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| Written by Brian Hagan | |
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The Phillies play their first spring training game Thursday against the Detroit Tigers. This marks the beginning of multiple position battles for players trying to avoid the red slips that toss them back down to the minor leagues. Mostly this time of year is meant for the established major leaguers to get back into the swing of things. It's also a time for the coaching staff to pick and choose between the players on the bubble, while seeing who gets to make the trip to Pattison Avenue for opening day. And then, sparingly, you might find something unexpected and be surprised by someone's excellent spring performance. It's one of those 'good' problems…to have a player stand out and make the cutting process a little bit more difficult for management. Last year, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel had a decision to make when 33-year-old catcher Chris Coste threw his name in that hat by hitting an impressive .467 in just over 40 at-bats. He also had 3 HRs and 11 RBIs, some of which coming at crucial moments and helping the team win some exhibition games. With numbers like the ones Coste put up in spring training, it was hard to think he wasn't going to make the team. But once again, the Phillies management seemingly went out of their way to drop the ball. Manuel sent him back down to the minors in Scranton-Wilkes Barre, and so the journey went on while the dream stayed unfulfilled. Luckily, due to injuries to catchers Mike Lieberthal and Sal Fasano, as well as the retirement of short-lived Phillies utility player Alex Gonzalez, it was finally time for Mr. Coste to make it to Hollywood. The Phillies gave him the call-up in May of last year, and they wouldn’t regret it. Coste played the rest of the season in the big leagues with the Fightins, finishing the year with a batting average of .328 and adding 7 homers and 32 RBIs in just under 200 at-bats. On this team, when it comes to the catching position, good offensive production is a plus. The Phillies lineup is one of the best and most powerful in the league, and what the organization needs in a catcher is stability. That’s another aspect I think Coste has that gives him the nod over fellow catchers Rod Barajas and Carlos Ruiz. Coste has a terrific report with the pitching staff; they loved throwing to him last season. Sure, he doesn’t have the flexibility and blocking strength of Ivan Rodriguez, but he can still manage a game very well from behind the plate, and that’s one of the most underrated aspects in catching. If Ruiz and Barajas end up making the team there’s still room for Coste, and barring a horrific spring training, Charlie Manuel should have no problem carrying three catchers on the roster, especially when Coste can be used at 1st base if need be. There were times last season where it seemed like a reluctant Manuel wouldn’t pinch run for or double switch with a catcher in fear of having only one left, but if they brought aboard three catchers on the roster, Manuel could be much more comfortable making these decisions. Basically, there’s no reason why Coste should not be wearing red pinstripes at Citizens Bank Park come April 2nd. He fulfilled an incredible dream, hung in there longer than most would, and has since taken full advantage of his opportunities. Chris Coste is no longer just a good story, he’s a great player. |
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Charlie Manuel wouldn’t make the same mistake twice…would he?
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