Return to leadoff spot has Phillips interested
Baker pondering such a move, but then needs to find a cleanup hitter.
SAN DIEGO — Brandon Phillips and Reds manager Dusty Baker had a long meeting in Baker’s office before Friday’s game. The subject of such meetings is always confidential, but it’s clear that Phillips is willing to go back to the leadoff spot.
“I’d love that,” Phillips said. “I just feel like I have more fun hitting leadoff. I feel I can play my game all the way and go out and have a good year like I did last year.”
The preseason plan was for Phillips to lead off. But Scott Rolen’s injuries and struggles forced Phillips back into the cleanup spot.
“I went into this offseason thinking I was going to be a leadoff man,” Phillips said. “I thought I’d be stealing more bases and doing the things I was doing the second half last year. I really thought that was going to happen.
“You do what’s best for the team instead of what’s best for yourself.”
Phillips hit .350 with a .417 on-base over 38 games in the leadoff spot last year. The Reds went 20-18 in those games.
Reds leadoff hitters this year had combined to hit .197 with a .241 on-base percentage going into Friday night’s game.
Baker has thought about moving Phillips to No. 1 in lineup. The question? Who hits cleanup then?
“I thought about it,” Baker said. “We might put Ludwick in that situation. Brandon’s moved more than anybody I’ve ever seen in any lineup I’ve had. I don’t think I’ve ever had a player with ability to bat cleanup one day and leadoff the next day.
“Brandon’s been our second-most productive hitter with runners in scoring position (.294).”
Phillips, by the way, says he’s not upset about his AllStar snub. “I’m good,” he said. “I’m just chilling.”
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