The curious case of John Mayberry Jr.
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The curious case of John Mayberry Jr.
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
John Mayberry Jr. wanted nothing more than to be here last October, to feel the energy that the postseason produces, to be that guy whose name gets called when the stakes can't get bigger.
The dream ended in Atlanta, on the last day of the regular season, as the Phillies prepared for their second straight NL title defense. Mayberry had made a late case for inclusion, going 4-for-10 with a couple of home runs as a a September call-up. But the Phillies opted to keep left-handed-hitting rookie Domonic Brown, dispatching the right-handed Mayberry to the Arizona Fall League.
"I definitely wanted to be part of the playoff roster," Mayberry said. "That's what you play for, to have a chance to paly in the postseason. Hopefully things work out where I can be in that situation this year."
This year, they might not have a choice. Last night Mayberry made his latest statement in a big-time spot, following Hunter Pence's second-inning solo home run with one of his own, providing Cliff Lee with a 2-0 lead that he would never relinquish. It came two nights after the biggest hit of his career, a game-tying two-run shot off Rockies closer Huston Street with two out in the top of the ninth that put the Phillies in position for a come-from-behind win.
Mayberry has always been something of a mystery, so much so that the Phillies did not even seem to know what to make of him earlier this season, when they sent him back to Triple-A under the auspices of wanting him to keep playing every day. He has always had the physical tools that cause an organization to dream, as the Rangers did when they selected him in the first round in 2005. But by 2009, that dream had been replaced by what they thought was reality: his swing was too long, his eye indiscriminate, his on base percentage low.
Even this season, his final one with minor league options, the 27-year-old slugger has hit just .265 with a .287 on base percentage in 28 games at Triple-A. That type of production is not going to convince many general managers to take a chance on playing you everyday.
But Charlie Manuel has always seemed to have a soft spot in his heart for Mayberry. And, more importantly, he has always seemed to have a knack for when to put him into a game. Which is why Mayberry's is a name you might want to file away for postseason play.
While the Phillies may not see evidence that Mayberry should be part of their everyday plans, it is getting hard to ignore the two huge offensive tools he brings to the table: immense power, and a curious ability to hit when it counts. After last night's blast he has 14 home runs in 229career at-bats, an average of one every 16.4. Even more impressive is the list of names he has hit them against: veteran righthander Tim Hudson, veteran lefthander Andy Pettitte, young lefty David Price, young righty Anibal Sanchez, tough veteran lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez, tough young lefty reliever Michael Dunn. And, after this week, Huston Street and Madison Bumgarner.
Of his 14 career home runs, seven have either tied the game or give the Phillies the lead, including four of eight this season.
Three of his home runs have come as a pinch-hitter, where he is 11-for-38 (.289) with eight RBI and six walks in his career.
Mayberry has the type of tools that can complement a well-rounded team like the one the Phillies became with the addition of Pence. And he has the type of power that can turn even the greatest pitchers' mistakes into postseason-turning runs.
This weekend will likely require the Phillies to committ to Mayberry as that type of player. When Roy Oswalt is activated for his Sunday start, they will need to free up a roster spot. They could continue to play with 11 pitchers, but Manuel has expressed some hesitancy at doing so. They could part with one of their two utility infielders, but indicated yesterday that wasn't his preferred option.
The other choice is to part with a player who has been on the team since the day the Phillies acquired him and Cliff Lee from the Indians in July of 2009. Ben Francisco has not started a game since July 22, and has started just four since the end of June. He has one hit in his last 14 at-bats, and is hitting just .185 with a .587 OPS in 144 plate appearances since the end of April.
Yesterday, Manuel said the Phillies were still discussing their options. It's hard to imagine them invoking Mayberry's name after his last few weeks.
This season, the dream might not die.
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If Francisco and/or Mayberry clear waivers, look for one of them to be moved for bullpen help.— DPL- Both have options so there are no waivers. And the trade deadline has passed so neither one gets traded. The only way we get bullpen help now is if another team waives a guy and every other team passes on him (as long as we have the best record in baseball).
