Mayberry optioned; Ibanez sits
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Mayberry optioned; Ibanez sits
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Some news on a cloudy Sunday morning:
The Phillies optioned outfielder John Mayberry Jr. to minor-league camp. It should come as no surprise -- the outfield is set with three All-Star starters, a capable backup in Ben Francisco and two lefties (Greg Dobbs and Ross Gload) who can play the corners if needed.
Mayberry hit .289 (11-for-38) this spring with three doubles, a home run and six RBI. He said he leaves camp with a good feeling.
"All in all, I think it went pretty well," Mayberry said. "I'm happy with some of the improvements I made over the off-season. I think that I'm starting to see results as far as them transferring into games."
Mayberry spent some time in the Mexican winter league -- where pitchers typically use more breaking balls -- and had success this off-season. When he was with the Phillies in 2009, Mayberry struck out in 40.3 percent of his at-bats. At triple-A Lehigh Valley, he struck out in 29.7 percent of his at-bats.
This spring, Mayberry struck out seven times in 38 at bats, or 18.4 percent. Again, it's only Grapefruit League games, but it's an improvement. Now the Phillies will look to see Mayberry continue his improved plate discipline.
"I'm feeling good about where I'm at right now," Mayberry said. "The team is pretty much set. This is a top-tier organization and the outfield is crowded with three All-Stars. You have to be realistic and realize that you just want to put yourself in the best position that you can so when they call on you, you'll be ready."
IBANEZ SITS OUT
Still icing his right elbow after being hit by a Royce Ring pitch on Friday night, Raul Ibanez said is not available to hit in today's game.
Ibanez said it's just a bruise on his elbow.
"I think I'm going to work out," Ibanez said. "We're taking it as a precaution."
Ibanez, who is hitting .098 (4-for-41) this spring, said he expects to be back in the lineup on Monday.
OTHER ROSTER MOVES
The Phillies also reassigned catcher Dane Sardinha and infielder Ozzie Chavez to minor-league camp. That leaves 31 players left in big-league camp. The team heads north on Thursday after their final Grapefruit League game.
TODAY'S LINEUP
1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Placido Polanco 5
3. Chase Utley 4
4. Ryan Howard 3
5. Jayson Werth 9
6. Shane Victorino 8
7. Ben Francisco 7
8. Carlos Ruiz 2
9. Joe Blanton 1
Blanton starts and will be relieved by Ryan Madson, Antonio Bastardo and David Herndon.
Nice to see ya John Jr, hope to see ya again. That dinger Ibanez got on his elbow Friday night is going to get him right. Come on Charlie, bat Victorino and Rollins BOTH at the top of the order. (or i'll be screaming at you Tuesday in Kissimmee)- Polanco IS the number 2. Case closed. If you want Vic & Jimmy to switch spots...well thats another story.— Philadelphiafreedom81
Comment removed.- Your right tommymac, I just hope that Jimmy doesnt take a .200 BA into the middle of June again. I thought that was painfully obvious but to Cholly's credit he stuck with him. Two games short of repeating champs, you gotta go withever that "baseball guy" writes on his lineup card.— bigphillydad
