Amaro: Age Not An Issue For Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro says his team’s age isn’t a key issue going into the 2012 season and the team will find a away to fill in for Ryan Howard.

Amaro spoke with our Colleen Wolfe on Thursday about some key issues heading into spring training.

“I think people are making a little bit too much of the age of this club. I think it os more about if the club was healthier that it wouldn’t be as much of an issue,” he said.

“I know health and age kind of go hand in hand,” Amaro said, but he also believes some of the injuries aren’t age related.

And what about injured slugger Ryan Howard?

“He’s progressed well, “ Amaro said, adding that he hoped to get Howard back after the season started.

Amaro thinks the Phillies will pitch in and find a way to win games until Howard hopefully returns in May.

“I think we can produce enough as a group to win baseball games,” he said.

Also, Amaro said the Phillies and Cole Hamels were trying to keep him in a Phillies uniform.

“Hopefully, we can get to the finish line,” Amaro said.

Amaro also looked forward to starting the season with Chase Utley and Hunter Pence in the lineup.