While Phillies fans absorb old-school numbers and sabermetrics alike, other factors will also add to the whole picture: The ones felt in the dugout, the clubhouse and the pregame field surrounded by the decks and rows of empty seats.

Beyond the stats:

National writers are predicting the number of wins and losses for all 30 franchises, and the Philadelphia Phillies faithful are hearing about the improved record the signed ace and slugger will produce. However, camaraderie and friendly competition are components of team unity, and they directly affect the end result as well.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Attitude is greatly shaped by influence and association.” – Jim Rohn

Behind the numbers, the pressure to produce is ever-present on offense and defense. But having a Jake Arrieta and a Carlos Santana slightly lowers the intensity of internal and external expectations for the other players.

Concentrating on Arrieta and Santana, the opposition will not be solely focusing on Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins. And the youngsters will benefit from the “don’t let that guy beat you” approach.

In the lineup, Hoskins batting cleanup behind Santana in the two hole is an advantage for both hitters. The opposing hurler can’t pitch around Santana because Hoskins also has plate discipline, and a knock by Santana can equal Hoskins getting something decent in the strike zone.

Rotation-wise, Arrieta will start one of the contests against the New York Mets due to catching up to the other arms on the five-man staff. And either Nola or Arrieta will work in every series, but some essential three-game matchups could have both moundsmen.

As for rookie and sophomore players, observing the confidence of Santana and Arrieta alone is immeasurable. Additionally, when even young regulars can anticipate their teammates’ reactions on the diamond, they gel for victories, not individual statistics.

On a Phillies site recently, one poster made an excellent point: He said a .500 record puts any club within striking distance of a wild card. However, national scribes and other fans envision the Phils improving to 85-77 or 89-73 by adding Arrieta.

Another popular topic was Jerad Eickhoff‘s injury. In other words, the faithful mentioned two options: Sign Alex Cobb or see the handful of young hurlers. But Eickhoff won’t miss 2018 or even the first half, so the latter is apparently general manager Matt Klentak’s move.