SAN DIEGO — The Phillies hope that a handful of players who were originally signed by the Texas Rangers end up having a positive impact on their rebuild.
The Phils picked up five prospects, including the highly rated trio of catcher Jorge Alfaro, pitcher Jake Thompson and outfielder Nick Williams, less than two weeks ago in a trade for Cole Hamels.
Maybe they will one day be part of a contending team in Philadelphia.
Already, though, a former Rangers’ prospect is having a big impact on the Phillies.
His name is Odubel Herrera and he helped the Phils climb out of the basement in the major-league standings in a 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Saturday night (see Instant Replay).
Herrera had a pair of hits and drove in two runs. He also scored one to cap off a pair of daring base running plays in the first inning.
A year ago, Herrera was playing Double A ball in the Rangers’ system. When that club chose not to protect him on its 40-man roster over the winter, the Phillies swooped in and plucked him in the Rule 5 draft. Rule 5 players have to stay in the majors with their new club all season or be offered back to their old club. There’s no chance of that happening. Herrera, who played mostly middle infield in the Texas system, has taken over the center field position in Philadelphia. Over his last 30 games, he has hit .385 (40 for 104) to raise his season average to .289.
He’s become a big part of the Phillies’ present and future.
And, yes, not being protected by Texas has been a big motivator for the 23-year-old Venezuelan.
“Obviously, of course,” Herrera said after Saturday night’s game. “It gives me an edge. I always believed I was going to play in the big leagues and I’m happy to be here.
“Every day I’m getting more confidence and learning what it is to be a big leaguer.”
Herrera’s happiness is easy to see. He plays with passion and energy.
“He plays like his hair is on fire,” said manager Pete Mackanin, whose team has won 15 of 20 since the All-Star break. “He’s so much fun to watch during batting practice when he shags fly balls. He works so hard and it shows in the game. He still makes some aggressive mistakes. But, boy, he’s fun to watch play.”
Herrera made such a positive impression on organization officials in spring training that he was awarded the opening day job in center field even though his experience in the outfield amounted to just 13 games in the Rangers’ system last year and 41 games in the Venezuelan winter league.
Back in spring training, Mackanin saw Herrera’s raw talent and wondered why the Rangers did not protect him.
“We asked about that,” Mackanin said. “You saw his ability and his tools. Apparently the Rangers had a good backlog of prospects. I’d like to see some of the other guys.”
In time, Mackanin might get his wish.
Herrera wasn’t the only rookie to help the Phillies to Saturday night’s win. Lefty Adam Morgan breezed through the first three innings and successfully navigated his way out of some sticky situations in subsequent innings. He ended up allowing two runs over six innings, but just one was earned. He left with a 3-2 lead.
Relievers Jeanmar Gomez, Luis Garcia and Ken Giles protected that lead and Cesar Hernandez tripled home Chase Utley with an insurance run in the eighth. Utley, who batted leadoff ahead of Hernandez and Herrera, had led off the inning with his second double of the game. He scored both times. The 36-year-old second baseman has three hits in two games since coming off the disabled list.
Utley was hitting .179 when he went on the disabled list June 24. He’s inched up to .185.
Utley is a proud player. He wants to show he can still play.
“I think that’s what he’s up to,” Mackanin said. “Every day is an audition for all players.”
Utley could be auditioning for a spot on a contending team. A veteran like him might be a good tweak for a team with a chance. The Yankees had a scout at Saturday night’s game.
The Phillies’ post All-Star hot streak has coincided with the Miami Marlins losing 13 of 15. The Phillies’ latest win moved them a game past the Marlins, who are 43-68. The Phils are 44-67.
Is the Phils' — ahem — ascension a good thing?
Of course it is.
This town ain't big enough for twin tankers.
But that didn't stop Mackanin from having a little fun with it all.
“Maybe we want to be in last place and have the No. 1 draft pick,” he joked. “Maybe we’re screwing that up.
“But it’s fun watching these guys. They’re playing aggressively and pulling for each other and it all becomes contagious.”