DUNEDIN, Fla. -- If the Phillies fall short in their pursuit of Jake Arrieta, they could move forward with what they have.
They believe it could work. They believe that in part because they believe Nick Pivetta, who allowed two runs in two innings Friday in a 2-1 loss to Toronto in the Grapefruit League opener at Dunedin Stadium, will establish himself as a reliable, effective starter in the National League. The numbers tell them it is possible.
"It's nice to look back at that and see where I finished and move forward," Pivetta said of an encouraging second half last season.