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Phillips "Defensive Replacement"; Guess I was wrong about Bernie's PT
Topic Started: Mar 25 2006, 08:58 PM (205 Views)
HomieYank
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FORT MYERS, Fla. — There are eight days left in spring training, right around the time Andy Phillips usually makes plans to rent an apartment in Columbus, Ohio.

A 28-year-old first baseman, Phillips has been with the Yankees since 1999 when they drafted him out of the University of Alabama. He has spent roughly half that time playing for the Columbus Clippers.

"If you're looking for a restaurant in Columbus, I'm your man," Phillips said.

Phillips will broaden his culinary horizons this year. He is out of minor-league options and will be with the Yankees when they head for Oakland to open the regular season.

If the Yankees want to take him off the major-league roster, Phillips would have to clear waivers first. He likely would be claimed, given that he hit .300 with 22 homers for the Clippers last season.

"One way or another, I'm going to be in the majors," Phillips said. "That sort of takes a little pressure off."

It has shown in his performance. Phillips has hit .328 this spring with four extra-base hits and eight RBI in 21 games. He was 1 for 3 with a double in yesterday's 3-1 loss against the Twins.

Phillips has caused some healthy debate within the organization. General manager Brian Cashman believes he is worthy of regular at-bats as the designated hitter. Manager Joe Torre will start the season with Bernie Williams in that spot. He sees Phillips as a late-inning defensive replacement for Jason Giambi.

But Phillips could see more action than Torre anticipates. Giambi doesn't like to DH, but his chronically sore knees and frequent sprains and strains often force him into that role.

"We'll have to wait and see how it plays out," Torre said. "But Philly has shown us he can be a good and productive player."

Phillips also has impressed the Yankees with how he has handled his frequent demotions. It can be easy for a minor-league player with the Yankees to become frustrated.

"I don't let situations determine my personality. I've always approached the game that way," Phillips said. "You never want to be sent down. But if you look at the track record of guys who have gone down and blamed somebody, they never make it back. It's part of the game; you just deal with it.

"I knew the majority of my at-bats last year would come at Columbus. If I wanted to get back to the majors, I knew I had to succeed there."

Phillips realized the Yankees will never be a team that relies heavily on its farm system. But the success of Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang last season was energizing.

"We have all heard what everybody says, that the Yankees have no prospects. I think some guys have taken it personally. I know I did," Phillips said. "There are a lot of guys in this organization who have stuck with baseball — I'm one of them. It's nice to know it can pay off."

Still, Phillips spent the winter wondering if the Yankees were going to obtain another name player to DH or back up Giambi.

"I didn't wake up every morning and look to see what happened, but I had people calling me," he said. "It's not like how I feel makes a difference. It's out of my control. So far they have shown faith in me, and I appreciate that."

As for Columbus — with all due respect to the good people of central Ohio — Phillips has no plans to return.

"If Alabama plays Ohio State in football, I'll go back," he said. "Hopefully not until then."



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What in the world is the point of Phillips just being a defensive replacement? If Bubba Crosby gets anywhere near as many ABs as Andy Phillips it will be a disgrace. He should at least start against lefties. Torre sure takes care of his guys. Is Bubba Co-Captain yet?
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Mantlemurcer
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We need to have Giambi have a great year and then deal him. Get Duncan and a veteran in there next year.
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Strider
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Is Bubba Co-Captain yet?


He's on pace. He needs a little more tenure for Joe to write a letter to Steinbrenner about that. By 2008 though, he'll be in position.

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We need to have Giambi have a great year and then deal him. Get Duncan and a veteran in there next year.


I still think it would be tough to move him. After this season he'll be 36 and have, what, another 2 years left on his deal? And that contract was backloaded like a rap video rumpshaker. Also, I'm not ready to just hand it over to Duncan and "a veteran". Didn't Chipper Jr. (who ain't my boy no more since he's December '84 instead of '85) struggle last year? Who's to say what he'll do this year and if he'll be capable of producing even decently at the big league level? He might, but he hasn't proven himself so I think to say that he should be given a spot is premature.

