Ben Davis: Phillies believe they can compete

CLEARWATER, Fla. - There's not a player or coach in Phillies camp, Ben Davis said, who does not think the team can be successful this season despite being widely predicted to finish last in the National League.

"Baseball players are just built differently," said Davis, who is entering his first season as one of the team's broadcasters.

The former second overall draft pick from Malvern Prep makes his broadcast debut March 3 when the Phillies host the New York Yankees in the Grapefruit League opener.

Davis spent 15 seasons in professional baseball, including seven in the majors. He said he knew he was never the best player, but he never felt like he was going to fail.

"I don't care what your profession is, you can never go into something feeling defeated. You're not going to have any success," said Davis, who spent the last four seasons as a pre- and postgame analyst for Comcast  SportsNet.

Davis said he expects Ryan Howard to have a good season "whether it's with the Phillies or with another team."

"And I've been a big critic of Ryan Howard over the years," Davis said. "He has a couple of really good games and then he has a bad week. But I think he's going to bounce back and have a very good year."

As a former catcher, Davis said the position gave him a unique perspective. The catcher sees everything, Davis said. He had to build a rapport with each pitcher. Each had a different personality, Davis said. Davis hopes his knowledge of the game comes across in the broadcast booth.

"Talking about baseball in the sense that I'm going to do now is going to be a ton of fun," Davis said. "I just flat out love baseball and I love talking about it."

After retiring from baseball in 2011, Davis said he wanted to know what was next. He had to find a transition, he said. Davis joined Comcast  SportsNet shortly after retiring.

The transition continued last week when he was promoted to the Phillies broadcast team. Davis said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Davis grew up a Phillies fan in Delaware County, listening to the broadcast team of Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn.

"That was something every kid in the area grew up listening to," Davis said. "Obviously, no one can ever fill those shoes. But hopefully this will be a lasting thing for me, my family, and for the Phillies and SportsNet."