John Mayberry Jr. demonstrated his ability in 2011 as a platoon player. But no one can be sold on his viability as an everyday player without a larger sample size. Laynce Nix mashes righties, but the Phillies won't know if he can handle an everyday workload until he actually attempts it. Brown was a wreck defensively at the end of 2011 and, barring a blockbuster spring, will begin the season at triple A.
Regardless, the Phillies will be younger in left field. It's one of the only spots on the roster where (relative) youth can be infused.
They are banking on Mayberry, a sentiment echoed by both general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and manager Charlie Manuel this winter. Mayberry's 15 home runs and .854 OPS in 296 plate appearances were enough to merit the inside track on winning the job. But his success is far from guaranteed.
No matter how many times Mayberry's name is connected with Jayson Werth's this spring, it's difficult to make such a comparison. Manuel described Ben Francisco as a "Jayson Werth-type player" last spring, a premise made solely on the fact both waited until deep into their careers to become everyday players. Francisco was on the bench by May.
There are reasons Mayberry is 28 and has never served as an everyday player in the majors. His inability to recognize breaking balls is one. His lack of consistent production against righthanded pitchers is another.
That's not to say Mayberry can't duplicate Werth's career arc. But his 2011 numbers warrant a more critical eye, especially since they are a chief reason the Phillies have faith in his skill.