And Big (little) J is gonna hit .353/48 HR/151 RBI/.487 OBP this season and make daddy proud. Book it.
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Yanksfan03
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HomieYank
Mar 25 2006, 08:58 PM
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FORT MYERS, Fla. — There are eight days left in spring training, right around the time Andy Phillips usually makes plans to rent an apartment in Columbus, Ohio.

A 28-year-old first baseman, Phillips has been with the Yankees since 1999 when they drafted him out of the University of Alabama. He has spent roughly half that time playing for the Columbus Clippers.

"If you're looking for a restaurant in Columbus, I'm your man," Phillips said.

Phillips will broaden his culinary horizons this year. He is out of minor-league options and will be with the Yankees when they head for Oakland to open the regular season.

If the Yankees want to take him off the major-league roster, Phillips would have to clear waivers first. He likely would be claimed, given that he hit .300 with 22 homers for the Clippers last season.

"One way or another, I'm going to be in the majors," Phillips said. "That sort of takes a little pressure off."

It has shown in his performance. Phillips has hit .328 this spring with four extra-base hits and eight RBI in 21 games. He was 1 for 3 with a double in yesterday's 3-1 loss against the Twins.

Phillips has caused some healthy debate within the organization. General manager Brian Cashman believes he is worthy of regular at-bats as the designated hitter. Manager Joe Torre will start the season with Bernie Williams in that spot. He sees Phillips as a late-inning defensive replacement for Jason Giambi.

But Phillips could see more action than Torre anticipates. Giambi doesn't like to DH, but his chronically sore knees and frequent sprains and strains often force him into that role.

"We'll have to wait and see how it plays out," Torre said. "But Philly has shown us he can be a good and productive player."

Phillips also has impressed the Yankees with how he has handled his frequent demotions. It can be easy for a minor-league player with the Yankees to become frustrated.

"I don't let situations determine my personality. I've always approached the game that way," Phillips said. "You never want to be sent down. But if you look at the track record of guys who have gone down and blamed somebody, they never make it back. It's part of the game; you just deal with it.

"I knew the majority of my at-bats last year would come at Columbus. If I wanted to get back to the majors, I knew I had to succeed there."

Phillips realized the Yankees will never be a team that relies heavily on its farm system. But the success of Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang last season was energizing.

"We have all heard what everybody says, that the Yankees have no prospects. I think some guys have taken it personally. I know I did," Phillips said. "There are a lot of guys in this organization who have stuck with baseball — I'm one of them. It's nice to know it can pay off."

Still, Phillips spent the winter wondering if the Yankees were going to obtain another name player to DH or back up Giambi.

"I didn't wake up every morning and look to see what happened, but I had people calling me," he said. "It's not like how I feel makes a difference. It's out of my control. So far they have shown faith in me, and I appreciate that."

As for Columbus — with all due respect to the good people of central Ohio — Phillips has no plans to return.

"If Alabama plays Ohio State in football, I'll go back," he said. "Hopefully not until then."



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What in the world is the point of Phillips just being a defensive replacement? If Bubba Crosby gets anywhere near as many ABs as Andy Phillips it will be a disgrace. He should at least start against lefties. Torre sure takes care of his guys. Is Bubba Co-Captain yet?

Joe is a complete imbecile, he needed to be let go of three years ago. It's amazing he's still here.
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Yanks473
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Bernie and Phillips are two shitbrids. Screw them both.
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HomieYank
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I mean don't get me wrong, if Bernie is swinging the bat even close to well I trust him more than Phillips, but Phillips needs ABs in certain matchups. The way Bernie is swinging the bat a platoon would be perfect. Then whoever got hot could end up getting more at bats. This article makes it sound like Phillips isn't thought of as a bat at all. The guy can hit fastballs and left handed pitching well, he should get his due. Bernie would still be getting the bulk of the ABs if Joe wants that so bad.
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I'mRickJamesBitch
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Carlos Pena was just released. I would sign him and knock Phillips out of the mix.
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I'mRickJamesBitch
Mar 26 2006, 03:15 PM
Carlos Pena was just released. I would sign him and knock Phillips out of the mix.

