2011 ST Random Phillies Stuff III: The Search for Grit

by **lowcountry** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 14:42:36

The difference in the Phils and Braves?

Braves' manager does his in-game interview standing, looking at notes, looking like there's all kinds of shit going on.

Phillies have Dubee chat while reclining in a chair against a wall generally looking like he doesn't have a care in the world.

by **Grotewold** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 14:45:44

lowcountry wrote:Phillies have Dubee chat while reclining in a chair against a wall generally looking like he doesn't have a care in the world.

That's because Dubee flat out rules

by **WheelsFellOff** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 14:58:49

Never fear, Baez is here to ruin a perfectly good thing.

by **WheelsFellOff** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 14:59:33

And immediately get a GIDP to make me look like a fool. Well played Danys.

by **nycphils** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:10:47

Eem wrote:I have not seen anything suggesting Mayberry will start in RF

Have I just isolated myself that much?

ek wrote: don't think so. it'll be francisco or gload

From 3/21 On the Beat from BP (Rumors and Rumblings):

John Mayberry Jr. has pulled ahead of Ben Francisco in the competition to be the Phillies' Opening Day right fielder as rookie Dominic Brown recovers from his broken hand.

From 3/23 Jayson Stark's ESPN blog:

While all the focus on Philadelphia seems to be on second base, Charlie Manuel might be more concerned about right field, where Ben Francisco clearly hasn't done enough since Domonic Brown got hurt to convince Manuel he's an everyday player. Manuel seems increasingly intrigued by John Mayberry Jr.'s potential, likening Mayberry's progress to a "Jayson Werth-type deal." But the Phillies continue to look around for a veteran outfielder who can play some center field. One name to keep an eye on: Aaron Rowand, if the Giants are willing to digest virtually all of the $24 million he has coming over the next two years. But scouts following the Giants think there's almost no chance of that.

• On John Mayberry Jr. (Phillies): "He's made progress. He's better than I've seen him. His pitch recognition seems to be much better. Much better 'takes' at the plate. And that's always been a big thing with him."

And a bonus item, just for being you:

On the Beat from BP (a Scout's take):

Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins: "He's really slowing down in all phases of the game. I know he's a popular player in Philadelphia, but he's a free agent at the end of the year and [general manager] Ruben Amaro has got to think long and hard before he re-signs him."

by **Grotewold** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:13:32

ek > bp

by **nycphils** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:14:10

I didn't say I agreed. I just said I was concerned about the craptastic lineup we are likely to be throwing out at the beginning of this year.

However, there is certainly indication it could happen.

by **nycphils** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:18:14

Consider the source on this one, but there seems to be a lot of smoke - from GCobb today:

He doesn’t receive the recognition. He is rarely discussed by Philadelphia fans. But he’s close to becoming the starting right fielder.

No, this person is not Ben Francisco.

John Mayberry Jr. has quickly climbed the ladder this spring, and he may have played himself into the starting gig come Opening Day

by **Soren** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:19:13

nycphils wrote:GCobb

by **Eddie Jordan** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:21:16

won't they name Francisco the opening day starter at least as a good will jester

by **smitty** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:32:59

Contreras has the closer mentality.

by **jerseyhoya** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:33:28

I knew he could do it

by **Napalm** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:41:42

He's gonna play through the pain all season long.

by **Woody** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:43:03

I expect Ryan Howard to come down with Tuberculosis any day now

by **JFLNYC** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:43:53

ek wrote:mayberry up to .298 now with that hit. francisco is at .364. i hear ya nyc. mayberry has more power, that might be why manuel is intrigued

Also, Charlie has made a number of comments questioning Francisco's defense. OTOH Mayberry seems like a pretty good defensive RF (although I have. No stats to back that up). Also better speed.

by **joe table** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:52:55

I have a hazy memory of Mayberry having a good arm but maybe that's off. I know Francisco has a pretty miserable arm, especially from RF....but I still think he obviously deserves to start the season in RF given his extensive big league track record. Mayberry still should have plenty of chances to contribute though and play himself into more ABs

by **Monkeyboy** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 15:52:56

ek wrote:hate to put more fuel on the fire but polanco is still having elbow issues

JSalisburyCSN Jim Salisbury
Polanco still little sore in elbow. Says he will manage it. He is disappointed by it. Day off Sat. Play rest of way, he said.

There goes what little power he has.

by **JFLNYC** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 16:07:20

Yeah, in a fair world Francisco gets the job. I'd be very tempted to give Mayberry a shot, though. He's got the better upside and is the only one on the roster with the potential to come close to Werth's overall contributions. I'd be very tempted to put him in the 5 hole on Opening Day and give him the chance.

by **Eem** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 16:07:31

ek wrote:this is concerning me, this whole thing now. the injuries, etc. someone talk me down. ftn preferably

You were probably worried about the traffic on parade day

by **joe table** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 16:21:40

Watching the ESPN game on DVR right now. They talked about an interesting quote from Howard, something to the effect of "I know I am going to lead the league in breaking balls seen early in the count." I don't know if that's literally true but it's essentially right, given the way people have pitched him the last couple of years. Hopefully him being fully aware of the scouting report against him will encourage him to be a little more selective against the slop in early counts and work more fastball counts and walks

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2011 ST Random Phillies Stuff III: The Search for Grit