Each Phillies player found a red shirt draped over their clubhouse chair five months ago when the team reported to Clearwater for the first day of spring training. A motto was born in white letters across the chest.
Be Bold.
The Gabe Kapler Era was deemed from the very first day as the era of boldness. This team, we would learn in the five months since, would not be a bit different from the teams that sludged through the last six dismal seasons. This team – as evident by adding Scott Kingery to the Opening Day roster, signing Jake Arrieta a month before the season, quickly promoting Seranthony Dominguez, and most importantly playing inspired for a manager who bucks convention – has been, well, bold.