Headlines

  • Braves Release Alex Verdugo
  • Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline
  • Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim
  • Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon
  • Brandon Woodruff To Start For Brewers On Sunday
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Possible Platoon Partners For Domonic Brown

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | October 28, 2010 at 10:10am CDT

Jayson Werth is days away from free agency, so if the Phillies intend to re-sign their right fielder, they'll have to bid directly against other interested teams. There's a real chance Werth signs elsewhere this winter, so the Phillies are thinking ahead. Manager Charlie Manuel has acknowledged that he may pair Domonic Brown up with a more experienced player who can handle southpaws and play right field.

Brown, just 23, had no trouble hitting minor league pitching this year (.327/.391/.589 line) but he bats from the left side and the Phillies could ease him into the big leagues by limiting his exposure to left-handed pitching. Here are eight outfielders the Phillies may consider as platoon partners for Brown:

  • Jeff Francoeur, 26 years old, non-tender candidate – Frenchy has his faults, but the 26-year-old can handle lefties. He has a .299/.343/.481 line against them in his career.
  • Matt Diaz, 32 years old, non-tender candidate – Diaz has a .335/.373/.533 line against lefties in his career.
  • Juan Rivera, 32 years old, trade candidate – The Angels will have to part with an outfielder if they sign Werth or Carl Crawford. Rivera, who spent most of the 2010 season in left field, has a career .288/.333/.499 line against lefties.
  • Jose Guillen, 34 years old, free agent – He struggled against lefties this year, but boasts a .270/.327/.460 line against them in his career.
  • Xavier Nady, 31 years old, free agent – Nady, who struggled through the 2010 season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery, has a .297/.367/.451 line against lefties in his career.
  • Andruw Jones, 33, free agent – Jones would likely be able to find more playing time elsewhere, so he's not a natural fit in Philly, but his career (.261/.361/.501) and 2010 (.256/.373/.558) numbers against left-handers must have the Phillies salivating.
  • Milton Bradley, 32, trade candidate – Again, Bradley seems like an unlikely target for the Phillies, but he has a .300/.382/.488 line against left-handers in his career and could be available.
  • Willie Bloomquist, 32, free agent – He has a .272/.334/.366 line against lefties in his career – not much pop, but he's far more versatile than the players above. Bloomquist played all three outfield positions and all four infield positions this year, so Manuel could use him elsewhere if Brown wins the job outright.
  • Austin Kearns, 30, free agent – Kearns has a career .261/.383/.416 line against lefties and may have trouble finding an everyday job.
  • Ben Francisco, 29, on the Phillies – Francisco has a .267/.347/.460 career line against left-handers.

Diaz and Francoeur handle lefties well and can play right field, so they would be good fits for the Phils if they are indeed non-tendered. Rivera, Nady, Bloomquist and Kearns would also be legitimate options and none of the players listed figure to cost more than a few million on a one-year deal, so the Phillies are well-positioned to recover if Werth leaves and they consider alternatives to Francisco. Their biggest challenge will be helping Brown improve upon the .210/.257/.355 line he posted in 70 plate appearances this summer.

Share 4 Retweet 12 Send via email0

Philadelphia Phillies Andruw Jones Austin Kearns Ben Francisco Domonic Brown Jayson Werth Jeff Francoeur Jose Guillen Juan Rivera Milton Bradley Willie Bloomquist Xavier Nady

Phillies Notes: Werth & Manuel
Main
Yankees, Girardi Agree To Three-Year Deal
View Comments (54)
Post a Comment

54 Comments

  1. NYBravosFan10

    15 years ago

    If the phighten’s indeed want to do this then I would say Nady is the best option. He’s a good player that can be roped in relatively cheaply

    Reply
  2. twenty1thirteen

    15 years ago

    Unfortunately, we all know Francoeur will be in KC next year.

    Reply
    • Cameron Nelson

      15 years ago

      Maybe, but with our patchwork outfield, he’s still an improvement somehow. At least he’s a natural left fielder and not a converted third baseman.

      We need to hit the outfield hard in the next few drafts. We pretty much have everywhere else covered.

      Reply
    • sjw18930

      15 years ago

      Thank heaven he won’t be here.

      Reply
    • Jake Lunemann

      15 years ago

      He fits in perfectly with KC. He is slightly above average speed, past his prime, white, and swings and misses a lot.

      Reply
    • Jake Lunemann

      15 years ago

      He fits in perfectly with KC. He is slightly above average speed, past his prime, white, and swings and misses a lot.

      Reply
    • imacubsfananditsucks

      15 years ago

      sad but true kc where careers go to die

      Reply
    • imacubsfananditsucks

      15 years ago

      sad but true. kc where careers go to die.

