[mace]

In terms of production, Phipps appears to be this year's Sappelt. Of course, there are significant differences. Sappelt's season was continuous. Phipps' is a result of a monstrous, protracted run after a very lackluster start. Sappelt had a history of hitting. Phipps doesn't. In the outfield, Sappelt is all speed, no arm. Phipps is adequate speed (from what I can glean) and fabulous arm. But the breakout factor is similar.

I'm not sure, though, about the Stubbs question. I'm not the biggest Stubbs fan--I think his trade value may be greater than his field value--but I'd be nervous about anointing Phipps at this stage. Tough call. On the other hand, the odds of replacing Stubbs' contribution with some combination of Sappelt, Heisey and Phipps seem pretty dang solid. Too bad they're all right-handed hitters.