Phillies may see youth battle for the hot corner in ’14
By Jake Misener
Philadelphia Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg could have quite the show to behold next spring. According to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Cody Asche and Maikel Franco are the top two candidates to take the third base job in 2014.
Ruben Amaro Jr. says he expects and hopes for a strong battle for the starting job next year in Spring Training.
"“I frankly hope there is a great competition in spring training between Maikel Franco and Cody. That can create a heck of a situation for us. They’re both very, very good young players. A lot of it depends on how they handle it. Cody has handled himself pretty well. He’s a little tired right now, mentally and physically. He is an absolute viable option. Whether Maikel is or not, we’ll see what we have in spring training with him.”"
Last season, Asche finished the year with Philadelphia with a batting average of just .235 and an OPS of .691, but on September 15, he was hitting .271 with a .795 OPS – a sign of physical, and perhaps mental, fatigue as the long season drew to a close.
Sandberg believes that Asche is the man going forward for the team next year, based off comments he made recently, calling him the “leading candidate” to start at third base in 2014.
According to Gelb, some believe that Franco is a top talent that could take the starting role from Asche next spring.
"“One National League scout said Franco, 21, was the best position player he saw in the minors this season. Others are less effusive in their praise but optimistic about Franco’s ability translating to the major-league level. Some are divided on whether he can remain at third base. His foot speed grades among the slowest possible, but his hands and throwing arm are considered capable enough for the position.”"
Regardless of who wins the job, it is a promising sign that on a Phillies club that has been labeled as “old” and “washed up”, young talent like Asche and Franco are expected to go head-to-head in hopes of landing a starting job next spring.
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