June 19, 2008 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Column: Don’t forget the outfielders and catcher
by Ivan Levingston

When debating the Phillies’ best player, names mentioned include shortstop Jimmy Rollins, second baseman Chase Utley, and first baseman Ryan Howard. Catcher Carlos Ruiz and the Phillies’ excellent outfielders Pat Burrell, fan- favorite Shane Victorino, and Geoff Jenkins, are hardly ever mentioned.  This might be because the infield is considered more important than the outfield positions, however  it may also be because the young trio of infielders are flashy stars, while the outfield and catcher positions are populated by older folk who go about their business quietly.

There is something to be said for cockiness, confidence and being outspoken, attributes that Howard, Utley and Rollins share. These qualities not only excite fans, but they also help these dynamic players become iconic and more visible than the soft-spoken supporting cast. However, as we have all learned, the supporting cast is key to building a winner. Without the work Carlos Ruiz has done behind the plate in helping the Phil’s pitchers, the Phillies would not have the league’s fourth best earned run average (3.84 runs per nine innings). Without the steady contributions of the outfielders, the Phillies wouldn’t be the offensive machine that is second in the National League in runs scored and home runs.

The Phillies outfield has a unique combination of a player in his prime, a player who is approaching his prime and a player who is past it. Shane Victorino, the Phillies’ 27- year-old centerfielder, who is very close to his prime brings speed and an aggressive attitude to the number two slot in the lineup. Right fielder, 33 year-old Geoff Jenkins, may be a bit past his prime, but he still brings experience and plays the game the right way. He is the oldest starter on the Phillies (tied with third baseman Pedro Feliz) and has the presence of an elder statesman, giving advice to younger players when necessary. Pat Burrell is in his prime as a 31-year-old left fielder on the Phillies, and of the three outfielders, has had the most dynamic career as a Phil. He has had ups and down from the time he was drafted as the first overall pick in the 1998 draft, to 2003, when he had a career low batting average of .209. He seems to have found his stroke this season, flashing the skills, which made him the first pick of the 1998 draft. This outfield trio has gone about its business quietly, while posting impressive numbers and helping to keep the Philadelphia Phillies in first place.

Carlos Ruiz has been a steady force for the Phils, be it behind the plate as a catcher or at the plate as a hitter. As a batter, he has posted his usual numbers, while staying healthy (many catchers miss significant playing time due to injuries). He has called games smoothly, guiding pitchers along despite his relatively young age of 29. He also has made would-be base stealers think twice, having nabbed a third of those who tried. Catcher is a crucial position on any team, though one with little recognition for all the extra work spent studying opposing batters and working one-on-one with pitchers. The Phillies are lucky to have one of the best catchers in the business.

The National League’s second best offense functions as a machine. Credit must be given to the Phillies’ trio of young infielders, because they provide the bulk of the offense. However, We cannot forget the contributions of the Jenkins, Burrell, Victorino, and Ruiz, because with out them, the Phillies wouldn’t be leading the National League East.