The Phillies introduced Matt Klentak as their GM on Monday morningand during the press conference, one former Phillie and fan favorite Shane Victorino came up a few times. According to Klentak, Victorino was extremely excited once he heard of the former Angels assistant general manager heading to Philadelphia and took it upon himself to talk up the city and the fans.
"My phone has been blowing up the last few days from Shane Victorino," Klentak said. "He's just through the roof excited."
What did Victorino have to say?
"He said, 'Matt, when that team is good and is in the postseason, that place is rocking. There is no better town. You're going to love those fans. Those players. You're going to love everything about that city.'" [NJ.com]
Victorino also took to Twitter to congratulate the new Phillies GM.
Congrats Matt on getting named @Phillies GM…was a blast being a part of the push to October in an @Angels uniform and thanks for that!!!
— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) October 26, 2015
It is worth mentioning that Shane Victorino, 34, is a free agent this season and could potentially get a look from his former team if Jeff Francoeur isn't brought back. The Phils could even consider bringing him back if Francoeur returns as well.
Though the Flyin Hawaiian has undergone his struggles due to injury the past few seasons, his presence in the locker room and ability to play both corner outfield positions could make him a valuable asset to the team come 2016 if the price is right.
Victorino has only played 101 games over the past two seasons due to injury . In 2013, his first with the Red Sox, he hit .294 with 26 doubles, 15 home runs, 61 RBIs and 21 steals in 122 games. In parts of eight seasons with the Phillies, dating from 2005-2012, Victorino hit .279 with 181 doubles, 63 triples, 88 homers, 390 RBIs, 582 runs and 179 steals.
Brandon Apter, Managing Editor for Philliedelphia.com
