Ryan Lawrence was one of the most visual casualties of the massive Philly.com/Daily News/Inquirer layoffs. But he wasn’t out of a job too long – though every day probably felt like forever – and he’s back on the beat at the Philly Voice in 2016.

I’m very grateful for the opportunity to join a growing, talented group of writers and reporters, guys like John Kopp, who I’ve previously worked with at the Delaware County Daily Times, and a sports staff with Matt Mullin, Rich Hofmann and Jimmy Kempski, who I’ve also crossed paths in recent years at the Philadelphia Daily News and philly.com.

I didn’t necessarily want to be a free agent this winter, but, as with major league players who are non-tendered, released, or outrighted off the 40-man roster, it wasn’t anything personal. It’s just a business. You have to move on and make the most of the next opportunity. And that’s definitely what I plan to do here, on this website, offering you the same Phillies coverage you were accustomed to reading and following daily through social media (@ryanlawrence21 is alive and well!), while also creating new content that will keep it fresh and unique, too …

I’m very happy to be aboard. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to stay on the Phillies beat; if I ever left, I’d rather do it on my own terms.

Good to have you back, Ryan. Some others (allegedly) probably are too.