Philadelphia Phillies ink a Minor League contract with Josh Fields - MLB Update
Third baseman, Josh Fields has been signed to a Minor League contract by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Ever since declining option to their regular third baseman, Plácido Polanco, the Phillies are conscious about their infield requirements.
For the same reason, they are trying to fill vacant spots in their infield at the earliest and make sure they keep their preparations for 2013 regular season on-course.
Recently, they agreed to a one-year deal with third baseman Kevin Frandsen, who played for them during 2012 as back up infield option.
For as long as Polanco was injured in the last season, Frandsen carried out the responsibility well. Despite not being a front line player for the team, his contributions during a short span of time were worth noticing.
In short, he did not let the Phillies miss Polanco and suffer defeats due to his exclusion from the line-up.
Frandsen has been rightly rewarded by being granted a contract in the offseason.
Fields is a latest entry in the Minor League farms of the Phillies in the infield department.
It is highly probable that in the event of injuries to some of the players, he gets opportunities to play in the Majors next year.
What hurt the Phillies most during 2012 season was their inability to have quality substitute players available in Minor League farms.
Lack of options led to lengthy losing streaks and the eventual dethroning of the Division crown that the Phillies won in the last five seasons before 2012.
Keeping this in view, it is understandable as to why the Phillies are concerned about replacements as much as they are regarding regular players.
They have yet to acquire someone who can spearhead their infield and make regular appearances in the matches. Up until now, they have tried to use inexpensive ways to address issues that need attention.
It can be speculated that as the offseason progresses, they clinch a high profile deal with some of the players available in the market.
Apart from infield, outfield of the Phillies demands an equal amount of attention being accorded to it. Free agency has various players that can fulfil their criteria. For example, the likes of Michael Bourn and B.J. Upton possess the credentials to solidify
their outfield department.
Upton can hit home-runs on a regular basis, along with being a quality defensive player. The fact the Phillies suffered due to witnessing most of their players struggle at the plate for striking big hits during 2012 means that Upton can prove to be a healthy
addition.
Apart from him, Bourn is no less an attractive option. He is known for his extraordinary level of speed while running through the bases and catching fly-balls in the field.
It will be interesting to observe the strategy that the Phillies follow in the offseason while purchasing players for putting up an improved show during the 2013 regular season.
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