One long-rumored position switch for one Phillies play has finally begun. The prospect-challenged Phillies have only so much young talent. It just so happens that two young players, Cody Asche and Maikel Franco, both play third base. While Maikel Franco has spent some time playing first base to help accommodate, Cody Asche will now learn another position, too.
Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reports that the work has already begun, and Phillies general manager admitted to him as such:
“He’s still our third baseman,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told CSNPhilly.com on Monday. “We view him as our opening day third baseman.
“But we have introduced him to some outfield. He’s doing some light drills out there, getting acclimated to outfield drills, rudimentary stuff.”
Asche has been working on outfield drills and technique with minor-league outfield instructor Andy Abad and minor-league coach Rob Ducey.
Almost forcing the move is the stellar play of Phillies third base prospect Maikel Franco.
Franco has exploded in the Dominican winter league. Jake Kaplan of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported this morning that Franco had seven RBI in the winter league championship. Franco is now participating in the Caribbean Series. In 22 playoff games, Franco hit .337 with four home runs and 16 RBI. The Caribbean Series begins today and continues through February 8.
As Salisbury notes, the Phillies could start Franco in the minor leagues this season to help delay free agency. If the Phillies have to carry first baseman Ryan Howard, they may really need the roster spot, anyway. With contention a ways away, it might not hurt to start Franco in the minor leagues.
