Brandon Phillips

[SidneySlicker]

Their was a tidbit on inside pitch with Bill Bangert (sp?) that I found interesting. I will paraphrase what was said. The Reds have had Phillips working with coach Hatcher on playing defense in the outfield. According to Bangert Phillips has never played in the outfield at any level. Phillips has said he'll do whatever the Reds ask of him.

Just curious on what everyoneone's thoughts are on this. Phillips has been hyped as a tremendous athlete, I wonder if this experiment will amount to anything or not. It maybe no more than just having some more flexibility. The thing that strikes me a little strange is that it's not been fielding that has plagued phillips in the majors, but his hitting. I'd think if he were going to play anywhere for this club it would be in the infield anyway.

[redsmetz]

Originally Posted by SidneySlicker

Their was a tidbit on inside pitch with Bill Bangert (sp?) that I found interesting. I will paraphrase what was said. The Reds have had Phillips working with coach Hatcher on playing defense in the outfield. According to Bangert Phillips has never played in the outfield at any level. Phillips has said he'll do whatever the Reds ask of him.

Just curious on what everyoneone's thoughts are on this. Phillips has been hyped as a tremendous athlete, I wonder if this experiment will amount to anything or not. It maybe no more than just having some more flexibility. The thing that strikes me a little strange is that it's not been fielding that has plagued phillips in the majors, but his hitting. I'd think if he were going to play anywhere for this club it would be in the infield anyway.

In this day and age, I think we forget the day when players would play all over the place. Think of Pete Rose who started at 2nd Base, moved to the outfield, played two positions there, moved to Third to make room for George Foster (I believe at Rose's suggestion) and finished at 1st Base. And he was an All Star at every position.

In Phillips' case, I think anything that gives him consistant AB's, helps to bring the batting around. Look at Freel who is an important cog throughout the field (perhaps to his detriment). It's all good though.

[westofyou]

Robin Yount SS - CF age 29