Friday, January 19, 2007
Player Preview: Shane Victorino
With Spring Training less than a month away, it is a good time to begin taking a player-by-player look at the 2007 Philadelphia Phillies. Today we will start with Shane Victorino. The Flyin' Hawiian will be the opening day starter in rightfield. He finished last season playing centerfield for the injured Aaron Rowand, and proved he deserves the chance to be an everyday starter. He played with flare and hustle and endeared himself to the fans with these characteristics. Many times he gave up his body going for the ball.
Victorino will not be counted only on for defense though. Last season, he hit out of the 2-hole and will probably hit there or leadoff this season. He finished last season with a solid .287 average. The biggest complaint with Victorino is his free swinging. He finished with 54 strikeouts in 415 at bats. This isn't bad but he probably got himself out too many times by chasing pitches. This season Victorino will be counted on to be a solid bat at the top of the lineup as well as taking away hits with his defense. Victorino will need to at least duplicate his .287 average as well as becoming more disciplined at the plate.
Baserunning is where Victorino can make the greatest improvement this season. Everyone agrees that Victorino can fly but that only led to four stolen bases last season. First base coach, Davey Lopez, was brought in partly to help teach Victorino the art of the stolen base. This could add a whole new dimension to a potent Phillies offense. Victorino said his goal is 30 to 40 stolen bases and if Rollins can get the same amount it will increase the RBI oppurtunities for Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.
In a little over a year, Victorino has gone from little used bench player to key cog in a playoff contender. Hard work has been the biggest contributor to this success. Victorino has more hard work to do this spring to increase his steals total but I believe with Lopez help, Victorino can reach 30-40 steals. The Phillies are greatly counting on Victorino's defense, arm, legs, and hitting ability to make the playoffs. He produced well last season and now we will see if he can take his game to the next level.
Victorino will not be counted only on for defense though. Last season, he hit out of the 2-hole and will probably hit there or leadoff this season. He finished last season with a solid .287 average. The biggest complaint with Victorino is his free swinging. He finished with 54 strikeouts in 415 at bats. This isn't bad but he probably got himself out too many times by chasing pitches. This season Victorino will be counted on to be a solid bat at the top of the lineup as well as taking away hits with his defense. Victorino will need to at least duplicate his .287 average as well as becoming more disciplined at the plate.
Baserunning is where Victorino can make the greatest improvement this season. Everyone agrees that Victorino can fly but that only led to four stolen bases last season. First base coach, Davey Lopez, was brought in partly to help teach Victorino the art of the stolen base. This could add a whole new dimension to a potent Phillies offense. Victorino said his goal is 30 to 40 stolen bases and if Rollins can get the same amount it will increase the RBI oppurtunities for Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.
In a little over a year, Victorino has gone from little used bench player to key cog in a playoff contender. Hard work has been the biggest contributor to this success. Victorino has more hard work to do this spring to increase his steals total but I believe with Lopez help, Victorino can reach 30-40 steals. The Phillies are greatly counting on Victorino's defense, arm, legs, and hitting ability to make the playoffs. He produced well last season and now we will see if he can take his game to the next level.
Labels: Phillies
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I love watching Vic play. He most likely will never become a disciplined hitter, but if he can continue to bat around .285, than he'll still be worthwhile. Stolen bases from him are a must this season. If he'd swipe 25-35 bags, that would put more pressure on the pitchers and lead to more runs.
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