Phillies’ year of the challenge

Three arms:

Barring any pitching changes for 2018, the red pinstripes will be competitive because their offense proved it could plate runs. They were 10th in the majors for the second half of 2017, and the addition of Carlos Santana will increase their production.

As for lead protection, the hometown nine have a lefty specialist, five setup men, and a closer. Yes, Hector Neris! He saved all 19 opportunities he had after the All-Star break.

Clearly, Nola will head up the rotation and have the Opening Day assignment. And you can expect more dominant performances and stretches from the newly minted ace: He added fastball velocity by using his legs and increased his accuracy above the major league average of 70 percent.

Slotting second, Jerad Eickhoff is a good bet to bounce back to his 2016 form: 11-14 with a 3.65 ERA for 197 1/3 innings over 33 games. He also recorded, at least, an out in the seventh frame nine times that summer. Prediction: a comeback.

In the three spot, Vince Velasquez will strive to improve on his results for ’16: 8-6 with a 4.12 ERA for 131 innings over 24 games. But if he can command his secondary pitches to go with his 94-mph smoke and stay healthy, he could be better than a veteran added during the offseason for ’18.

"IT APPLIES HERE: “It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.” – Robert W. Service"