At times it feels like just yesterday the Phillies were on top of the baseball world. Now eight seasons removed from being crowned as World Champions the Phillies are in the middle of a massive roster turnover that many fans and baseball experts are excited about. Here are a few of the keys to the Phillies over-haul.

1. 2012 Trade Deadline

Sitting at 47-58, the Phillies took the first step in the long process of re-building with a few deadline deals that sent fan favorites Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino out of town for prospects as well as Joe Blanton who was dealt with The Los Angeles Dodgers. With trade talks lingering about former World Series MVP Cole Hamels, the Phillies decided to lock him up long-term with a monster six-year deal.

2. A Legend Moves on

Just four years after making it back to back World Series and winning one of them, Charlie Manuel was fired and replaced with Ryne Sandberg. The manager that brought Philadelphia their first world championship in 28 years was shipped off by general manager Ruben Amaro. Although the 2012 deadline seemed to be a move towards a rebuild, the firing of Charlie Manuel showed just how drastic the Phillies management was willing to press the restart button. The Phightins would finish 23 games out of first place in the National League East.

3. Cole Hamel's Trade

In 2015 Cole Hamels was dealt to the Rangers in exchange for a sizeable chunk of Texas's farm system. The Phillies were able to acquire Jorge Alfaro, Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, and Jared Eickhoff. Although all these players possess great upsides, Jorge Alfaro is the star of this list. Alfaro is known to have ridiculous power both at the plate and from behind home plate. Nick Williams is an all-around fielder who can hit for contact but still has to get use to center field. Thompson and Eickhoff are two prototypical righties who have potential. Eickhoff has started well throwing 12 innings so far with a 1.50 ERA.

4. Nola and Franco's team?

With the faces of Utley, Rollins, Halladay and Hamels no longer roaming CBP, the question is who will step up and lead the new-age Phillies. The rising promise of Maikel Franco and Aaron Nola has fans excited. But can they turn the team around before they become the next trade bait for a continuing re-build? Only time will decide