in the fifth -- as the Phillies scored a season-high three runs in the inning -- and a solo home run to left-center field in the seventh inning. Both balls left Franco's bat at 105 mph, according to Statcast™. The homer in the seventh traveled a projected 426 feet, making it the longest Phillies home run this season. "This year, yeah," Franco said, asked if it was one of the longest homers he had hit in a while. Franco was right about that. He hit three homers farther last season. "It was a good pitch to hit," Franco said of a 1-1 slider from Brewers left-hander Chris Capuano. "When they make a mistake, I have to put good contact on it." It had been a while since Franco had crushed a baseball, much less two in the same night. He stepped into the batter's box in the fifth inning in a 4-for-32 slump. He had no extra-base hits, no RBIs, one walk and 10 strikeouts since a third-inning double against the Padres on April 13. "I've been in a tough slump," Franco said. "I know it's going to happen. Every single day you're not going to feel good. When you're in a tough moment like that, you have to stay positive and continue to work hard." Franco launched Zach Davies' 1-0 curveball over the left-field fence in the fifth inning to give the Phillies a 4-1 lead. The solo homer in the seventh gave the Phillies a 5-1 lead. It also gave Franco the second multihomer game of his career. The Phillies spoke to Franco before the game about trying to pull the ball more. Franco likes to work the ball to the opposite field in batting practice, but once the game begins, he sometimes expands the strike zone too much as he tries to send the ball to right field. "When you stay back and try to pull the ball, you don't swing at the bad breaking balls," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. Franco listened, and it worked. Maybe this is beginning of something good. The Phillies' offense could use it. "When you try to hit the ball the other way and you miss your pitch, middle, middle in, sometimes you're thinking too much," he said. "Today I just went out there and tried to see a good pitch to hit and tried to put good contact on it."

Bouncing Back – This is more like it. Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola allowed a run and walked two of the first nine batters he faced Friday night in a 5-2 victory over the Brewers at Miller Park. But after he allowed a two-out single to Domingo Santana in the second inning, Nola retired 16 of the final 17 batters he faced to earn his first win of the season. Nola allowed four hits, one run, two walks and struck out seven, moving him into a tie with Clayton Kershaw for the National League lead with 30 strikeouts. Nola threw a career-high 105 pitches in the process. He has thrown 95 or more pitches in three of his first four starts this season. He has pitched seven innings three times, too. Compare that to last season. Nola threw 90 or more pitches five times in 13 starts. He pitched seven innings five times. "I remember his last outing last year," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "I took him out early in the fifth or sixth inning. I told him, 'We're going to baby you this year. But next year, we're not going to baby you.'" Nola loves the longer leash. "I definitely want to go as long as I can," he said. "I'm glad they're letting me do that. I'm glad I'm going out there and pitching deep into games. That's what I want to do. From here on out, I want to go as deep as I can every outing." Of course, it looked a little shaky early as the Brewers scored a run in the first to take a 1-0 lead. Nola then allowed two baserunners with two outs in the second. But then something happened. "After the last outing, I felt I really needed to command the baseball inside a lot more," he said. "After the first couple innings, I felt like I got more comfortable throwing inside to lefties and righties, especially to lefties tonight. So I think that kind of opened a little more stuff up tonight."

Today In Phils History – There have been several interesting games on this day in Phillies history beginning in 1891 when the Phillies turned a triple play to end the game and secure the 3-1 win over Brooklyn. Another impressive performance happened on this day 70 years later when Art Mahaffey set the franchise record for strikeouts in a single game setting down 17 Cubs in the second game of a double header. 30 years later, Jim Fregosi made his Phillies managerial debut in a 2-1 loss to the Mets. During the 1915 season, the Phillies won their eighth straight game on this day to start the season outscoring opponents during that stretch by 41-10. Most recently, Jayson Werth circled the bases on a 4-base error in a matchup against the Diamondbacks in 2010 which was only the 15^th such error of its kind in Major League history. Notable Phillies debuts on this day include Bill Hallman (1888), Dick Ellsworth (1967), Julio Franco (1982), and Chris James (1986). Notable birthdays include Harry Coveleski (1886) and Dolph Camilli (1907).

