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 20 we preview, Ty Wigginton.
Ty Wigginton – Who is this Ty Wigginton you ask? Wigginton is a 10 year journeyman veteran who has bounced around the major leagues as much as he’s bounced around positions. The 34 year old former 17th round draft choice of the New York Mets in 1998 has been around and done his time. Wigginton has played at the big league level for 3 years with the Mets, 2 years with the Rays, 2 years with the Pirates, 2 years with the Orioles, 2 years with the Astros and 1 year with the Rockies since making his major league debut in 2002. The Phillies traded for Wigginton in the off season to add depth to the ball club. He will make $4m for the Phillies in 2012. Wigginton is the ultimate utility man from a position perspective; however, as recently as 2010 he played in 154 games and posted 548 at bats and was selected to the AL All Star team as a member of the Orioles. In his major league career he has played 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, left field and right field while posting a .265 batting average, 158 home runs and 548 rbi’s in 1190 games. Ty can add some pop to the lineup; he’s hit 20 or more home runs 4 times in his career.
Personal Analysis:
Wigginton is going to be called on to play a big role for the Phillies early in 2012. The righthanded hitter may split some time with Jim Thome at 1st base, however, we expect Wigginton to carry most of the load. As we’ve stated throughout all of our profiles it will be important for everyone to contribute until Ryan Howard and, most likely, Chase Utley return to the lineup. The Phillies expect Ty to be the man that can fill those shoes, thus the trade and the $4m contract. We also expect to see Wigginton provide an off day now and then for Placido Polanco at 3rd base as well. A lot is riding on Ty being successful in Philadelphia. Let’s hope the Phillies management is right.
Tomorrow we will preview Chad Qualls.
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. Day 15, Hunter Pence. Day 16, Brian Schneider. Day 17, Jim Thome. Day 18, Kyle Kendrick. Day 19, Antonio Bastardo.
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