Age could be a problem for Phillies Outfield
The Philadelphia Phillies enter the 2010 season with hopes of getting back to the World Series for a third straight time. There are many key elements to a successful return to the Series for the Phillies. One of those keys will be the outfield position.
Projected Starting Outfielders:
LF Raul Ibanez = Ibanez is coming off his first season with the Phillies. He hit .272 with 34 homeruns and 32 doubles while driving in 93 RBI’s. Ibanez played in 134 games for the Phillies last year. He will be 38 this year.
CF Shane Victorino= Victorino played in 156 games last year the most in his career. Last season was the 5th for Victorino as a Philly. He had a career year last year batting .292 with 102 runs and 62 RBI’s. Victorino also had 39 doubles and 13 triples. Victorino will be 30 this year.
RF Jayson Werth= Werth in his 4th year with the Phillies played in a career most 159 games last season. Werth hit for .268 will driving in 99 RBI’s and scoring 98 times. Werth also had power with 36 homeruns and 26 doubles. Werth will turn 31 this season.
Backups:
Ben Francisco (29 years old) 37 games last year batting .278
John Mayberry (27 years old) 39 games last year batting .211
Quintin Berry (26 years old) never played in the Pros
With age a legitimate concern for the Phillies look for them to monitor the progress of Quintin Berry and John Mayberry. Werth and Victorino looked to be good for another 4-5 years while Ibanez is playing on borrowed time. Francisco will be the main reliever for any the positions. Mayberry will see limited time again while Berry will sharpen his tools in AAA. If the Phillies need him they can grab Ross Gload who will be backing up Ryan Howard at first to give them a lift in the outfield.
Phillies Outfield Grade is B- I look for Werth and Victorino to have big years again but I see Ibanez struggling this year and the young guys are just not ready for the lime light right now.
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