Bourn, Brown, Polanco and fielding practice
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
Bourn, Brown, Polanco and fielding practice
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Citizens Bank Park sprung to life a little earlier than normal today as Charlie Manuel scheduled a rare fielding session prior to batting practice, with outfielders and infielders practicing cutoffs and relays. No doubt it was a response to the sloppy play the team has showed as of late, including last night, when there were several fielding miscues during a 6-1 loss to the Braves.
-There isn't much else going on at the moment. I briefly caught up with Placido Polanco, who gave little indication that he is close to returning. Polanco said he has been doing some light running, and that the next step is to field ground balls. But there are no immediate plans to start that fielding work. The only real intrigue about the situation is that Polanco could be a player who another team would take as a veteran glove for the stretch run. Even then, though, the Phillies would not get much for him besides salary relief, and the salary relief would likely be minimal.
-There has been plenty of speculation that the Phillies will target Michael Bourn this offseason, particularly in light of Ruben Amaro Jr.'s confident proclamation that the team is in position to make a run at one or more impact free agents. Yesterday, Bourn spoke briefly to Ryan Lawrence, who will be joining the staff of the Daily News in a couple of weeks after four-plus years at the Delaware County Times. He obviously wasn't interested in delving too deeply into his impending free agency. At this point, I think Bourn and Scott Boras will be looking for a huge contract, so big that any team that signs him will end up overpaying, and I don't think the Phillies are in a position where they can afford to overpay.
-Domonic Brown is batting second again tonight. He went 1-for-3 with a single and a hit-by-pitch last night out of the two-hole.
You mean a team that plays terrible defense actually has a manager who wants to hold "practice"? (where is Alan Iverson when you need a sound bite). How interesting of an idea. Whats next, taking Howard into the batting cage and teaching him how to lay off the outside breaking pitch? Hokey smoke Bullwinkle, managers and coaches actually....um....coaching? What a revelation. Who knows, they may some more ball games now.— drhoffman- It's Allen and any real sports fan would know that
— Joey1233 - Why? Most over-rated ball player to hit this town since Lance Parrish. Elaine's shooting stats abysmal at 42%(FG) and 31%(3Pt) and Andre Iguodala gets criticized for his 49% and 33%; plus he plays defense.
- This must be in place of pop-up practice. They've been hitting them like there's no tomorrow. How about some extra base hitting practice for Ty Wiggington? He hasn't had one in over a month?— Wilhelm Von Humboldt
- Is Greg gross gonna be there?? Or is fielding not his "forte" either. Most undisciplined bunch of hitters I have seen in a long time. At least pence and vic are gone, they were two of the worst.— Trot
- Professional's baseball skills are honed so much, it is hard to imagine the value of this practice other than to show the public that the team still cares. the issue has become who is playing and the lack of chemistry with those now on the field. Trust is developed after playing with one another over many games.— leecee
- Phillies should go after 2 of these 3 for 2013: Bourn, Hamilton, or Cabrera. RAJ said they were in a position to make a run at one maybe two big signings this offseason. They obviously need offense and to get younger. I do think Utley and Howard will have big comeback years in 2013 and signing 2 of these 3 put them in a good place to make a big run in 2013...— HJ_88
- Finally, someone stepping away from the Bourn Kool-Aid pitcher. I'd love to have him but not only will he earn too much he'll also be another guy locked up well past his prime. Better if we could trade for one young outfielder and pick up either a younger free agent (Cabrera is a few years younger) or a proven guy for less years than Bourn will get.— s
Greg Gross..lmao..he does not count as a hitting coach. Name one hitter that has shown improvement under his tutelage since before or after he was fired and rehired. What a joke of a position, hitting coach for the Phillies, where declining offensive performance and no clutch hits for three years mean job security for the "hitting coach".- The previous coach didn't do much either. Maybe it's not the coaches, but the players who think they know it all and won't do what they are asked. — mike l
- I agree with both of you but the real problem is the Uncle Cholly bobble head, aka The Hitting Guru. — coloradoeagle
- The posted photo, I believe, is Mayberry attempting a diving catch but keeping the ball in front of him. I'm not sure that you can call that a "miscue".— expatinva
- "fielding practice"? is that like hitting a ball off a tee?...going out for ice cream after the game?
unbelievable that these clowns in the outfield cannot field. its not like they are changing positions from 2B to CF or something. somebody needs to be fired for this mess..my suggestion:
Ruben Smug Jr. while he was busy concerning himself with "cost certainty", the "three-headed monster", the "luxury tax threshold" and other bs he completely neglected defensive stats when it came to acquiring players. how else can you explain the below average defense of pence, thome, wiggington, ibanez etc?
btw, the phillies won the world series with one of the best fielding teams in baseball. not so much anymore— astroqueen0 - I'm with you on passing on Bourn. He is likely looking for 6 and $90 mil which is way too much. I don't know how much cheaper Cabrera will be compared to Bourn, but I have heard that he (Cabrera) isn't a good clubhouse guy and doesn't have the work ethic. However, maybe if Cabrera signs here, Doc will whip him into shape in that department.
It sure would be nice to have someone in the lineup on a full time basis hitting over .330 though.— sjuhawk416