      Reply
  3. Moebarguy

    15 years ago

    Kearns is easily the best fit. He’s a solid hitter, good defender, and could handle a full-time role if Brown needs more time in Triple-A. However, I want the Mets to sign him, so hopefully the Phillies sign Francouer.

    Reply
    • Hermie13

      15 years ago

      I agree here. He won’t be that expensive (maybe $800K-$1.5M guaranteed) and can play all 3 OF spots.

      Showed he can still hit in Cleveland. Nice vet (and none too old) to have around if you’re Philly. Can Ibanez hold up for another year? Francisco could start in LF if he goes down…but kearns stepped up for Cleveland.

      For the money….Kearns is probably the best fit of the guys mentioned.

      Reply
    • Henry Castellanos

      15 years ago

      K. Have fun seeing him strike out almost every at bat with men on base.

      Reply
      • Moebarguy

        15 years ago

        Career-wise he’s solid with men on base–so as a 4th OFer/platoon type, I’m fine with his production.

        Reply
  4. The_Silver_Stacker

    15 years ago

    I think the best guy for power on that list is Juan Rivera, but if the Phillies want the best well-rounded guy, that Nady should be their guy to go and get.

    Reply
  5. Ethanator99

    15 years ago

    Milton Bradley: So much talent, so much insanity.

    Reply
  6. bigpat

    15 years ago

    I didn’t realize Matt Diaz was 32, but I think he’s a pretty good player. Not sure why he didn’t get more action in Atlanta this year, but if he leaves, I’d expect Philly to take a look at him and I’d really like the Pirates to offer him a contract. He’d be a very good right handed outfielder and he could be involved in a timeshare with Doumit and Garrett Jones where they each get some starts.

    Reply
    • BravesRed

      15 years ago

      As stated above, he’s only good against lefties, and not my lefties start against Atlanta. Maybe 20-30 a year.

      Reply
  7. BravesRed

    15 years ago

    Diaz will be non-tendered, and brought back at a cheaper price.

    Reply
  8. moonraker45

    15 years ago

    Is Frenchy really only 26? Why did i think he was like 37

    Reply
    • elchupanibre

      15 years ago

      Obviously you have watched him play

      Reply
      • moonraker45

        15 years ago

        well done.

        Reply
  9. Michael Brown

    15 years ago

    Diaz is not a very good option defensively in right, I’m a big Matty D fan and supporter, and I think there is a very good chance that he is non-tendered and brought back for the same or slightly less than he was making this year. He is actually one of the key cogs for our clubhouse chemistry….

    Reply
  10. SpaldingBalls

    15 years ago

    I know that Manuel said a platoon would be an option with Brown, but why? If the guy is the superstar he should eventually become, why should he platoon? Why not start him everyday?

    Reply
  11. jwsox

    15 years ago

    andruw jones might be able to get some of his magic back if he works with charlie

    Reply
  12. pb111

    15 years ago

    Francisco, Ben Francisco

    Reply
  13. Jake Humphrey

    15 years ago

    Ben Francisco has a career .267/.347/.460 -.807 line against lefties for his career, and he’s already in-house. Why search for a platoon partner when you’ve already got a perfect one?

    Reply
    • MQAB

      15 years ago

      seriously

      dude has some pop, and manuel can never say enough good things about him. i really think he can put up similar numbers to werth. extremely underrated.

      Reply
      • GriffeyandSizemore

        15 years ago

        lol

        Reply
  14. Drew W

    15 years ago

    Jose Guillen would be the guy I go after if I’m Ruben. He’s likely past his prime but a part time role sounds perfect for him. Good defender, great arm, and good RH power bat built for Citizens Bank. Not to mention just 2 years ago he hit 20 home runs. He’s not the best clubhouse guy to have around, but a guy at his stage in his career and no rings would likely suck it up for a chance to win it all.

    Reply
    • Henry Castellanos

      15 years ago

      If he ever wins one, he’d prob get too drunk during the celebration and the players would have to shun him

      Reply
  15. philsWSchamps

    15 years ago

    I agree with some on here keep it with francisco and get some pen help. maybe a nice LOGOY since Bastardo will be getting his first full year of work without JC back there.

    Reply
    • moonraker45

      15 years ago

      I think you mean loogy

      Reply
  16. philsWSchamps

    15 years ago

    maybe Jonathan Singleton???

    jk but who knows maybe to Replace Raul in 2012?

    phuturephillies.com/2010/10/25/singleton-to-lf/

    Reply
    • angryredmenace

      15 years ago

      Too Soon buddy, too soon.

      Reply
  17. yazpik

    15 years ago

    Bradley and a the half of his salary for Bastardo

    Reply
    • nm344

      15 years ago

      How about NO.

