2008 Outfield Outlook

After analyzing the infield, we are now taking a look at the Phillies 2008 projected outfield. All salary information will come from Cot's Baseball Contracts. All fielding stats are 2007 #s. All batting stats are 162 game averages.

Some things you may need to know:
Range Factor - (PO + A) divided by innings
Zone Rating - The percentage of balls fielded by a player in his typical defensive "zone," as measured by Stats Inc.
A - Outfield Assists

Right Field
Starter - Geoff Jenkins ($5M) - As a LF, .988 FPct., 2.30 RF (2nd in majors), .889 ZR (4th in Majors), 7A/.277/.342/.843, 87 R, 28 HR, 92 RBI, 147 Ks
Bench - Jayson Werth ($1.7M) - .983 FPct, 2.34 RF, .912 ZR, 7A/.259, .352, .782, 78 R, 16 HR, 77 RBI, 152 Ks, 12 SB

-Werth and Jenkins are expected to platoon. Both guys are above-average outfielders would good arms. They are not exactly Shane Victorino in right field, but they are by no means a defensive liability. Also, with Victorino able to cover more in Center Field than Aaron Rowand, expect the Phillies to be fine in right defensively with good arms.

Offensively, we should expect decent numbers, but it is hard to know what to expect as Jenkins performed below his average numbers last year and Jayson Werth performed above his normal averages. Jayson Werth seems like he performs better with consistent playing time, so we'll see what happens with him. There will be no need for defensive replacements in right, so both guys will be able to pinch-hit if called upon.

Center Field
Starter - Shane Victorino (0.41 M [2007] - As a CF in 2006 (60 starts), 1.000 FPct, 2.37 RF, .858 ZR, 6A/.274/.336/.741 76 R, 10 HR, 49 RBI, 23 SB, 65 Ks
Bench - So Taguchi (1.05M) - As a CF in 2007 (41 starts), .992 FPct, 2.82 RF, .876 ZR, 1A/ .283, .336, .727, 50 R, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 50 Ks, 10 SBs

- I know, I know, we've lost Aaron Rowand, but can you imagine that we may have actually upgraded in Center Field? It remains to be seen, but many feel that Victorino will be a better center fielder in 2008. Also, his arm exceeds the right arm of Aaron Rowand. I'd look for a better year from Shane offensively. Expect to see 40-50 steals this year from him. I'd also expect his average and OBP to rise a little more.

So Taguchi was a great addition by Pat Gillick because he is one of the best pinch-hitters in the league and he can pitch run in timely situations. Also, Taguchi can play all outfield positions and he's not that much of a loss at the plate as he'll likely make contact. He's another above average fielder on the Phillies roster.

Left Field
Starter - Pat Burrell ($14 M) - .948 FPct, 1.61 RF, .813 ZR, 8A/.258/.367/.849, 82 R, 31 HR, 104 RBI, 160 Ks

- We all know Pat has terrible range, but he does still have a decent arm when the ball is hit near him as he had 8 outfield assists last year. If his offensive numbers are somewhat similar to his second half last year (.290/.420/1.010 19 HR, 60 RBI), I would expect the Phillies to do very well. Pat will likely be spelled by Taguchi, Jenkins, or Werth. With so many veteran outfielders, I would not expect Dobbs to get many starts in left, but we'll see. Remember, this is a contract year for Burrell and he wants to stay in Philadelphia. Lets see if he posts similar rises over his average like Aaron Rowand did last year.