The Phillies have not yet had a full week of spring training games, however, it is never too early to discuss the hot topic that is the Phillies infield.
The only thing we know for certain is that catcher, first base and shortstop are set. What remains to be seen is who is at second and third. Most feel that the new skipper, Joe Girardi, prefers Scott Kingery at second base, and Jean Segura to man third. Future Phillie, Alec Bohm may have something to say about that.
Although most pundits feel that Bohm will start the season at AAA Lehigh Valley, he seems to be making a case for himself to become the starting third baseman. So far this spring, Bohm is hitting .583 hitting seven for twelve in six games with three runs scored and three RBI. His slugging percentage is .583 as well. Although he has no home runs, he is hitting the ball, and literally pitchers, hard:
The question with Bohm has been his fielding and not his hitting. He seems to project more of a major league first baseman than a third baseman. It’s likely the Phillies will start the season with Bohm at AAA to continue to work on his craft. Most agree that we will see Bohm in a Phillies uniform at some point this season.
Jean Segura at third
Bohm’s competition for third base is Jean Segura. Segura has come into camp with a team-first mentality. He said he quit drinking alcohol and is 14 pounds lighter than last year. Segura also said he has been eating a healthy diet as well. When asked about his position he said he would play anywhere.
So far this spring, Segura certainly isn’t handing the job over to the younger Bohm. He will make mistakes in the field as he is learning a new position, however, like Bohm, he is hitting the cover off the ball.
Segura is currently batting .417. He has five hits in twelve at-bats in four games played this spring. Segura has hit two doubles, scored a run and driven in five. He has a slugging percentage of .583. Segura has struck out once, which Bohm has not. Neither player has been walked.
If these two can keep this type of production up, this is a very good problem for the Phillies to have. However, if Bohm continues to play at this level, will it force Matt Klentak into having to make a decision to move Segura? I doubt it so early in the season, but come trade deadline it might be a different story.
Haseley in Concussion Protocol
Adam Haseley continues to be sidelined and is in concussion protocol after this play:
Haseley was attempting to make a diving catch. On the play, his right hand caught the ground and rolled under him. His head went full force into the ground and he got a cut on his head from his sunglasses.
Haseley told Phillies.com the following regarding the injury:
“You know, just taking it day by day. A little sore around the neck and upper back area. It was pretty obvious what happened. I just kind of ran full speed and my right arm kind of went behind me and my head took the majority of the fall.”
Haseley also stated that he was already back to throwing and hitting yesterday. Haseley comes into this spring slotted as the Phillies everyday centerfielder.
The Phillies are off to a great start in the Grapefruit League. The record is 6-1-1 in their first eight games. Although it is only the start of spring training, let’s hope these wins come north with the team next month.
