Polanco on moving from 2B to 3B
Placido Polanco moved from second to third base, just as Chase Utley may try to do.
Polanco on moving from 2B to 3B
Ryan Lawrence, Daily News Staff Writer
Placido Polanco signed a three-year, $18 million contract to be the Phillies third baseman three winters ago.
It was somewhat interesting because Polanco had made just five starts at third base since 2004 and none after 2005. Polanco had also won a pair of Gold Gloves as a second baseman with the Detroit Tigers.
Although Polanco has battled health issues - he was out of the starting lineup for the seventh straight game on Thursday after tweaking his back injury last week - he hasn't had any problems fielding his position at third. Taking over for the sure-handed Pedro Feliz, Polanco handled the transition from second to third smoothly, capped with winning Gold Glove honors last season.
He was just the second player in baseball history to win a Gold Glove at two different positions.
With that kind of pedigree, it was worth asking Polanco what he thought about moving from second to third, in light of Wednesday's news that Chase Utley was taking ground balls at third base for a possible transition of his own.
Polanco said you have to be on your toes more, since the ball comes quicker to third, and that, obviously, "it’s a longer throw. You have to really, really anticipate the play becase you don’t have a lot of time to think once the ball is hit."
That said, Polanco thinks Utley has the tools and work ethic to make it work.
"Chase is an athlete, he has great hands," Polanco said. "I’m pretty sure he’s going t have to get used to it. Going to have to do long toss, stretch....
"If he gets (to the ballpark) at 1, he’s going to have to get here at 11. You have to really stretch your arm."
I'm most worried about Utley's accuracy. His ball travels a lot just from 2B to 1B, what's gonna happen with the greater distance? Then, you've got Howard with limited mobility? Hmmm.— PhilaPhans- with one foot on the bag, mobility at first base is already limited, regardless of who is covering and their health. howard's Achilles will be fine by next year anyway. i dont see utley moving to third this season.
- I'm most worried about Utley's accuracy. His ball travels a lot just from 2B to 1B, what's gonna happen with the greater distance? Then, you've got Howard with limited mobility? Hmmm.— PhilaPhans
- This is NOT a good idea. Doesn't have the arm for 3rd.— MJSI
- Yeah, I agree, Utley's three quarters throwing motion doesn't translate well to third, especially that deep throw from behind the bag. Regardless, with his knee condition, I think a move to the American League is more likely after next year.— cannon00
- There's legitimate concern with the throwing difference but I think he is likely capable of doing it. Let's not forget how many times we've seen Chase make a strong relay throw to get a guy at the plate or 3B.— Cakes
- I can see letting him try, why not?— Paul SoTX
- just an unnecessary move all the way around. Are they so fortified at 2B that they want Chase to move to 3rd to accommodate another top hitter? Or are we talking about doing this to accommodate Freddy Galvis, a wonderful defender with almost no stick?
If the latter, then what they are looking to do, effectively, is to play Galvis instead of Frandsen next year, while weakening the defense over at 3B.
Typical Phils....this kid Frandsen can hit .400 or close to it, and nothing will matter. He is playing right now for a bench spot next season and that's the most he can hope for.
Only in Phillies-land are decisions made based on who's being considered and not how they've performed.
Just one more example to show that if the genius GM doesn't identify with you as someone he made a large investment in, via trade or offseason signing, then you have no chance to play for him. Frandsen is nothing but a guy lucky to have his shot in management's eyes, and that's going to have to be good enough. Amaro does not honor guys like that. Frandsen has stood on his head for this team and even if his average reverts to .280 - .300, that will still be better than anything else they have this season. What is wrong with the Phils, just for once, keeping a high on-base guy who hustles non-stop in the lineup?
The Cards have about six of that kind of guy.
We have two - Pierre and this kid Frandsen.
It would be one thing if they were seeking a Beltre, a Wright, a Ramirez to add power to the lineup. But if they aren't, that what gives?
Watch how inventive we get to keep Frandsen out of the lineup now. It's an organizational sickness starting with the genius GM. What a joke!!!!— advantasux - At this point, anything is worth a try. If the Phils were solid in the outfield, Kevin Frandsen might be the answer. You know Utley will give it 200% and if he has to block a ball with his face, that man would do it! With the gaping holes in the outfield, someone has to supply the power. On a positive note, Eric Kratz looks like the second coming of Chris Coste but this guy is a more polished catcher. Chooch should be fine next year but it would be nice to have a backup who could play 40 games without losing too much on offense to keep him from wearing down. This off-season should be interesting. There are some outfielders out there that can be had and the Phillies are in position to exceed the cap for a year because they won't go over this year thanks to the big sell-off of a pair of .250 hitters and a below-.500 pitcher. Victorino is playing himself out of his big contract opportunity and Pense is making himself affordable to somebody. Aren't you glad they didn't pick up the option on Oswalt? Kyle Kendrick is a better pitcher than he is---seriously.— gotedge
- All good comments. Just like 2006, when Bobby Abreau led the exodus of unwanted/un-needed roster players, moving Blanton/Victorino/Pense has given the team some payroll flexibility ($10.5 million + $9 million + $12.5 million) and allowing Polanco to leave ($5 million saved including the $1 million buyout). IF (huge if) Kendrick continues to be a reliable starter at $3.5 million, a great signing. Allow Wigginton to walk (saves another $2.5 million) and you have some flexibility to sign a right handed power bat. Remember, Pense is NOT a free agent unless the Phillies/now Giants turn down arbitration. That will most likely lead to a 2013 salary of $13+ million (not worth it). Don't sign Bourn to a 5 year $75-$100 million deal from Boris. Too much for someone who will be too old when the contract expires. Kratz over Schneider, Frandsen over Polanco and all of a sudden, if the team continues the way it has been since the all Star Break (with a better Cliff Lee), and this team will be relevant big time in 2013.— drhoffman
The lack of time to "think" before he throws should help Chase with the 3rd base transition. People forget we had a mighty light hitting shortstop who turned himself (hard work ethic) into quite a capable hitter, his name of course is Larry Bowa!!! So, Chase moves to 3rd adds a little pop to that and Galvis pulls a "Bowa" and hits say .260-.270 next year and they signan outfielder with pop, Boom!!! You're back in contention with the starting pitching we have in place. It's not "Doomsday" trying Chase at 3rd just an option that I believe is smart to explore. Keep those heads up Phightin' Phans. The biggest of season trick is to convince Rollins that he should be hitting 6th or 7th to help the team!!! Will Jimmy's ego that needs to be a top priority and a tough "sell". However, wouldn't this be a different team with Juan Pierre leading off? We need someone who makes contact not pop-ups every other AB!— Edwin H.- NO WAY can Chase make that throw. He doesn't have the arm to gun them down from third. That's a REQUIRED SKILL for a third baseman and everybody knows he doesn't have it. Polly alluded to it very diplomatically in these quotes.— BullZinski
