Phils to Hernandez: You’re an outfielder now

Earlier this year, the Phillies brought up prize infield prospect Cesar Hernandez for a look at how he’d handle the pressure at the top.

May 29, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) during the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Red Sox 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

They were so impressed with him that they have determined he’s reached the pinnacle of second basemanship and are moving him into the outfield.

Thus is the nature of a farm system to next to no outfield prospects.  Earlier this spring, Freddy Galvis was moved to left for a time, just to see if he could.  As usual, Freddy assimilated to the defensive nuances of his position and was making sliding grabs before Delmon Young had even registered his first weigh-in date.

And boy, the Phillies sure could use a center fielder right about now.  With the removal of their hot-hitting leadoff hitter from the roster, the Phillies’ lack of organizational depth is more real than ever.  It’s not really clear whose going to come in now… Mayberry, probably, but an outside acquisition would be… better…

So the timing seems right to take one of the proven natural athletes from our ranks and twist them into a place we need them now.  Will it ruin young Cesar?  I mean, maybe.  But that’s why this an experiment.  An experiment that’s moving with uncharacteristic velocity; Hernandez is already on the ground in Reading for a 10-game stint as the starting center fielder.