"One month now stands between the Phillies and the beginning of spring training. It's around this time of year that I begin to jot down story ideas and major plot lines that will require coverage during my time in Clearwater. The one idea that constantly catches my eye, because I know it will be garner attention this season, is the team's approach at the plate.

General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. played doctor after the 2011 season and diagnosed his ailing lineup with a bad case of swingitis. Too many players were jumping at bad pitches and not working counts, leading to fewer hits and non-productive outs. The remedy: not being afraid to hit with two strikes, cutting down on strikeouts and taking more walks."