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Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Players to Look out for this Season

By Chuck Booth

Mar 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin (45) looks on prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin (45) looks on prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 22, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Cody Asche hits a home run in the eighth inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. The Phillies won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

Let’s start with the honorable mentions, players who will be important to the success/ future of the Philadelphia Phillies.

RF/3B Cody Asche– Recently, we at Section 215 wrote about how Cody Asche shouldn’t be a starter in 2016, but that doesn’t mean that he won’t be useful to the Philadelphia Phillies this coming season. Asche will make an impact on the team in one of two ways, either as a utility player off the bench or as trade bait. Asche’s versatility makes him valuable as a utility player. Asche can play first base, third base, and the corner outfield spots meaning that if he comes in as a pinch hitter he can easily slot in almost anywhere around the diamond. Asche would give the Philadelphia Phillies much-needed power on the bench as well.

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The Philadelphia Phillies could also view Asche as surplus to requirements and trade him. Outfield needy teams such as the Baltimore Orioles could call the Phillies offering a mid-level prospect in exchange for Asche which could be a nice gamble for the Phillies to take. Since mid-level prospects are basically lottery tickets teams like the Phillies are inclined to take the chance on them.

OF Peter Bourjos– As an outfielder poised for a bounceback season Peter Bourjos can have nice value to this Philadelphia Phillies team. He plays elite defense in center field while also offering a speed threat out of the leadoff spot. At 28-years old he is also young enough to keep on the team if he returns to form at the plate. While Bourjos was with the Angels, he looked like he would be a starting outfielder for years to come then his production fell off of a cliff. That’s what keeps him in the honorable mentions category.

1B/OF Darin Ruf– Ruf will be a major contributor to the 2016 Philadelphia Phillies but his path to consistent playing time is blocked by Ryan Howard. While Ruf can play in the outfield, his defense isn’t good enough to justify starting him over the other outfield options. If the Phillies were in the American League or Ruf’s playing time wasn’t blocked he would easily rank higher on this list.

Next: Number Five: Freddy Galvis

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