Philadelphia Phillies Continue Search for Veteran Outfielder

Phillies News

Vernon Wells may prove to be a cost prohibitive option

Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is still looking to add a veteran outfielder for opening day.

Amaro has made it no secret that he’s not all that comfortable with the current corner outfielder depth for the Phillies – a platoon system that will see a lot of Darin Ruf, Domonic Brown, and Laynce Nix without a move.

Philadelphia Phillies News“We had several talks with free agents, although they’re limited now. We’ve also talked about some possible trades…We’re still trying to improve, depth-wise, in our outfield,” said Amaro last Friday.

Reportedly the Phillies two top targets remain free agent Scott Hairston and veteran Los Angeles Angels outfielder Vernon Wells.

Hairston, 32, has decent numbers in his nine-year career. The Phillies should be looking to add a right-handed bat with some pop to aid in the platoons that seem to be forming in the corner outfield spots.

As you can see in the table below, the right-handed Hairston hits much better against the left-handed pitching and provides that pop.

Scott Hairston

Split

AB

H

2B

3B

HR

BB

SO

BA

OBP

SLG

vs LH Pitcher

850

235

61

6

39

63

155

.276

.325

.500

vs RH Pitcher

1347

308

63

11

56

99

352

.229

.288

.416

In a nutshell, Hairston hits left-handed pitching much better than he hits right.

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Vernon Wells

The other option on the Phillies radar is not nearly as enticing. Wells, 34, has been less than impressive in his last two seasons.

Year

G

AB

H

2B

HR

RBI

SO

BA

OBP

SLG

2011

131

505

110

15

25

66

86

.218

.248

.412

2012

77

243

56

9

11

29

35

.230

.279

.403

The Angels would likely have to pay a lot of Wells contract and not expect a lot in return in the deal. Wells is scheduled to make $42 million over the next two seasons. With the numbers above, he’d be considerably overpaid.

No matter who the veteran outfielder is, the Phillies need one before opening day. Dominic Brown and a left field platoon probably doesn’t sound like heaven to Charlie Manuel.