Last night, the Colorado Rockies struck a deal with the Phillies that sent utility man Ty Wigginton to Philadelphia for a player to be named later or cash. Wigginton will fill a bench role for the Phillies, as the veteran has the ability to cover first and third base as well as the outfield.
With Ryan Howard and possibly Placido Polanco starting the season on the disabled list, the Phillies needed someone they felt comfortable with covering each of the infield corners. Wigginton has shown the ability to do this while more than holding his own at plate throughout his career, especially against lefties.
Last year for the Rockies, Wigginton hit at a clip of .242/.315/.416 with 15 home runs and 47 RBI’s over his 130 games played and 401 at bats. Wigginton spent most of his time manning the hot corner in Colorado but also suited up at first base for 36 games and spent 27 games in either left or right field. In 2009-10 as a member of the Orioles, Wigginton also covered second for 48 games and even played a little shortstop.
Following the 2010 season, when he represented the Orioles in the All-Star game, Wigginton signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Rockies. For 2012, Wigginton had $4 million left on his contract and Colorado and Philadelphia will be splitting the tab.
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