Assuming he makes the club this season, which he seems more than likely to, 2016 will serve as a make-or-break season for Cody Asche. Asche is still just 25-years-old, though in parts of three seasons he has struggled to become more than a bench piece at the plate, or to establish himself at any position in the field.
I've often likened Asche to Greg Dobbs, who as a starting third-baseman, was a replacement level player. However, as a bench piece, Dobbs became one of the league's better pinch-hitters and though he wasn't a great fielder at any one position, he could play both corner infield positions and in left-field, increasing his value.
Asche, in Clearwater early, told CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury earlier this week that he is 'determined' to win the team's starting left-field job. The Phillies instead appear determined to increase Asche's chances of being a Dobb's-like utility star.
Salisbury tweeted a photo this morning of Asche, who has played both third-base and left-field with the Phillies, taking some fielding reps at first.
Cody Asche working out at first base, increasing versatility pic.twitter.com/H5OtecgFcP
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) February 20, 2016
Asche taking reps at first-base could turn out to be just a one-time thing, but if the team is considering playing him there in certain situations, it may make some sense. Think about this: if Asche doesn't win a starting outfield position, and if someone like Aaron Altherr thrives upon winning a job, he may not play much. His natural position is third-base, but he's not a very good third-baseman, and he's not going to get many chances to play there because he's blocked by Maikel Franco. So if he has a chance to play some first-base, then that increases his value and makes it more worth keeping him on the roster.
Ryan Howard and Darin Ruf, barring any sudden trades or releases, will be on the team. And barring maybe a few outfield appearances from Ruf, the two will be splitting time at first-base. However, if either were to be moved or injured during the season, Asche presents another option at first-base. Also, if the Phillies are playing against a right-handed-pitcher in an American League park, they could have Howard DH, while Asche plays first, rather than having Ruf, who struggles against right-handed-pitching, in the lineup.
Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) is the Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com, focusing on news and features.
