By: Brandon Apter, contributor 
The Phillies haven't been shy to use the Rule-5 draft to add pieces to their club in recent years. In the 2015 draft, they selected outfielder Tyler Goeddel from the Rays and he's improving with consistent playing time. In 2014, they plucked Odubel Herrera from the Rangers organization and he's now their every day center fielder.
One of the most notable Rule-5 picks made by the Phillies in recent history was outfielder Shane Victorino. The Phils picked him in the 2004 Rule-5 draft, but he didn't stick with the team. They offered him back to the Dodgers, who politely declined, so Victorino stuck in the Phillies ogranization. The speedy outfielder made his Phillies debut in 2005 and became an every day player in 2006, replacing Bobby Abreu. He took over center field following Aaron Rowand's departure in 2007 and earned two Gold Glove Awards while also being selected to two All-Star teams in 2009 and 2011. He's fondly remembered by the grand slam he hit off of CC Sabathia in the 2008 NLDS against the Brewers. Victorino went on to play for the Dodgers and Angels, but didn't really play well enough to stay around as his career progressed, no thanks to a variety of injuries.
Nowadays, Victorino is just hoping for another Major League opportunity after being released by the Cubs on Monday.
Shane Victorino was released. Will have more details later. He was on Iowa #Cubs roster
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) May 23, 2016
Victorino suffered a calf strain in Spring Training and began the season with Triple-A Iowa. He appeared in just nine games and hit .233 (7-for-30) with two doubles, a triple, five RBI's and four runs scored. One would have to believe that the 35-year-old outfielder might consider retirement, something he discussed with Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports prior to the 2016 season.
“I am my hardest critic, so if I feel like I am done, no one would need to make that decision for me.”
A native of Wailuku, Hawaii, Victorino has is a lifetime .275 hitter in the Majors.
