Spring training is so close you can almost smell the freshly mowed grass at Bright House Field. As the days count down to Clearwater, we take a daily look at something related to the Phillies. Some days, it will be newsy, some days it will be lighter in nature, some days it will be a thought or quick observationanything to get us in the mood for a little warmth, a little sunshine and those three sweet words: pitchers and catchers.
Former Nationals first baseman Dmitri Young worked out for the Phillies according to ESPN's Jim Bowden, via Twitter.
"Dmitri Young worked out for the Phillies who said he showed Quick hands great foot work and his normal special bat speed...he's lost 75 lbs," Bowden tweeted.
The 38-year-old corner infielderoutfielder hasn't played in the majors since 2008 with the Nationals. He hit .280 with four homers in 50 games that season
Young has a career .292 career batting average with 171 home runs and is a two-time All-Star. In 2007, one year before his final year with the Nationals, Young was named the NL Comeback Player of the Year. He hit .320 with 13 homers and 74 RBIs with the Nats. Young's MLB career started in 1996 with the Cardinals. He also played for the Reds and Tigers. He has batted above .300 five times in his career.
While Ryan Howard recovers from Achilles' tendon surgery, the Phillies may need to find ways to fill in for their first baseman. Ruben Amaro told CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury that he expects Ty Wigginton and Jim Thome to get the bulk of the playing time while Howard is out.
Thome, 41, has played just eight innings at first in his last five seasons and, come opening day, may or may not be an option.
MLB
John Mayberry Jr. spent some time at first with the Phillies last season but will likely platoon with Laynce Nix in left field.
The Phillies have already filled out their roster this off-season, most recently signing Juan Pierre to a minor league deal, but Young might offer another possibility at first.