Catching Up With Andy Phillips
Via the Pirates site yesterday -
Andy Phillips knows that he is not alone in his pursuit for one of the Pirates’ final two bench spots. But the 32-year-old would like to believe that he has some intangibles that make him an appealing choice for a utility role.
Standing out on Phillips’ resume would have to be his versatility, one of the factors behind the Pirates initiating contact with him the day he became a free agent. Phillips can play across the infield, and he has felt “surprisingly comfortable,” to use his words, in his career outfield appearances as well.
However, Phillips hopes his statistics don’t have to tell the whole story.
“I hope it’s the versatility that impresses, but I hope it’s other factors,” Phillips said. “I hope it’s how I approach the game. I hope there is some background. I’ve come from a place where the expectation is to win and to win everything. I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the game [while] playing with some of those guys.”
If Phillips doesn’t make it with the Bucs, and A-Rod goes under the knife, would the Yankees bring Andy back – as a back-up infielder or platoon third baseman? They might…they just might…
I’d rather see him than Berroa