There has been much discussion about the Phillies reluctance to let John Mayberry Jr. walk. In my offseason plan posted last month on PhilliesNation.com, it included letting Mayberry go and signing Chris Young to a two-year, $10 million deal. The Phillies instead held onto JMJ and inked Marlon Byrd to a two-year, $16 million deal.
Now, there have been rumblings from the organization that they’re looking to upgrade the outfield and the bench. That means they’ll have to find someone who can play decent defense at all three outfield spots and provide a bit of pop. Who’s left that could possibly provide that?
If we’re going into the deep end first, Grady Sizemore is an interesting name. He hasn’t played in the majors since 2011 due to bad wheels. However, if there was ever a buy-low candidate, he would be it. Sizemore hit 20 or more home runs in four straight seasons, but the legs are definitely an issue. But if he’s asked to play sparingly, can they hold up?
Franklin Gutierrez is another interesting name. He doesn’t hit for as much power as Mayberry, and he’s certainly erratic as the plate, evident in his .306 OBP. Defensively, he was at one time an elite fielder, but the last two season has a negative dWAR.
Tyler Colvin was, at one time, a fine young power hitting prospect. Those days are gone as he flamed out in Colorado last year. He is a former first round pick, but is a terrible outfielder, with center field likely his worst position.
Cesar Hernandez is an in-house name, and defensively he might be able to deal with center field. But he’s not going to give much in the way of power. After those names, which aren’t eye-popping to begin with, the crop is ravaged.
As you can see, the Phillies may have to stick with Mayberry once again and hope that he can supply some sort of consistency from the pine.
