By Sam Bush
So, Phils manager Joe Girardi, have you made a decision on who’s your center fielder?
“It hasn’t happened yet,” Girardi said this week. “There are a few days left in camp, and maybe it happens. But as far as someone just saying, ‘This is mine, and the rest of you guys can go away,’ I don’t think that’s been the case.”
Odubel Herrera, Scott Kingery, Adam Haseley and Roman Quinn are the centerfield candidates.
“I know (Herrera) is capable of being really productive,” Girardi said, “and I think his at-bats have been pretty good in spring training. He’s faced a ton of lefties, and I take that into account.”
Kingery has slumped all spring with a .139 average (5 for 36) through Thursday. Haseley returned this week after missing most of spring training with an injured groin. He began Friday batting .250 (3 for 12).
Quinn began yesterday batting .294 (10 for 34) with a home run and three stolen bases.
“The offense is key,” Girardi said. “Obviously, defense is important. We want to play good defense, and I feel that all these guys can. But the offense is important because we want to have a lineup that’s a nightmare to get through.”
The Phillies play their final spring training game Monday. They host the Atlanta Braves in the season opener Thursday.
Since no one claimed the job this spring, expect the Phillies center field picture to change as the season develops.
“What we start with April 1,” Girardi said, “is not necessarily what will be there May 1st, June 1st, July 1st.”
