Mayberry Says, Don't Forget About Me!

When the Phillies acquired Hunter Pence, they quickly sent Domonic Brown to the minors so he could get at bats everyday as well as gain experience playing left field. Raul Ibanez's contract is up after this year, and the outfield of the future will most likely consist of Shane Victorino in center, and Brown and Pence on the corners.

It's sounded like a pretty good plan until last night. Last night the Phils were down by 2 in the top of the 9th when John Mayberry Jr. lifted a 2 run homerun to left center to tie the game at 3. Mayberry not only helped the Phillies to a 4-3 victory but he also complicated the Phillies plans for their outfield of the future.

With a .231 batting average and only 3 HR and 12 RBI's, Mayberry was shipped backed down to the minors on June 1st. But since being recalled from the minors on July 5th, Mayberry is hitting .310 with 4 HR and 16 RBI's. Mayberry has proved that he should not only be included in the Phillies future outfield plans, but he should also be the Phillies main pinch hitter for the rest of this season and in the playoffs. Mayberry is a right handed hitter with pop, and he has the ability to get extra base hits in key situations.

Mayberry is really hitting the ball hard right now and it will be interesting to see what he is able to do off of the bench. If Mayberry continues to hit in the remainder of the season and into the playoffs, the Phillies should seriously consider doing a platoon of Dom Brown and Mayberry in left field next year. Plus Mayberry can play first and can give Howard a day off when he needs it.

Mayberry is an extremely versatile and valuable tool for the Phillies. Look for him to step up big in the playoffs and in the future.