Todd Zolecki: Tomorrow’s lineup vs. FSU: Rollins SS, Pierre DH, Victorino CF, Pence RF, Wigginton 3B, Brown LF, Mayberry 1B, Martinez 2B, Gosewisch C.
Every Spring Training starts out with a game between a college baseball team. Philadelphia’s is usually played against Florida State University and this year it’s no different.
That being said, it’s always interesting to see what the first line up is going to look like.
There are a few things take from that line.
First, Juan Pierre is playing in a DH role. When he was signed to a minor league deal, it was assumed that he would be used in pinch-hitting and fielding situations as well as get a few starts in center field.
He’s most likely hitting DH tomorrow to give Domonic Brown innings in left field.
That being said, John Mayberry Jr getting the start at first base while Ty Wigginton plays third base also jumps out. Charlie Manuel said that he wants to give Chase Utley and Placido Polanco as much rest as possible this Spring, so look for Wigginton to get a lot of play at third base.
That leaves first base open, which will give Mayberry innings at that position. It is a high likelihood that Mayberry could see some first base time if the Phillies want both him and Laynce Nix in the line up.
Lastly, catcher Tuffy Gosewhisch is the real name that jumps out on that line up. Time for this kid to make a case for Triple-A Lehigh this season. Last season, Gosewisch hit .247 with 13 homers and 66 RBIs in 109 games with Double-A Reading.
Starting tomorrow (announced on Saturday) will be Austin Hyatt. He is followed by Jake Diekman, Jeremy Horst, Michael Schwimer, Joe Savery, J.C. Ramirez, B.J. Rosenberg, and Phillippe Aumont.
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