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies are currently 8-9 this season putting them on pace to meet most preseason predictions. The Phillies finished the spring exceeding most expectations compiling a record of 15-11-3 (18-11-3 if you include the exhibition games against Reading and the University of Tampa). All time, the Phillies are 46-45-1 on this day. I expect the Phillies to finish in the bottom half of the division but not last in the NL East by finishing the season with a 77-85 record. Let the rebuild begin!

First And Second Chances On The Line

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP: Phillies Tame Tigers 4-3

Maikel Franco's sixth-inning infield single not only broke up a Tigers' Grapefruit League no-hit bid, it drove in Ryan Jackson with the go-ahead run, sending the Phillies on their way to a 4-3 win over the Tigers on a blustery Monday at Joker Marchant Stadium. Anibal Sanchez, who missed nearly a month with triceps inflammation, celebrated his first game action this spring with four hitless innings while Miguel Cabrera knocked in his eighth run. Sanchez overcame a leadoff walk in the first inning with eight groundouts -- one of them a double play -- and three strikeouts from there. Phillies starter Aaron Nola, facing the Tigers for the second time spring, countered Sanchez with six innings of two-hit ball in by far his best outing of the spring. Cabrera's third-inning RBI single comprised the only damage. Though new Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez followed Sanchez with a scoreless fifth, overcoming a two-out walk, Justin Wilson paid for back-to-back walks opening the sixth. David Lough's sacrifice bunt moved the runners into scoring position for Tyler Goeddel's RBI groundout. And then Franco, the Grapefruit League's home run leader, hit a ground ball up the middle that left second baseman Andrew Romine with no play as Jackson crossed home plate. Cedric Hunter added a seventh-inning homer -- his third of the spring -- off Blaine Hardy, continuing the left-hander's struggles.

NEXT GAME:

Jerad Eickhoff makes his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday afternoon against the Twins at Bright House Field at 1:05 p.m. ET on MLB.TV. Eickhoff has been sidelined this spring after he fractured his right thumb last month. The right-hander has pitched six innings in Minor League games, so the Phillies believe he is on track to make the Opening Day roster.

PHILS PHACTS:

Hunter Hoping For Second Chance – Cedric Hunter very much remembers his first and only big league moment. It happened in the bottom of the sixth inning on April 5, 2011, at Petco Park. Hunter stepped into the batter's box as a pinch-hitter against Giants right-hander Guillermo Mota, who threw him a first-pitch sinker. Hunter laced the 92-mph pitch into center field for his first Major League hit in his third Major League game. Hunter's Padres teammates got the ball back. It was supposed to be a priceless memento from a once-in-a-lifetime moment. "I never got the ball," Hunter said after Monday's 4-3 victory over the Tigers in a Grapefruit League game at Joker Marchant Stadium. "They threw it in the dugout, told me they were going to do the print on it and everything, and I never got it." But the missing ball from Hunter's first and only stint in the big leagues five years ago has not become his Rosebud. "I think it's the way it should be," Hunter said. "If I get back up there again, I want it to be with a team that will be my home team. I feel like the Phillies really treat me well and I feel really comfortable in this organization with the coaches and the staff. I'm just excited for this." Because of injuries to Aaron Altherr and Cody Asche, Hunter, who signed a Minor League contract with the Phillies in January, has a chance to make the Phillies' Opening Day roster. At the moment, the Opening Day outfield could be Odubel Herrera, Peter Bourjos and Rule 5 Draft pick Tyler Goeddel, with non-roster invitees David Lough and Hunter as the extra outfielders. Herrera has not played since March 12 because of a bruised left middle finger. He will be reexamined Tuesday, which is concerning. "It's every kid's dream," Hunter said about a spot on the roster. "I feel like this round would be a lot better than the last." The Padres selected Hunter in the third round of the 2006 Draft and his star quickly rose from there. The 28-year-old earned MVP honors in the Rookie-level Arizona League that same summer, and Baseball America named him San Diego's top prospect in 2007. But Hunter struggled in 2009 in Double-A San Antonio, and he dropped to No. 23 in the organizational rankings. He never reappeared, although he made the Padres' Opening Day roster in 2011 because of a great spring and a late injury to Eric Patterson. Hunter went 1-for-4 with one walk in six games before the Padres optioned him to Triple-A on April 9 to make room for a healthy Patterson. Hunter injured his left groin in July and missed the remainder of the season. He has jumped around since, opening Spring Training 2012 with Oakland before the A's traded him to St. Louis for cash that April. He signed Minor League contracts with the Indians, Braves and Phillies. "It's definitely something I didn't assume would happen in my life," Hunter said. "I think God just puts certain things in your life so you can grow from it. I was [23] when I got up there and I definitely shouldn't have been up there at that time. It just kind of worked out that way. I feel like now I'm a lot more mature. I've learned from a lot of veterans that I've been around in Major League camp, and I feel like it's a different feeling." But he also knows not to get wrapped up in being so close to the big leagues. The Phillies are talking to teams about acquiring another outfielder before Opening Day. If they acquire somebody, Hunter could open in Triple-A. "Obviously, we're thinking about it," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "That remains to be seen. But I like both of the guys I got there [Lough and Hunter]. They've both been really good. Both of them fit right in. It's going to be a tough decision, whether we can keep one or two or whatever." Hunter went 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs against the Tigers. He is hitting .302 (13-for-43) with four doubles, one triple, three home runs, 10 RBIs, three walks, seven strikeouts and a .991 OPS. Lough is hitting .310 (9-for-29) with two doubles, one home run, four RBIs, eight walks, five strikeouts and a .942 OPS. "I feel great, but in my mind I'm trying to stay content and just hear the words first than just assume," Hunter said. "We've got a week left. There's no telling what can happen in a week." Hunter knows better than anybody. He spent a week in the big leagues in 2011. He has been trying to get back ever since. "The big leagues are a big step, man," Hunter said. "I'm just glad to get a taste, but it's a little different this time."

