A year ago, Roy Halladay was the ace of a Phillies team who had won over 100 games in 2011. Halladay had been his usual dominant self, posting a 19-6 record, with a  2.35 ERA, and a league high 8 complete games.

However an arm injury slowed Doc in 2012, as he had what most would consider his worst year since 2000, going 11-8, with a 4.49 ERA, and only making 25 starts. Many also questioned if Halladay, 35, was slowing down even despite his notoriously great work ethic.

While many Phils fans were buzzing about the teams signing of Delmon Young and who would start in the outfield, the Phillies might have gotten the most important news so far this offseason on Friday.

General Manager Ruben Amaro delivered word to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki yesterday, on how Halladay felt in his first bullpen session, this past Tuesday.

“He felt good about his mechanics,” Amaro said. “[Pitching coach Rich Dubee] seemed to like what he saw. That’s a good, positive sign. Obviously, we’ll know more about how he’s feeling once he gets out there and starts throwing more vigorous [bullpen sessions], but that’s a good sign.”

Roy Halladay and the Phillies hope the old Doc returns in 2013.  Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

It is something small to cling on to. It was just a 30 pitch bullpen session, not a seven inning game in the MLB. But last year at this time, Phillies fans brushed off news that Halladay had lost nearly three miles per hour on his fastball, only to find out it would lead to an injury-filled, inconsistent season for Halladay.

Hopefully the news from Amaro, is the beginning of a turnaround season for Halladay. Remember Doc is in a contract year, so he needs to produce if he hopes to remain in Philly past 2013.