Should Dobbs Get More Playing Time?

When the Phillies signed Pedro Feliz to a two-year contract, it seemed the third base situation — in their minds — was resolved. Feliz would play everyday — his standard pop and slick fielding made him the perfect man for the hot corner for the next few years.

Then the reality of Pedro Feliz sank in: .213 AVG, .280 OBP.

Against righties Feliz has a .608 OPS; against lefties it’s .758.

Meanwhile, Greg Dobbs has done this: .355 AVG, .412 OBP.

Against righties Dobbs has a .961 OPS; oddly enough, he has one hit in one appearance against lefties. As a starter, Dobbs has a sterling 1.008 OPS.

While Dobbs is knocking the ball around successfully, he’s getting more playing time against right-handed hitters. But Dobbs can get overmatched sometimes, especially against guys with good breaking pitches. He has struck out seven times in 31 at bats.

Feliz is likely to come around — April has historically been his worst month (.248 AVG, .284 OBP). While it doesn’t get much better than that, chances are Feliz will start hitting with a little more regularity. But with Dobbs hitting the way he has been, does it constitute the need for another platoon situation?

I would think, while Jimmy Rollins is still out, about starting Dobbs at third base and moving Feliz to shortstop. Feliz has the range to help Dobbs from short, and the Phils won’t lose Dobbs’ bat for Eric Bruntlett. Then bruntlett can move in as a defensive replacement late with the lead. When Rollins returns, the Phils can reassess Dobbs and if he’s capable of starting more at third base; until then, the Phils should take advantage of the production they’re getting from him.