Now is the Time | Even if the Phillies weren't about to enter the season well-stocked with a balanced lineup, impressive pitching, and veteran leadership. . . .

Even if the Phillies weren't about to unveil the glittering jewel that Citizens Bank Park looks to be. . . .

Even if the Phillies finally look and act like a real Major League Baseball team instead of the Major League Cleveland Indians team assembled with the express purpose of losing so that Rachel Phelps could move the club to Florida. . . .

Even if the Phillies were about to embark on one of their vintage 90-loss seasons populated by major league has-beens and minor league never-should-have-beens. . . .

Even if all of the above were true, there would still be something worth savoring about today, the opening of spring training, the magical day when pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater.

It's not about everyone starting the season in first place and each team firmly believing that the pennant is well within its grasp. No, there have been plenty of years when we all knew the Phils would be lucky to play their way out of the N.L. East basement. This is about having a tangible sign that longer days and warmer nights are on the way. That the bourbon-smooth voice of Harry Kalas soon will come drifting comfortably out of my car speakers. That daily boxscores are on the verge of being at my fingertips once again. That very shortly, I'll be sitting outside on a beautiful summer afternoon, talking about my favorite sport with complete strangers while sipping a beer or two while Jim Thome blasts rockets into the rightfield stands.

Yes, the beginning of spring training is one of the year's very special days. When you throw into the mix that the Phils are walking around the Gulf Coast of Florida wearing t-shirts that say "Now is the Time," well, what can you say but: Play ball!