During the offseason Podsednik re-signed with the Phillies.
He made a favorable impression in spring training before being beaten out by Juan Pierre for the Phillies' final outfield spot.
In spring training, Podsednik batted .309 (17 for 55) with five doubles and eight runs scored. He also stole five bases and wasn't caught stealing. Pierre hit .377 (23 for 61).
"Was I frustrated with it? Yes, but with that being said, I could sit and pout or keep playing and grinding and try to get myself back to the league," Podsednik said.
The goal now is to take what he accomplished in spring training and continue with the IronPigs.
"I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish and wanted to prove I was healthy and could still run and make an impact and I felt like I took care of things I can control," he said.
Podsednik's resumé is well known. He was an all-star in 2005 with the Chicago White Sox, the year they won the World Series. In 2004, he led the majors with 70 stolen bases as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers.
With 202 career stolen bases in the big leagues, Podsednik still has speed as his greatest asset. He said he needed to get healthy, as he did during the offseason, and now he's ready to show that he can compete. He last appeared in the majors in 2010, with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"I still feel like there is some gas left in the tank and that I can compete at that level," Podsednik said.
So do the Phillies.
"Scott still has plenty of ability and has enough ability to help our team if and when they decide they want him up there," said Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan.
Podsednik can opt out of his contract on June 1, but he said it was too early to speculate what will happen.
He understands his performance for the next month and a half will determine his future.
"It would be a little premature to start thinking of that now," he said of the opt-out. "There is a lot of work that needs to be done between now and June 1 to even start thinking of the out."
Lehigh Valley manager Ryne Sandberg believes Podsednik can fill a role in the big leagues.
"He can very well be used in an NL game stealing a base late in a game," Sandberg said. "He is a leadoff-type of hitter in a pinch-hit situation, leading off an inning late in the game, and can be a spot starter."
Sandberg said Podsednik would play all three outfield positions at Lehigh Valley, something that should enhance his value.
Podsednik took a few days off after spring training to tend to personal matters, and this has been his first full week with the team.
He said he never considered retiring after spring training.
"No, I am playing too well to hang them up," he said. "The bottom line is I am here and I am going to play and try to play my way back."
Contact Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225, mnarducci@phillynews.com or on Twitter @sjnard.
