Over the next 28 days Philly Pressbox (https://phillypressbox.wordpress.com) (@phillypressbox) will be doing a review and analysis of each Phillies player, Manager Charlie Manuel and the coaching staff leading up to Opening Day 2012.  On Day 15 we preview, Hunter Pence.

Hunter Pence – It didn’t take long for Pence to become a favorite with the Phillies fans after he was acquired on July 29, 2011 for 4 minor league players. Pence moved in to the rightfield spot and delivered a .324 batting average with 11 home runs and 35 rbi’s in 207 at bats over 54 games for the Phils. If he can put up those numbers across a 162 games schedule you’re talking about an MVP candidate. The 28 year old Pence has been in the big leagues since 2007. He’s a career .292 hitter that has only hit less than 20 home runs in a season one time, his rookie season when he had 17. In 2011, playing 100 games for the Houston Astros and 54 for the Phillies, Pence had his best season. His combined numbers were a .314 batting average, 22 home runs, 97 rbi’s and 190 hits. He was selected to his 2^nd All Star team. Defensively, Pence has led all National League rightfielders in assists three of the last four seasons. Pence is due to make $10.4m in 2012 and will become arbitration eligible after the season.

Personal Analysis:

If you’ve followed our profile articles to date, we’ve talked about how important each player in the lineup is to the team’s success. Pence is the last starter that we’re profiling and he is the most important player of all. Pence will be moved to the cleanup spot while Ryan Howard is on the disabled list and will have to produce big numbers. It’s not necessary for Hunter to hit 30-40 home runs but he needs to hit for high average and he needs to drive in a lot of runs for the Phillies to be successful and in position to win their 6^th straight NL East title.  We feel that Pence is up to the task. He’s a very good player that brings fun and excitement to the ball park every day. His smile and hustle along with his big swing are what has endeared him to Phillies fans. Pence even became somewhat of a rock star in Philadelphia in 2011 with his very popular tee shirts with his quote, “Good Game, Lets Go Eat!”

We look for a big season from Pence, .310 batting average, 28 home runs, 105 rbi’s, and 200 hits and another All Star selection. If Pence can be “the man” in the middle of the Phils lineup until Howard returns the Phils will cruise to the playoffs and to the World Series.

We also look for Pence to sign a new contract that will keep him a Phillie for years to come.

Tomorrow we will preview Brian Schneider.

The series: Day 1, Charlie Manuel. Day 2, The Coaching Staff. Day 3, Roy Halladay. Day 4, Cliff Lee. Day 5, Cole Hamels. Day 6, Vance Worley. Day 7, Joe Blanton. Day 8, Carlos “Chooch” Ruiz. Day 9, Ryan Howard. Day 10, Chase Utley. Day 11, Jimmy Rollins. Day 12, Placido Polanco. Day 13, John Mayberry, Jr. Day 14, Shane Victorino.

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