He's probably right. While Valdez had an unexpected season, he still managed only a .667 OPS, which isn't hard to replace. It was Valdez's defense that made him valuable.
He went to his native Dominican Republic as he does every winter to play. In 54 at-bats, Valdez hit .296 with a .630 OPS.
To add to his value, Valdez said he would be more than willing to play some outfield this spring, as Charlie Manuel has suggested he do. Valdez has played just five major-league games in the outfield and had fewer than 30 games of outfield experience in the minors.
But as Manuel said, he likes Valdez's arm, and the infielder was always playing around in the outfield before games.
The Phillies don't have a true backup centerfielder. Jayson Werth filled in at times before; Ben Francisco and John Mayberry Jr. can play there, too. Rule 5 pick Michael Martinez is another possible option. Valdez could be too.
"I think I can help," Valdez said.
Tickets on sale
At 8:30 Thursday morning, single-game tickets will go on sale for 78 home games - all but Opening Day and three Red Sox games in late June.
Tickets may be purchased at the windows on the third-base side of Citizens Bank Park, on the Phillies website, www.phillies.com, or by calling 215-463-1000.
Phillies interested in Maine
Ruben Amaro Jr.'s infatuation with starting pitching could soon bring another well-known name to Philadelphia.
The Phillies were among the teams to recently watch former New York Mets righthander John Maine throw, according to the pitcher's agent, Rex Gary, who said his client could make a decision about where to sign as soon as Thursday. Maine is likely to sign a minor-league deal with an out clause that would allow him to leave for another major-league team if he is not in the big leagues by a certain date.
"The Phillies were one of many teams to have watched John pitch, and they were impressed," Gary said.
