Most players in their free-agent season wont admit the prospect of looking for a new job is weighing on their mind, but Shane Victorino will. Before Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday, the Phillies' centerfielder said hed heard comments that the pressures that go along with a pending job search may be affecting him on the field.
I cant say theyre not. ... I also cant say they are," Victorino said. "Is there a little something in the back of my mind, yeah. You want to have your best year.
So far, Victorino is having just a decent year. His batting average is down (.248), mostly due to his lack of production from the left side of the plate, which has contributed to his lower than usual on base percentage (.316).
On the upside, hes stealing bases at a faster clip than he did last year, with 13 already and on a team struggling to drive in runs, hes third on the team in RBI with 28.
Victorino realizes his numbers dont put him in much of a position to negotiate, but hed also prefer not to wait. He said he hopes to start talks with the Phillies right after the All-Star break.
Why wouldnt I want to stay here?," Victorino asked. "The Phillies gave me the chance to be a major league player and I want to give the Phillies a chance to negotiate first.
The Phillies, on the other hand, arent likely in any hurry. They have the massive task of figuring out how to keep Cole Hamels in red pinstripes. How much they spend on him, if they are able to keep him, will dictate how they spend on other players, that includes Victorino.
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This fact isnt lost on Victorino, either: I understand the business aspect. A lot of guys here are gonna make a lot of money in the next few years.
As far as the free agent market for centerfielders goes, its hard to compare Victorino with any of the other available ones. Hes not just a big speed guy (Michael Bourn) or just a big power guy (Josh Hamilton), hes a little of both.
Im not a guy in the lineup that hits 30-plus homers, but whos going to provide defense like I can?, Victorino asked. The 32-year-old is a three-time Gold Glove winner and has played 233 straight games without an error.
I asked him how hell feel if the off-season rolls around and the Phillies choose to go in another direction.
Everyone likes being loved and I know how much I love this place, absolutely," Victorino said. "Take Aaron Rowand, for example. They loved him here. He got a better offer at the end of the day and as much as I love Philly, this can happen at the end of the day.
"Who doesnt want to stay in the city that made you who you are, but its gonna come down to a decision for me and my family. They love this place, too, but in the end of the day, its a business.