Efficiency On Display – If Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola is not ready for the season to start, he looks close. Nola allowed two hits, one run, two walks and struck out three in six innings Monday afternoon in the Phillies' 4-3 victory over the Tigers in a Grapefruit League game at Joker Marchant Stadium. It was his best performance of the spring, which is a good thing considering Opening Day is two weeks away. "My body feels a little bit more in tune, my command feels a little bit more in tune," Nola said. "It felt good, other than the third inning when I walked the leadoff batter and he scored. I got myself in trouble that inning." Nola recorded 10 ground-ball outs, limiting him to 65 pitches. He threw his changeup more frequently later in the game, which proved effective. "I got some contact on that, some swings and misses on that, which I needed," he said. Nola has worked on his changeup throughout the spring. "I definitely feel like I've made a lot of strides with it since last year," he said. Nola is on schedule to start the second game of the season on April 6 in Cincinnati, which will allow him to start the home opener at Citizens Bank Park on April 11 against the Padres. Jeremy Hellickson is in line to start Opening Day on April 4, although the Phillies have made no official announcement. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said it could come in the next couple of days.

Futures Game Debut – The Phillies are trying something new before they open their season April 4 in Cincinnati, hosting a "Phillies Futures Game" on April 2 at Citizens Bank Park. The 2016 Phillies will play against some of the organization's top Minor League prospects, many of whom are on MLBPipeline's Top 100 Prospects list. That group is expected to include shortstop J.P. Crawford, outfielders Nick Williams and Roman Quinn and right-handers Jake Thompson, Mark Appel and Zach Eflin. Others are expected to be announced. In the past, the Phillies hosted a Major League team the weekend before the season opener. But the opportunity to see some of the best prospects in baseball could entice Phillies fans to the ballpark. "We are extremely excited to showcase some of our young talent from our Minor League roster, who will be selected to be on the Phillies Futures team," Phillies farm director Joe Jordan said. "It's going to be a fun matchup for our fans in Philadelphia as our Major League roster plays ball against the All-Stars of our farm system during the final Spring Training game of the season." Fans 14 and under will receive a PGW Phillies Futures Series Fathead, featuring the logos of the Phillies' Minor League affiliates. Fans can purchase tickets at phillies.com at the Phillies ticket windows at Citizens Bank Park. Ticket prices range from $10 to $35. Visit phillies.com/futures for further information and upcoming additions to the lineup.

Today In Phils History - Today is a simple recollection as we note that today would have been Cory Lidle's 44th birthday. 

