Thursday, December 3, 2009

Week of Reunions

Just one day after Allen Iverson re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, it is apparent the Placido Polanco will once again be a Phillie. According to Jayson Stark, the only thing standing in the way of a 3 year $18MM contract (including a mutual option for 2013) is a physical.

Since Polanco was not offered arbitration by the Tigers, this signing will not cost the Phillies any draft picks for next season.

Polanco played for Philadelphia from 2002 to 2005. It is cited that the mutual familiarity was a driving force behind this deal. Since going to Detroit via trade, Polanco has accumulated two gold glove awards at 2nd base. It is obvious though that he will be moved back to third base in Philadelphia.

Polanco is more patient at the plate than his predecessor, Pedro Feliz who struck out more than walking throughout his tenure in Philadelphia. Polanco has never had more than 50 strikeouts in a single season throughout his career. Not to mention he is another right-handed bat in a lineup filled with lefties.

Where will he hit? Probably in the number two spot moving Shane Victorino down in the lineup. This might change. Victorino has proven that he can thrive in the top of the lineup and it might suit the Phillies to bat Polanco in the 6th or 7th spot.

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