Friday, February 18, 2011
Posted: 3:15 p.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com
CLEARWATER, Fla.Does rookie Domonic Brown have the inside track on the Phillies starting rightfield job?
Charlie Manuel seemed to indicate that after Fridays workout when he said Brown, is kind of the first choice there.
Later, Manuel clarified his remarks and said that was not the case.
I should have been a little more specific, the Phillies manager said. By first choice I mean I want to put him out there and play him a lot. Hes going to get a lot of at-bats in spring training.
That job is up for grabs.
MLB
Brown is one of the contestants along with Ben Francisco and John Mayberry Jr. Ross Gload will also get some time at the position.
Francisco and Mayberry are going to get a good chance to play, Manuel said. I think its time we give Ben a chance. And we look at Mayberry as someone who can make our team and be productive in a role.
That role could be as fifth outfielder and pinch-hitter.
Brown, 23, and Francisco, 29, could end up splitting the rightfield job. Brown hits left-handed and Francisco right-handed so theres a possibility for a platoon. Manuel believes he can break Brown, the teams top prospect, into the majors with about 400 at-bats.
He could get more if he excels, Manuel said. But hes got to earn his spot.
Brown projects as a starting corner outfielder for years to come, but the club will not hesitate to send him to Triple A if he needs more seasoning.
I think Domonic Brown is going to be a real good player, Manuel said.
Brown has been in camp for weeks working on his swing. He has lowered his hands at the plate and team officials like the way he has looked in batting practice. The first full-squad workout is Saturday.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com
