Clearwater Countdown: Pedro's Balky Back
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Pedro Feliz is known for his solid defense at third base.
Spring is just around the corner and so are warmer days, walks in the park and baseball.
That's right, Phillies pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater in just four days. In honor of the start of Spring Training NBCPhiladelphia.com is doing our top-10 countdown of issues to be settled before Opening Day.
No. 4:
Will Pedro Feliz remain healthy in 2009?
The hot corner has been a hot topic this off-season as the Phillies have tried to upgrade with an extra right-handed bat -- an insurance policy should Feliz continue to have problems with his balky back.
Feliz had off-season lower back surgery after fighting through the injury most of the 2008 season. He is expected to miss time in Spring Training but should be ready for Opening Day, according to Phils GM Ruben Amaro, Jr.
Despite the back problems Feliz still played 133 games for the Phils last season. He hit .249 (about what was expected) but put up career-lows (19 doubles, two triples, 14 homers and 58 RBI) in every major power category since he became a full-time third baseman for the Giants in 2004.
The Phils can't afford to have that production again at third base. Greg Dobbs chipped in with some surprisingly solid (.971 fielding percentage) defense and his nice left-handed bat but overall the Phils need to improve especially if Feliz isn't "back" to his old 20 HR/80RBI -self.
They Phillies took a look at some veteran help in Ty Wigginton and Nomar Garciaparra and may take a try on a rookie in Jason Donald but as it goes right now the only certainty is that Dobbs will see some time at third.
With each passing day the Phillies seem less likely to add a veteran at the position. Wigginton signed with Baltimore and No-Mar seems to be leaning towards playing No More baseball.
Donald is the future in the Phillies infield putting up great minor-league numbers but can he play third? He is a natural shortstop who has been a bit questionable with his glove committing 18 errors last season with a .949 fielding percentage.
If Donald shows off his lauded-bat in the spring the Phils may take a chance on having him play behind Feliz but instead they may have him try his luck at third base in AAA where he can hone his skills everyday.
The likely security blanket for Feliz is Eric Bruntlett. He can play almost any position -- last season the only places he didn't find himself positioned were behind the plate and in center field.
Brunts doesn't impress with his bat (career .240 average) but could serve as a quick fix for the Phillies should Feliz get injured.
The Phillies could then bring up Donald or make a trade to fill the hole at the hot corner.
For now the Phils are banking on a balky back and the hope that the Pedro of San Francisco fame can make a triumphant return in 2009.
Posted Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 - 9:03 PM EST
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