— s - Chris Wheeler says (and I paraphrase) Mayberry is not quite ready to be an everyday player. Wheeler who has never played a game in his life and from the looks of him, never played any type of sport is not in the least bit qualified to make that assertion. Cody Ross has the same number of dingers, a couple more RBI's, bats .15 points lower than Johnny Junior, yet has double the AB's. If this guy is starting for the World Champs, then don't tell me JMJ cannot be an everyday player. P.S. Mayberry is a better defensive outfielder than the others on this squad in my opinion. He is is fast to the ball and has a cannon that is accurate.— rockinrob
- When are people going to learn to just tune out Wheeler and his drivel? — jman
- I think Mayberry has an option left but hope Phills dont go there. Mayberry has been a different hitter since he went into crouch. My guess hes getting to pitch quicker. Mayberry may platoon with Brown in 2012 but may be used for a good bullpen arm next year. He has made strong case for playing time.— Don w
- The other thing working in Mayberry's favor is he's shown he can play off the bench. The contracts of Gload and Francisco are up after 2011. They each make around 2 million. Mayberry's currently making less than half a million and he plays more positions. Assuming Mayberry maintains what he's been doing I think he's back next year and they pick up any bullpen help from the free agency market in the offseason. His defense again helps him here since he can play center field and first base in addition to playing the corner outfield positions. The key for him is not to slump again this year. — s
- I think we'll see JMJ get more starts next year - maybe 20 in left to spell Brown, 10 in center to spell Shane and 5-10 at first to spell the Big Man. In a limited role, he has proven he can be effective. I'm not sold on him as an everyday player, though.— jpk
- I'm not so sure Mayberry doesn't start in left next year. I love Dom, but still ...— andrewfrombrooklyn
- Next year: Let Mayberry start at least four times a week, spelling all three outfielders and Howard at first base. All five players benefit. One poster asked: Can Mayberry play third (where Polanco is ailing)? Has Mayberry done so in the minors? Why not experiment with that after the Phils clinch the division title? The other experiment I'd like to see is using Kendrick as an occasional right-handed pinch hitter. Check out his BA, which is highly unusual for a pitcher. If we gotta carry another pitcher when Oswalt returns, we could use another bat. Best of luck to both guys.— FG
- i like john jr a lot... i think it's fair to say his development is probably complete; he's 27 not 23. i'm not sure he'll ever get a chance to be an every-day starter, but he at least deserves to be a bench player and has proven he can handle it. he can play the left or center very well, has soon good power, has a great attitude, and generally seems to be a very likeable player. strikes out too much; but who on this team doesn't... he should be the 2012 4th outfielder and a very valuable RH bat. bye bye ben...— nyphilliephan
- Mayberry has to be on the playoff roster and in the mix as the 4th outfielder for next year. We're talking about a very good defensive player who can fill in at all 3 outfield positions and at 1st base. He can hit with power. After watching Francisco stumble in the field and at the plate this guy is a lock. I think he starts for most teams and will be a valuable member of this team for some years to come.— Rtmuss
Comment removed.- Even though Clifton didn't show it last night, he wouldn't mind being a Pinch Hitter either. Good call on that possibility for KK.— tomvallar
- Mayberry is a fine RH pinch hitter and he plays very good defense in all three outfield positions. The only possible argument for Francisco over Mayberry at this point is that Francisco also plays good defense and has been solid in that regard during past playoff series. Either way, Mayberry has been pretty valuable this season, filling in for Victorino and coming up with key hits lately. He's a fine fourth outfielder who can also play first.— eman
- Of course Mayberry will be on the post season roster. Who else would you choose, Fransisco? You'd be better off with a blind man with no legs. As for Mayberry getting a shot in left field. Well, sure he should get a shot. However, he has gotten plenty of shots before and has never shown himself able to play everyday. It'd be nice if he finally took the bull by the horns, but his history does say otherwise.— Hemingway
