Makeover

So the Phillie Phanatic has gotten a makeover. We're not exactly sure what he'll look like, but he's going to debut the new look at Sunday's spring training home opener in Clearwater, which will be televised on NBCSports Philadelphia.

Jim Salisbury of NBCSports Philadelphia says everyone's favorite Galapagos Islands native will be sporting new shoes and socks and might even have slimmed down a little.

The changes probably have to do with a lawsuit filed against the Phillies by the Phanatic's creators who want to take back rights to the Phanatic by June 15. Salisbury wrote that the Phillies hope the creative changes will be enough for the team to continue to legally use the best mascot on the planet. Or the cheating, rat-bastard Astros and their alleged mascot Orbit are somehow to blame.

I know everybody who reports to spring training says they're in the best shape of they're life. But the Phanatic is perfect as is. Here's hoping he hasn't slimmed down too much, because that belly roll is gold. It's gold, Jerry!

The Phillies open spring training games tomorrow against the Tigers. And speaking of openers, it's time to start obsessing about the weather for the Home Opener, set for Thursday, April 2. As of right now, AccuWeather is calling for mostly sunny skies with a high of 57. A little chilly, but we'll take it.