Q&A with Shane Victorino

The Phillies thought they could live without Aaron Rowand in center field this season and beyond because they considered Shane Victorino a suitable replacement at a much better price.

They still do.

But Victorino has started slowly at the plate. He was hitting just .175 before going 2 for 3 with a walk in last night's win over the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. His struggles have been magnified since he moved into the leadoff spot with Jimmy Rollins out of the lineup.

Readers of the The Inquirer's Phillies blog - The Phillies Zone (

» READ MORE: http://go.philly.com/phillieszone

) - submitted questions for Victorino, the native Hawaiian, this week. We picked some of the best and asked him before Thursday's game against New York at Shea Stadium. Here's what he said:

Question: How do you feel about your swing right now, and what are the most important adjustments that you're working on?

- David Y., Seoul,

South Korea

Answer: I just need to see the strike zone right now. I'm feeling comfortable, so I have to keep swinging at good pitches. I guess pitch selection would be the best way to put it.

Q: Did you do anything in the off-season to improve your range, because you've made some nice catches on the run this season.

- Pete D., Philadelphia

A: No, not at all. I just think it's different than when you play right field. You're pretty much confined to a certain area. Now, when you're out in center, you can cover right-center and left-center. There's more grass for you to run on, so it looks like I'm covering more ground, but I'm probably not.

Q: Do you have a difference in your approach at the plate batting leadoff vs. second in the order?

- Patrick M.,

West Chester.

A: Zero. To me, first and second are basically the same. You can be just as patient being the No. 2 hitter as the No. 1 hitter. I don't think I hit any differently hitting in the first or second hole.

Q: Who's faster, you or Jimmy Rollins? And have you ever raced?

- Jason H., Kirksville, Mo.

A: I'll let Jimmy answer that. And, no, we have never raced.

Q: You broke the Hawaiian high school track record for the 100-meter dash. Do you think you're faster now than you were in high school? How do you think you compare with the fastest players in major-league baseball?

- Cory W., Philadelphia

A: I'm sure I was faster in high school. I also was 155 pounds, so I also was a lot lighter. I weigh 190 now. I was a lot lighter. I'm sure I'm not in that top tier. I think there's a different tier - guys like [Michael] Bourn. Those guys are a little different speed caliber.

Q: Name the Mount Rushmore of the four best professional athletes that have come out of Hawaii.

-- Garland B., Newtown.

A: Any sport? That's a tough question. There haven't been too many big big-time athletes. I'd say Olin Kruetz - he's the center with the Chicago Bears. Basketball, I don't think we've had any. Baseball, probably, Sid Fernandez was great. Probably more surfing. Sonny Garcia is pretty good. He's a pro surfer. He's pretty famous. The last guy would be ... who else? Jeez. Who else is good from Hawaii? B.J. Penn [a mixed martial artist].

Q: In light of the Hawaiian affinity for Spam, what's your preferred preparation?

- Adam K.,

Huntingdon Valley.

A: Fried.

Q: How do you think your relaxed and joking nature has helped the team since you became a part of the starting lineup? In keeping with that, did you have anything funny to say to Jayson Werth after your collision in the gap [Tuesday in New York]?

- John O., Voorhees.

A: I just think it keeps the clubhouse loose. This is a fun clubhouse, so it's not very hard to be yourself. But, no, I didn't say anything.

Q: Your outfield style is great to watch. Do you have any tips for teaching this style of play that coaches of outfielders could use?

- Dean K., North Wales.

A: I think footwork has a lot to do with it. Reading the balls off the bat. Seeing where the ball is pitched in the strike zone. Getting jumps. Getting reads, I'd say, is one of the most important things.

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Contact staff writer Todd Zolecki at 215-854-4874 or tzolecki@phillynews.com. Read his blog at

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.