      Reply
  18. cookmeister

    15 years ago

    please take Rivera

    Reply
  19. BS

    15 years ago

    How bout giving Mayberry a shot?

    Reply
    • B Squared

      15 years ago

      I agree stick with what you know and have in stock. Go with Brown, Mayberry and Francisco. If possible find a way to dump Ibanez and bring back Werth to team with Victarino and the three young guys. They got talent, let them show it. The lineup is good enough to get through the growing pains.

      Reply
  20. $1529282

    15 years ago

    I know he’s got about 3.5x the experience in left that he does in right, but I’m surprised to not see Marcus Thames on this list still.

    Reply
  21. Brandon G

    15 years ago

    If they strictly want a platoon partner for Domonic Brown then my top choice would be Matt Diaz. Being a Braves fan I know he absolutely crushes lefties, and if he is only platooning he wouldn’t really hurt the defense. I hope he stays with the Braves, but he would be a good fit in Philly. He gives it all he’s got and can take down fans in Red Spandex suits if needed…

    Reply
  22. Frank Klose

    15 years ago

    Aaron Rowand could be on this list…

    Reply
  23. johnsilver

    15 years ago

    Bloomquist is out of that mix. Not dicing on Ben, but he is a 25th player pretty much at the start of the season and you want him around to play 7 positions and steal a few bases, nothing more. he is best suited at this point to be a NL type IMO and no disrespect towards him cause always liked the guy.

    Reply
  24. Christopher

    15 years ago

    How about one Mr. Ross? You know…the guy who just destroyed us in the LCS. As the postseason hero and a fan favorite, Giants will definitely try to re-sign him, but he can play RF or LF and should be quite affordable at around $4M, and he’s only 29. I could see him platooning with Brown or Ibanez.

    Reply
  25. GC

    15 years ago

    Milton Bradley “could be available” – haha You think?!

    Reply
  26. Brian Vigue

    15 years ago

    How about Pat Burrell? Victorino would have to cover half the earth between Ibanez and Burrell, but … Aaron Rowand might also be a pickup, if available. Of the ones listed, I like Francoeur the best and A Jones second. I know that both have slipped from their best years, but you’re looking for someone for 2 starts a week and some ph’s.

    Reply
  27. withpower

    15 years ago

    Why not do what is best for his development, like they did with Ryan Howard, and just keep throwing him out there against LHP until he gets better.

    He probably won’t ever be as good against them, but if he can take them out of park, that’ll be good enough.

    Reply
  28. withpower

    15 years ago

    Why not do what is best for his development, like they did with Ryan Howard, and just keep throwing him out there against LHP until he gets better.

    He probably won’t ever be as good against them, but if he can take them out of park, that’ll be good enough.

    Reply
  29. philsfiend

    15 years ago

    I’d see if David De Jesus was available from the K.C. Royals. He’s a free agent after the 2011 season, so perhaps KC would rather “get something instead of nothing” for him – so the Philies wouldn’t have to give up too much in a trade for him.

    Reply
  30. hillgs

    15 years ago

    Ben Francisco is already part of this club and would improve with more regular playing time. No fuss no bother. He is going to be the platoon partner.

    Raul Ibanez is aging and weakening. The platoon is going to include him, as well, I think, since there won’t really be a trade market for him.

    Reply
  31. Antimatterpunk

    15 years ago

    Swap Ibanez for Rowand; the salaries more or less even out this season, then split Rowands salary for 2012 50/50…

    Reply
  32. JST1331

    15 years ago

    Sadly I know that Ben Francisco will be the platoon partner with Dominic Brown. I say sadly because personally I don’t think anything but a bench player when I see him play the game. Don’t get me wrong I’m a huge Francisco fan. If I were to choose a player to platoon with Brown I rather choose Xavier Nady. Nady is a decent player with a little bit of pop in his bat. He’s a versatile player who can play the corner outfield positions and could even play first and third at times. I just hope the Phillies make the right decision this offseason and see what best fits.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Brandon Woodruff To Start For Brewers On Sunday

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

    Tucker Barnhart To Retire

    Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

    Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

    Dave Parker Passes Away

    Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

    Pirates Reportedly Have Very Few Untouchable Players At Trade Deadline

    Griffin Canning Believed To Have Suffered Achilles Injury

    Recent

    Bobby Jenks Passes Away

    Rangers To Sign Rowdy Tellez To Minor League Deal

    Yankees Likely To Promote Cam Schlittler

    Astros Sign Hector Neris

    Dodgers Not Planning To Add Third Base Help Before Deadline

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Blue Jays Place Yimi Garcia On 15-Day Injured List

    Mets Sign Zach Pop, Designate Tyler Zuber

    Mets Interested In Mitch Keller

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version