GaryMrMets
06-30-2004, 02:34 PM
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/9036516.htm
Posted on Tue, Jun. 29, 2004
Michaels gets chance in center
By MARCUS HAYES
hayesm@phillynews.com
The zephyrs and chutes of Citizens Bank Park cast speedy defensive wizard Doug Glanville as the safe choice to play centerfield for most of the 2 straight weeks the Phillies will spend at home. That's what manager Larry Bowa planned last week.
Then the consistently sound defense of Jason Michaels, who projects as a better offensive player than Glanville, convinced Bowa to give Michaels the first shot at replacing demoted prospect Marlon Byrd. Michaels played centerfield Saturday and Sunday in Fenway Park without embarrassing himself.
"He did a good job. That's a tough place to play," Bowa said. Michaels also went 4-for-8 to move his average to .300 with a .432 on-base percentage.
So, to Glanville's dismay, Bowa yesterday went not with what was known - Glanville's defense, speed and .279 career average - but with what could be. And what is that?
"The guy could turn into a superstar," veteran catcher Todd Pratt said. "He's very athletic. He's faster than people think. I always thought he was good. He just hasn't had a chance to show his tools."
Those tools, said Miami teammate Pat Burrell, made Michaels the Hurricanes' best player in 1997 and '98. That's right: better than Burrell, the No. 1 overall pick for the Phillies in 1998; better than Aubrey Huff, a fifth-rounder in '98 who had a breakout 2003 that earned him a 3-year, $14.5 million contract extension with Tampa Bay.
"He was the best player, by far," Burrell said. "I remember in one game he ran into the wall playing rightfield, then threw a guy out at first base."
A junior-college transfer, Michaels batted .411 as a junior and .384 as a senior, when, said Burrell, he carried the 'Canes to the College World Series. He was solid in the minors, progressing steadily, batting .282 with power to the alleys, but never convincing anyone that he was a centerfield prospect - possibly because Byrd was hot on his heels as the organization's best prospect in center.
"He's just been in the shadow of Pat, and then in the shadow of Marlon," Pratt explained.
And now?
"We met with the coaches a couple of weeks ago and felt he could handle the position," general manager Ed Wade said - but that was before platoon mate Ricky Ledee's hemorrhoids landed him on the disabled list until July 8. So those conversations were "not in the context of starting him every day for 6 months."
Bowa thinks Michaels can start every day in one of the corner positions, but outfield coach Gary Varsho believes that, after two seasons of practicing every day in center, Michaels could be a starting centerfielder.
Michaels, of course, agrees.
"I know I can do it," he said.
"He's going to have that chance," Burrell said. "His play is going to dictate how long he's there."
Hugs all around
After sitting for 2 days straight for the first time since Larry Bowa became his manager in 2001, catcher Mike Lieberthal marched into Bowa's office before batting practice yesterday and told him he was upset at having sat both Saturday in Boston, as expected, but also Sunday against former teammate Curt Schilling.
Bowa explained to Lieberthal that he was only looking out for Lieberthal's well-being and that of the team, that he wanted Lieberthal fresh for the 14 straight home games that began last night.
"I don't know what the big issue is," Bowa said. "I want my guys to want to play every day. That doesn't bother me."
"I was excited to face Schilling," said Lieberthal, who on Sunday acknowledged being angry, surprised, disheartened and disappointed. "It's really a non-issue."
At least it is after the meeting. So, did they hug?
"We shook hands," Lieberthal said.
Posted on Tue, Jun. 29, 2004
Michaels gets chance in center
By MARCUS HAYES
hayesm@phillynews.com
The zephyrs and chutes of Citizens Bank Park cast speedy defensive wizard Doug Glanville as the safe choice to play centerfield for most of the 2 straight weeks the Phillies will spend at home. That's what manager Larry Bowa planned last week.
Then the consistently sound defense of Jason Michaels, who projects as a better offensive player than Glanville, convinced Bowa to give Michaels the first shot at replacing demoted prospect Marlon Byrd. Michaels played centerfield Saturday and Sunday in Fenway Park without embarrassing himself.
"He did a good job. That's a tough place to play," Bowa said. Michaels also went 4-for-8 to move his average to .300 with a .432 on-base percentage.
So, to Glanville's dismay, Bowa yesterday went not with what was known - Glanville's defense, speed and .279 career average - but with what could be. And what is that?
"The guy could turn into a superstar," veteran catcher Todd Pratt said. "He's very athletic. He's faster than people think. I always thought he was good. He just hasn't had a chance to show his tools."
Those tools, said Miami teammate Pat Burrell, made Michaels the Hurricanes' best player in 1997 and '98. That's right: better than Burrell, the No. 1 overall pick for the Phillies in 1998; better than Aubrey Huff, a fifth-rounder in '98 who had a breakout 2003 that earned him a 3-year, $14.5 million contract extension with Tampa Bay.
"He was the best player, by far," Burrell said. "I remember in one game he ran into the wall playing rightfield, then threw a guy out at first base."
A junior-college transfer, Michaels batted .411 as a junior and .384 as a senior, when, said Burrell, he carried the 'Canes to the College World Series. He was solid in the minors, progressing steadily, batting .282 with power to the alleys, but never convincing anyone that he was a centerfield prospect - possibly because Byrd was hot on his heels as the organization's best prospect in center.
"He's just been in the shadow of Pat, and then in the shadow of Marlon," Pratt explained.
And now?
"We met with the coaches a couple of weeks ago and felt he could handle the position," general manager Ed Wade said - but that was before platoon mate Ricky Ledee's hemorrhoids landed him on the disabled list until July 8. So those conversations were "not in the context of starting him every day for 6 months."
Bowa thinks Michaels can start every day in one of the corner positions, but outfield coach Gary Varsho believes that, after two seasons of practicing every day in center, Michaels could be a starting centerfielder.
Michaels, of course, agrees.
"I know I can do it," he said.
"He's going to have that chance," Burrell said. "His play is going to dictate how long he's there."
Hugs all around
After sitting for 2 days straight for the first time since Larry Bowa became his manager in 2001, catcher Mike Lieberthal marched into Bowa's office before batting practice yesterday and told him he was upset at having sat both Saturday in Boston, as expected, but also Sunday against former teammate Curt Schilling.
Bowa explained to Lieberthal that he was only looking out for Lieberthal's well-being and that of the team, that he wanted Lieberthal fresh for the 14 straight home games that began last night.
"I don't know what the big issue is," Bowa said. "I want my guys to want to play every day. That doesn't bother me."
"I was excited to face Schilling," said Lieberthal, who on Sunday acknowledged being angry, surprised, disheartened and disappointed. "It's really a non-issue."
At least it is after the meeting. So, did they hug?
"We shook hands," Lieberthal said.