We're Not Saying Doc's Start Today Is the Most Important of the Season, But… Yeah, We're Not Saying That

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But it's a damn big one.

The Phillies take on the Blue Jays this afternoon in what will be their final game down in Florida before returning to Philadelphia to play their yearly On Deck Series tomorrow and Saturday at Citizens Bank Park against the same Toronto team. Typically, the final game down in Florida is a chance for everybody to fine tune whatever last minute thing each guy has been working on all spring. Rarely is so much riding on the final spring start from a pitcher. But Roy Halladay has had a wacky and quite concerning spring.

So today's start from Doc will no doubt be examined closely.

CSN's Jim Salisbury writes that while the Phils have had quite a few positive's this spring down in Clearwater, Roy's month has been causing anxiety in the organization.

Halladay, 35, has had a curious spring that has included dead (fatigued) arm, lethargy, a stomach bug, delivery issues and diminished velocity. He has had trouble finding his cutter and has been hit hard recently.

Less than a week before opening day, nobody is sure whether Halladay can be consistently effective again. Halladay himself has acknowledged that he doesnt have the pop he once did, but he believes he can have success if he concentrates on important standbys such as location, preparation, game plan and mixing pitches.

He's had believable excuses. And it's hard not to want to believe a guy with the work ethic like Roy Halladay. But really, the only true believable thing is that which we see on the field. Phillies fans everywhere are hoping and praying they see a glimpse of the Doc of old this afternoon.

At the very least maybe the Doc who didn't have to labor so damn much.

1:05 start on The Comcast Network. Feel free to discuss in the comments.

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High anxiety: Halladay remains a concern on final day of camp CSN

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