Phillies Therapy Paul Boye and Matt Gelb, Bleav

Paul and Matt's first Twitch simulcast episode (of which you are hearing the audio-only portion, naturally) finds them evaluating the ups and downs, reals and not-reals of the season's first nearly-complete calendar month.

The Phillies did what they were supposed to, and then some, sweeping consecutive home series against two downtrodden teams. Now, the tests resume on a swing across the country from Ohio to California. Paul and Matt review the team's readiness for keeping the division close, the coming rotation shuffle with Taijuan Walker's return, and take a moment to appreciate the team being in the midst of a new "golden age."

As we continue to wait to herald the offense's arrival, the pitching continues to carry the day and keep the Phils afloat. With two of the league's more down-and-out teams coming to Philly this week, now would be the time to bust out the big bats.

It's not quite the fast start everyone was hoping for, but at 4-5 the Phillies are far from a disaster out of the gate. They carry some lineup concerns, but with strong pitching carrying most of the load, there are encouraging signs (even for those who have struggled) to be found as the team wraps its first roadtrip.

The Braves bolt out of the gate looking like a regular season power again, while the Phillies scrape together a salvaging Sunday win. Plus some thoughts on stated intentions (generally speaking) and how it'll be "still early" for the likes of Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh for a little while yet.

Roster reviews! Positional breakdowns! Over/unders and props! A little bit too much laughing about Edmundo Sosa's aggressive approach! It must be time for the 2024 Phillies season preview. Join us on the journey and get ready for the opening series against the Braves.