Might actually not be a bad idea. Pena never seems to really catch on any where, but he's probably more talented than Phillips.
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PavanosBalls
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I'mRickJamesBitch
Mar 26 2006, 02:15 PM
Carlos Pena was just released. I would sign him and knock Phillips out of the mix.

Excellent idea. Great glove, 28, lefty with pop
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PavanosBalls
Mar 26 2006, 02:29 PM
I'mRickJamesBitch
Mar 26 2006, 02:15 PM
Carlos Pena was just released. I would sign him and knock Phillips out of the mix.

Excellent idea. Great glove, 28, lefty with pop

Very good glove, sh*t bat. He's too streaky and most of those streaks are strike outs.
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PavanosBalls
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Mantlemurcer
Mar 26 2006, 02:42 PM
PavanosBalls
Mar 26 2006, 02:29 PM
I'mRickJamesBitch
Mar 26 2006, 02:15 PM
Carlos Pena was just released. I would sign him and knock Phillips out of the mix.

Excellent idea. Great glove, 28, lefty with pop

Very good glove, sh*t bat. He's too streaky and most of those streaks are strike outs.

Oh, I can definitely see what you mean about the bat, but there's plenty enough reason to take a shot on the guy, although we won't. The glove alone, if they really just want a defensive replacement, is a noticeable step up from Giambi, especially range wise. Plus, he's always had a relatively good slugging % playing most his games in Comerica; you'd think playing at Yankee Stadium would lead to an increase. He just needs to bolster that average and the peripheries are very good. If he just hit .260, he'd have at least a .350 OBP and a .500 Slug, certainly quality, especially when you add in the glove. He'll get picked up.
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moomoo24
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Smart thing to do would be see what you have in Phillips. See if you have a viable backup in him. You know Bernie will be good for .250-.260 12 40 in a limited role. Maybe Phillips can develop into a decent .270 bottom of the order guy with some pop. If not there's always a Jeff Conine type player available at the deadline to add some depth. But the guy has hit at every level, and with the lineup we have you can afford to see what the guy's got.
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Grandy4MVP
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We'll f*cking pass on Pena and he'll go to Boston and hit. 280 with 42 HR and 145 RBI.
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PavanosBalls
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VarsityVin
Mar 27 2006, 03:35 PM
We'll f*cking pass on Pena and he'll go to Boston and hit. 280 with 42 HR and 145 RBI.

I believe he lives in Boston and he went to school there, but considering they have 15 1B, we won't have to worry. He'll be a decent pickup IMO wherever he goes. He won't cost anythin
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HomieYank
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PavanosBalls
Mar 27 2006, 03:51 PM
VarsityVin
Mar 27 2006, 03:35 PM
We'll f*cking pass on Pena and he'll go to Boston and hit. 280 with 42 HR and 145 RBI.

I believe he lives in Boston and he went to school there, but considering they have 15 1B, we won't have to worry. He'll be a decent pickup IMO wherever he goes. He won't cost anythin

I've been a big Phillips supporter, but I wouldn't hate it if we picked up Pena. I don't think he'd be a huge upgrade, but this does seem like the best place for him. I remember when Nick Johnson was second Banana to Pena prospect wise. He is a slick fielding 1Bman, he hits right handers very well, can draw a walk and has power. I do want Phillips to see some time, but it wouldn't bother me one bit if Pena was picked up.
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Mantlemurcer
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he hits right handers very well


He's a .250 lifetime hitter against righties. That's not very well. The biggest telling stat on this guy is 492 Ks in 1652 ABS. That's atrocious.
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PavanosBalls
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Mar 27 2006, 04:12 PM
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he hits right handers very well


He's a .250 lifetime hitter against righties. That's not very well. The biggest telling stat on this guy is 492 Ks in 1652 ABS. That's atrocious.