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies have begun the spring with a 14-5-2 record (15-5-2 if you include the exhibition game against the University of Tampa). With the Phillies having finished the 2015 season with a spectacularly awful record of 63-99 it will be interesting to see what kind of team new President Andy MacPhail and GM Matt Klentak put on the field. At the same time I am definitely looking forward to the games against Boston with former GM Ruben Amaro on the field. Given the departures, lingering contracts, a history of injuries, bipolar performances, and unproven talent, it should, at the very least, be an interesting season for the Phillies. Who knows, maybe they can avoid 100 losses... hopefully by more than one game!

What Are The Phillies Going To Do This Week?

PHILS PHACTS:

No news heading into the first day of the Winter Meetings…

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies finally put an end to the season finishing in last place in the NL East with a record of 63-99. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances, this has ended up being one of the worst seasons in franchise history! However, at least Ryan Madson got another ring this year.

Homers Hound Hamels As Phillies Fall To Jays

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP: Jays Jack Phils 6-3

Jose Reyes and Jose Bautista each launched first-inning home runs, and Josh Donaldson went deep in the sixth as the Blue Jays beat the Phillies, 6-3, before a sell-out crowd of 9,568 at Bright House Field. Left-hander Cole Hamels, coming off an outing in which he surrendered five runs on six hits in two innings, settled down after the two early homers. Hamels allowed five hits and struck out five as he threw 72 pitches over 3 2/3 innings. "Just being able to go out there and feel fresh even with that [pitch count] increase, I didn't even notice it," Hamels said. "I guess that's a good thing." Toronto knuckleballer R.A. Dickey made his third Grapefruit League start for the Jays and continued to pitch well. The right-hander pitched a full six innings, allowing five hits and two unearned runs. Reyes and Bautista provided the early offense for Toronto. Reyes crushed his first homer of the spring on Hamels' first pitch, lining it down the left-field line. Bautista followed Reyes' homer with a bomb of his own, sending a 3-1 pitch over the fence in dead center field to make it 2-0. "He hits the ball hard," Hamels said. "If you get yourself in a bad count, you know he's going to do some damage. ... When he's up, you really have to be precise and execute pitches." The Phillies got on the board in the fourth inning. Second baseman Chase Utley reached on an error by Reyes, moved to second on Ryan Howard's groundout and slid home safely after a single to right by catcher Carlos Ruiz. Ruiz then stole second and scored on a single by center fielder Odubel Herrera to tie the game. Donaldson's solo homer off Seth Rosin broke the tie, and the Jays pulled further ahead with three more runs in the eighth. The Phils added a run in the bottom of the inning when Ben Revere scored on a groundout by Russ Canzler to bring the score to 6-3.

TODAY’S EXHIBITION GAME:

Right-hander Jerome Williams will take the mound Sunday as the Phillies head south to face the Red Sox at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. Williams was scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday after he "tweaked" his hamstring. Williams has given up three runs on seven hits in eight innings this spring. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET live on MLB.TV.

PHILS NOTES:

• Right-hander Chad Billingsley, working back from surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his right arm, threw 18 pitches in one inning during a Minor League game at the Carpenter Complex. Billingsley gave up two hits and struck out one batter.
• Before Saturday's game, the Phillies optioned catcher Tommy Joseph to Minor League camp. Joseph, brought over in the Hunter Pence trade in 2012, went 2-for-13 in five Grapefruit League games. The Phillies now have 44 players in big league camp, including 15 non-roster invitees.
• Outfielder Jeff Francoeur (oblique soreness) is scheduled to get back on the field Sunday for the first time since March 12, playing right field against the Red Sox at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.
• The Phillies honored more than 30 former players, coaches and executives during a pregame Alumni Day ceremony Saturday afternoon. Darren Daulton threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Larry Bowa.

