Pierre, Podsednik, and infield names
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Pierre, Podsednik, and infield names
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — While reporting on the story that appears in Thursday's Inquirer about Charlie Manuel's desire for situational ball, the manager had some interesting insight into the decision that lies ahead regarding the fifth outfielder job.
One of Juan Pierre and Scott Podsednik is a near lock to make the team out of camp. Both have earned significant playing time this spring and figure to play regularly in the next nine days. Pierre is 9 for 32 (.281) at the plate and 2 for 4 in stolen bases. Podsednik is 14 for 36 (.389) and 5 for 5 in steals. Five of Podsednik's hits are doubles; Pierre has no extra-base hits.
It's obvious Podsednik has had the better spring. But, as mentioned in this space before, Pierre has an edge because Podsednik can be sent to the minors.
Pierre can ask for his release March 30 if he's not added to the roster, under guidelines for certain free agents granted in the new collective bargaining agreement. If the Phillies want to send him to the minors, he must accept the assignment and receives a $100,000 retention bonus for going down. Podsednik cannot ask for his release until June 1.
Manuel had good things to say about Podsednik.
"About the last 10 days, he's been playing a lot better," Manuel said. "He got off to a slow start in camp. He shows you now he can play good in the outfield. He can run."
Then, unprompted, Manuel presented the case for taking Pierre instead.
"You have to remember sometimes, like Juan Pierre, his season last year has to stand for something," Manuel said. "He shows you he scored 80 runs. There are such things as people getting off to a slow start in the spring. You have to wager that to a certain degree."
Grapefruit League stats will have only so much effect on the decision. Pierre (rightly or wrongly) batted 711 times for a major-league team in 2011. Podsednik played in 34 minor-league games from Las Vegas to Dunedin to Lehigh Valley.
Basically, what Manuel is saying, is Pierre deserves a longer look that four weeks of spring games. We'll see if that's the ultimate decision.
***
The Phillies are looking for infield help, this we know. Whether they acquire an everyday option to replace Chase Utley or a utility player to replace Michael Martinez is still in question. The guess here is the Phillies test the market now and wait closer to opening day to see who is released from other camps.
If they go the utility route, here are four names to store away: Omar Vizquel, Alex Cora, Cesar Izturis and Jose Lopez. All four of those infielders are in the same situation as Pierre, explained above. So teams could be willing to release them instead of paying to send them to the minors.
Vizquel is a player the Phillies inquired about this winter as a reserve plan should Jimmy Rollins have signed elsewhere. Lopez is a name that has often come up during Phillies trade talks in previous seasons; he has some admirers in the front office.
Another situation to watch is that in San Francisco, where Ryan Theriot could become available March 29.
Again, we're not talking about significant upgrades. But to fill the utility role for a bargain price, the Phillies could do worse.
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Time to get off the financial pot RAJ. Don't send Podsednik down to AAA because of his June deadline. Pierre is done. Caught stealing AGAIN. His wheels have little or no tread left on them. His arm in the outfield is horrific. I don't care if Scott has an option until June. Put the best team possible out there, especially since Utley/Howard are out for some time. No more political correctness. I'm sure someone else will pick up Pierre. If you get buyers remorse afterward, Johnny Damon is still out there. Podsednik is a flash back, bare knuckles, get-dirty, do what it takes kinda ball player this team REALLY needs to set an example. Defensively, he's better. Offensively, he's better. Whats it gonna take to keep the best 25 north on 94 in April?— drhoffman- Podsednik has clearly outplayed Pierre; we'll probably release Podsednik.— JBinPA
Does anyone realize you are taking about sending players in their 30+ years back to AAA? Get a grip, our team needs a player similar to Trumbo, or Hanley Ramirez to stop the bleeding. Depending on where we are at that time, and Standings position in July, will be the decision maker. This present situation calls for Pierre gone, Pods to play, and Charlie to learn how to control, direct, and decide what to do when he no longer has a Full-House. This 2012 Game has 3 Aces, 2 throw-ways. Last year was no bluff, TLR steeped him.- Personally I am not a fan of Pierre-admittedly in part because he killed us over the years. The other part though is he just can not play defense at all and is arm is almost laughable. I don't think he can throw a ball in the air from second base to the plate.
On the other hand Posednik is no Gold Glove winner either.
I would prefer to see us get younger.— Smoothellc - I prefer Braun.— 4thand10
- El Zorro hit the nail on the head. M.Martiez is a better player than he's shown. Give the man a chance to play after his injury heals, and he won't embarrass himself. Amaro made the right move in keeping him.
If he kept Valdez, and he got hurt, the same nay sayers would ask why he didn't keep Martinez ?
— phineas - Problem is, they need them both, and need one of them to play in the infield and all would be good. It amazes me how limited these professional athletes seem to be, or maybe it's just the management?— JRum
