Morning Phil Up – 3/27/2014 – Dom Brown looks to build, David Buchanan impresses, and Maikel Franco is the future at third base

Domonic Brown. Image Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Today’s links involve Dom Brown, David Buchanan, Mario Hollands, and Maikel Franco:

Crashburn Alley – The best and worst of Phillies Spring Training

The Phillies have not been having an especially strong Spring Training. Their hitting has been abysmal, resulting in the worst record in Grapefruit League play. However, there were some individual players who had good showings. Ben Revere, Marlon Byrd, and Jeff Manship were a few of the Phillies who impressed. On the other hand, players such as Chase Utley and Dom Brown had very disappointing exhibition seasons, and hopefully that won’t carry into the season.

Phillies Team Site – Brown looking to build on breakout year

Coming off a 2013 that saw him breakout as an All-Star, Dom Brown’s Spring Training was interrupted by the flu. But it wasn’t like he was doing all that well when he was healthy. In Grapefruit League play, Brown has batted .196 with no home runs. Still, manager Ryne Sandberg isn’t concerned. Sandberg think Brown is set for a strong season, and even made note of how much Brown has improved in the field.

CSN Philly – Buchanan, Hollands: Phillies Camp Eye Openers

Neither David Buchanan nor Mario Hollands was protected on the Phillies’ 40 man roster in November, yet both men have made a strong impression on team management in Spring Training. Buchanan was recently informed that he will not begin the season with the big league club, but is still a candidate to be recalled once the team requires a fifth starter two weeks into the season. As for Hollands, it looks likely that the lefty will be a part of the Opening Day roster as a reliever.

Rant Sports – Cody Asche should only be a stopgap solution until Maikel Franco is ready

Cody Asche may have a long, successful career as a third baseman. But as it stands now, Maikel Franco appears to have a much higher ceiling, and therefore he should be the player the Phillies base their long term plans around at third base. Franco will start the season in the minors, but if he gets off to a start anywhere near his 2013 level, the Phillies will have a hard time justifying keeping him down.

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