PHILS PHACTS:

Back To Normal – Chase Utley took another step forward in the Phillies' 6-3 loss to the Blue Jays at Bright House Field on Saturday, playing four innings at second base -- his first defensive action all spring. Utley only had to make one play, snagging a line drive by Jose Reyes to lead off the third inning, but he said after exiting the game that he felt good. "It went well. Played four innings, didn't have a whole lot of action, but it went well," Utley said. "Just trying to get some defensive reps. Today was a good start." Utley isn't sure what his schedule looks like the rest of the way. With more than two weeks to get ready for Opening Day, the Phillies likely will gradually increase the number of innings he plays at second per game. "I don't necessarily see playing every single day from here on out, but trying to just, take baby steps in a smart way," Utley said. "Good to see him out on the field," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg added. "That's a step in the right direction as far as him saying that he's ready to play the field." Utley, who sprained his right ankle in January, seems to have no issues running the bases. He ran hard from second base, turned the corner at third and slid home safely in the fourth inning of Saturday's game. "So far, so good," Utley said. "The last few games, I've been on the bases, and I've had to pump it up a little bit, and it's been fine."

Out Of Left Field – Ben Revere received word Friday morning that he would be spending some time in left field. So when the Phillies hit the road to Bradenton, Revere hit the field to work at a position he hasn't played in nearly three years. Revere started Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Blue Jays in left field, with Odubel Herrera in center field. They're slated to line up the same way against the Red Sox on Sunday. Revere has exclusively played center field for the Phillies. He spent 21 games in left with the Twins from 2010-12, and he played 52 games there in the Minors. Could this change be permanent? "Never know. You never know," Revere said Saturday morning. "Definitely a lot of changes this spring and everything, so if it's permanent, got to be ready for it." Revere began getting ready for the idea on Friday, estimating that he fielded 100 balls either hit by Minor League coaches or fed into a machine. It will be an adjustment for Revere, but he seemed to be taking it well. "I'm ready for it. Just something to help get some guys in the lineup, get some bats in the lineup," Revere said. "If it's something I have to do, I have to do [it.] If they move me back to center, I'll be ready for it. But if I play left, I'll be ready for that, too. "As long as I'm in the lineup, as long as I'm out there trying to help the team win, that's the biggest key for me." If it sticks, the switch would provide more of an opportunity for Herrera, the Phils' Rule 5 Draft pick who has impressed so far this spring. Herrera is hitting .389 with four stolen bases. "Kind of all part of Spring Training, to try some different things and some different possibilities," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "Something I wanted to look at. All part of Spring Training." Herrera was lifted for a pinch-runner after reaching on a bunt single in the seventh inning on Saturday. He said afterward that his right knee was sore, but Sandberg said the substitution was precautionary. Before that, both players handled the adjustment well Saturday afternoon. Herrera unleashed a perfect throw to shortstop Freddy Galvis, who made an equally impressive throw home to tag out a runner in the sixth inning. Revere threw out a runner at home in the eighth as well. "Herrera's arm, I think, plays in center field, and I think left field allows Ben's arm to play a little better," Sandberg said. "Overall, the defense we show [is] pretty solid in those two positions with that combination."

Stretching Out – Opening Day is a little more than two weeks away, and Cole Hamels has yet to throw four innings in a Grapefruit League game. It's not that Hamels hasn't built up his pitch count; he just hasn't been able to pitch deep enough into games. Hamels threw 72 pitches in Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Blue Jays at Bright House Field. His pitch limit was 75, so he came out after 3 2/3 innings. The left-hander's velocity is fine, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said, and Hamels said he felt so good that he was "shocked" when Sandberg said it was time to come out of the game. But Hamels and Sandberg said the lefty has some work to do before his fastball command is where it should be. "I felt like it got better. It's nowhere where I expect it to be, but that's what I have to work toward the next two weeks," Hamels said. "That's what I'm going to build up to, is really to be able to focus and be able to get the fastball location down more of the nine out of 10 [times], as opposed to probably where I'm at -- at two out of 10." "Cole threw a lot of pitches for his four innings. He had a lot of deep counts. Not sharp yet with control or command," Sandberg said. "That doesn't allow him to really get to his offspeed stuff in counts where he would like to have it. A lot of pitches in four innings." Of course, Hamels' 7.59 ERA this spring is no indication of the pitcher he is during the regular season. He had a spring ERA of 6.67 in 2011 then went 14-9 with a 2.79 ERA during the season. Sandberg even said there were "no concerns for Cole as far as I'm concerned." But when it comes to preparing for the season, Hamels would obviously like to pitch deeper into games to build up his stamina. "Just want to be able to get out there and get enough up-down innings, which I think is the next step," Hamels said. "I think that would probably be everybody's goal as a starter."

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.