Pitchers and catchers report to Phillies Spring training next week, which is a bit of positive news following a couple of stinky Flyers and Sixers losses last night.

We’re approaching mid-February in Philadelphia, when the winter begins to wear you out a little bit. As much as I’m sure we all love the shitty and cold weather (with tornado warnings), Clearwater is the place to be, and that’s where Jim Salisbury and Ricky Bottalico are headed as we speak.

The pair are doing a video series for NBC Sports Philadelphia called Making the Trip, and their ride will feature a number of symbolic stops, including (via press release):

  • Nationals Park – home of the World Series Champion Washington Nationals
  • (Jim) Salisbury, NC 
  • Spartanburg, SC – Duncan Park – Where Bottalico made his minor league debut
  • Dallas, GA – Zack Wheeler’s hometown
  • Atlanta, GA – former home of Fulton County Stadium, where Bottalico made his Major League debut
  • Clearwater, FL – Arrive Sunday

They started the trip this morning, leaving from the Wawa on MacDade Boulevard in Folsom:

Highlights from Making The Trip will be made available as a digital series on NBCsportsphiladelphia.com starting on Monday.