Smoke Rings, Cigars, Drinks & Baseball: the Ingredients for a Great Season!

There’s is nothing like passing spring and summer nights like watching baseball and having a cigar and a good drink! Those nights are getting close as baseball’s Opening Day is Thursday, March 27. For many in this area that means the Phillies Hunt for a Red October begins.

On a recent trip to Tampa for JC Newmans’ launch of their Tampa Smokers cigar (coming soon), we took the short trip to Clearwater’s Jack Russell Stadium to watch a Phillies-Red Sox spring training game. With four practice fields in the stadium complex, we were able to watch batting practice and pitching sessions, including many of the prospects who will be in the minor leagues at Allentown (AAA) and Reading (AA).

Dave Dombrowski is the Phils President of Baseball Operations (PHOTO WITH TOMMY ABOVE) and is considered a strong candidate to one day be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He’s the only executive in baseball history to lead 4 franchises into the World Series – Marlins (WON); Red Sox (WON); Tigers (lost twice); Phiiilies (lost). Let’s take a quick look at the team he built and that Rob Thomson will once again manage in 2025.

Hot Takes on Phillies 2025

• THE ACES – Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola return at the top of the rotation and if healthy should continue to be one of the best combinations in baseball.
• THE BREAKOUT – Christopher Sanchez emerges as one of the top 20 starters in the league, makes the All Star team and wins 15+ games.
• THE NEW GUYS – Dombrowski gambled on 3 new faces. He traded for Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo – who can be a force if healthy. The lefty throws 95-98 and his stuff has been described as filthy. They signed Twins OF Max Kepler and Toronto’s former closer Jordan Romano to 1 year contracts. We think Dombrowski’s gambles comes up 3 cherries and all 3 chip in.
• THE BATS – Bryce Harper and Trea Turner will both be in the MVP conversation. Kyle Schwarber will hit more than 45 home runs. Bryson Stott bounces back and is an all-star.
• THE FARM – The Phils have some of the top prospects in the game. All three are in the majors and contributing in the 2nd half. Pitcher Andrew Painter who throws high-90s, missed the last 2 seasons to injury. He’ll be up by July, pitch out of the pen and make several starts by the time playoffs begin. Shortstop Aiden Miller’s bat forces his way into the majors – pushing Turner to CF. Justin Crawford’s blazing speed will be a bonus off the bench in late innings.
• THE PEN – Thomson again juggles pitchers in the late innings – Jose Alvarado, Orion Kerkering, Jordan Romano, and Matt Strahm all earn saves during the season.

• The Phillies win the East with 95 wins
• The Phillies get revenge on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS
• Philadelphia hosts another parade after the Phillies edge the Texas Rangers in the World Series

Yes, spring is a time to dream – but some dreams are real! RING THE BELL!