Phillies open 'camp of opportunities'

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Phillies long offseason officially ends this morning with the team's first spring training workout for pitchers and catchers. Over six weeks, the Phillies will whittle their roster down to a final 25.

This year, manager Ryne Sandberg said, is  "a camp of opportunities."

"Obviously it's going to have a different feel with much more competition in camp," said Sandberg. "some new faces, a lot of players to get to know, not only on a personal level, but to see what they can do."

Sandberg's team is picked by Vegas oddsmakers to have the league's worst record. Cole Hamels said on Wednesday that he hopes to be traded. Questions linger around Ryan Howard. Yet, the manager remains optimistic.

"We can be a surprise-type of team," manager Ryne Sandberg said. "...You never know in baseball. You get the right guys together on the same page, you just never know."

Today in Clearwater. The Phillies will hold their first spring training workout for pitchers and catchers. The Bright House Networks Field clubhouse will be open to the press for the first time. Cliff Lee will hold a news conference after the team's workout. Follow @JakeMKaplan and @matt_breen for live updates. Check back here for posts throughout the day.