John Mayberry Jr. earns opening-day nod over Laynce Nix
Both John Mayberry Jr. and Laynce Nix entered Monday with career .308 batting averages against Braves starter Tim Hudson. Charlie Manuel opted for Mayberry, who made his second consecutive opening-day start.
John Mayberry Jr. earns opening-day nod over Laynce Nix
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
ATLANTA — Both John Mayberry Jr. and Laynce Nix entered Monday with career .308 batting averages against Braves starter Tim Hudson. Nix had done it in a larger sample size (27 plate appearance to Mayberry's 17). Charlie Manuel opted for Mayberry, who made his second consecutive opening-day start.
Had Manuel played it as a straight platoon, the lefty Nix would have started. But the manager said he liked Mayberry's prior approach vs. Hudson. The daily decision on a rightfielder will be made using matchups, the type of pitcher throwing and recent performances.
"I don't mind platooning people," Manuel said.
Mayberry and Jimmy Rollins were the lone holdovers from last season's opening-day lineup. The Phillies had 15 different players on their first roster.
EXTRA BASES. Delmon Young (ankle) is scheduled to play three innings in right field Tuesday in an extended spring training game, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. It will be Young's first action in the outfield. ... Kevin Frandsen (wrist) took batting practice Monday but there was some doubt about his availability. ... Larry Greene Jr., the Phillies' top pick in the 2011 draft, will open the season in extended spring training. "He came in overweight," Amaro said, "so we're trying to get him into playing shape."
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Came in overweight? Good to know the kid is serious about being a ball player.— rockinrob- Mayberry stinks, anyone would be a better starter. When will we realize what a bad player Maybery is????— avogel36
- .308 against Hudson, vogel. that means he has a bead on him a lot. So Charlie is opting for Jr.'s defensive speed and coverage in the outfield. But so far, Howard looks like the one who should have been benched ('cept for the salary, of course), with Nix on first. What are Ryan's numbers vs. Hudson anyway? They got to him, but missed a chance to get the lead. JMJr isn't as bad as some people say...just weak on the offense. But what, play Galvis in the outfield instead? NOT!— ocpizza
- What has Nix ever done here to earn a starting spot?— jman
- Larry Greene heard Amaro likes to give out weigh in bonuses. Nix isn't a major leaguer and shouldn't be in any serious team's line up conversation. He made a nice catch and hit a homerun in the same game against the Phillies in 2011 which immediately earned him his first multi-year contract from the only team that gives out contract based on a couple of plays they witnesses with their trained eyes.— jtj10
- Mayberyy stinks!— donjuango
- Mayberry and Howard left a bunch of men on base.— LI PhilPhan
