Phillies: Making the cut
By Tal Venada
More hits:
Re-signed by Klentak to a minor league contract, utility man Pedro Florimon was equally comfortable in the infield and the outfield. He was batting .348 when he went down with an ankle injury on Sept. 2 after only 49 PAs.
Having the inside track against three Triple-A infielders for a bench spot, Florimon will probably come to camp as a non-roster invitee. And if he’s healthy, he will likely have the role he earned last August.
"ON THE OTHER HAND: “I hate the cursed Oriole fundamentals… I’ve been doing them since 1964. I do them in my sleep. I hate spring training.” – Jim “Cakes” Palmer"
Last summer, many Phillies fans believed Appel belonged in the relief corps. In other words, a demotion was one way to salvage something. But, apparently, he was going to be a starter or nothing else.
In late October, one poster at another site thought Valentin would be cut. Yet, Klentak has added two reserve infielders since August’s end and still has Valentin.
Surprises:
Recently, the exec claimed switch-hitter Engelb Vielma, 23, off the waiver wire from the San Francisco Giants. Klentak must like slick defensive infielders for inventorial purposes. That said, the youngster averaged .286 in Double-A for 119 at-bats but only .206 at Triple-A for 296 ABs.