You got a good point. His K totals are higher than I'd have expected. I always thought he had a bit of that Mark Bellhorn, too patient for his own good approach, but to K that much, there's an awful lot of swinging and missing as well. He's got a chance to reach another level though. He's not finished. He's got good power, he's left-handed, he walks, and he's got one of the best gloves at 1B. I think that's enough positives to take a chance.
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HomieYank
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Mantlemurcer
Mar 27 2006, 04:12 PM
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he hits right handers very well


He's a .250 lifetime hitter against righties. That's not very well. The biggest telling stat on this guy is 492 Ks in 1652 ABS. That's atrocious.

Last year he had an OBP above .350 and a SLG around .500 against right handed pitching with 14 home runs in 200 ABs. Thats pretty much been his career trend. The average is low, but what do you want from a backup? The Ks are also high, yeah thats a bit of a red flag, but thats just how he makes his outs. He's never hit into a ton of DPs, and we're talking about a big time defensive upgrade. Like I said, I'm a Phillips supporter and have been for a while. I'm just saying that for various reasons I wouldn't completely hate Carlos Pena getting a look.
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Mantlemurcer
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HomieYank
Mar 27 2006, 04:40 PM
Mantlemurcer
Mar 27 2006, 04:12 PM
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he hits right handers very well


He's a .250 lifetime hitter against righties. That's not very well. The biggest telling stat on this guy is 492 Ks in 1652 ABS. That's atrocious.

Last year he had an OBP above .350 and a SLG around .500 against right handed pitching with 14 home runs in 200 ABs. Thats pretty much been his career trend. The average is low, but what do you want from a backup? The Ks are also high, yeah thats a bit of a red flag, but thats just how he makes his outs. He's never hit into a ton of DPs, and we're talking about a big time defensive upgrade. Like I said, I'm a Phillips supporter and have been for a while. I'm just saying that for various reasons I wouldn't completely hate Carlos Pena getting a look.

LOL, he doesn't hit into DPs because it's either a HR or a K. The problem is the same problem with Phillips in that if Giambi misses significant time for any reason, I don't want either of them being the solution (though I am willing to give Phillips a chance...a small chance).
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PavanosBalls
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Just saw Pena's splits last year. He was unconscious after being recalled. I think Chris Shelton is the reason behind this release more than anything. They got their 1B.
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Torre seemed to reinforce this on Mike and The Maddog. He basically said he wants Phillips as the late inning defensive replacement and for that reason he didn't want him DHing much.
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HomieYank
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LOL, he doesn't hit into DPs because it's either a HR or a K
Or a walk :peace:
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HomieYank
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PavanosBalls
Mar 29 2006, 05:11 PM
Torre seemed to reinforce this on Mike and The Maddog. He basically said he wants Phillips as the late inning defensive replacement and for that reason he didn't want him DHing much.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Sigh...Whatever. Atleast now I pretty much know I'll get to see my favorite baseball player live once more. I went to one game last year and Blowmack was playing CF. I was pissed.
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HomieYank
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Just for good measure, he was 2/3 with a walk and a stolen base today. What in the world does this guy have to do to get some ABs? Spring AVG of .344
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PavanosBalls
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I would say he'll get some ABs if Bernie is a total bust, but I hear you about what does he have to do. I mean, I'm not an advocate of his, but play the hot hand and see what happens. He should get some ABs until he proves otherwise to start.
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HomieYank
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Mar 30 2006, 06:50 AM
I would say he'll get some ABs if Bernie is a total bust, but I hear you about what does he have to do. I mean, I'm not an advocate of his, but play the hot hand and see what happens. He should get some ABs until he proves otherwise to start.

Exactly, I agree. I mean i'm not saying bat the kid second and give him 600 ABs, but at the very least it should be a righty lefty platoon, right?. Its not like Cairo can't play fist base in an emergency. I feel like Bernie is going to improve over last year, and if he's hitting enough to justify it thats one thing, but right off the bat to just say a guy that hit .240 with no power last year is your DH while a 28 year old that has been hitting everywhere is a defensive replacement at 1B....Don't get it.
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