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Phillies Spring Training Position Preview: Third Base

By George Gouvas

Jun 6, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) cannot catch up to a ground ball during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) cannot catch up to a ground ball during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Third base for the Philadelphia Phillies starts and ends with the current cornerstone of the franchise, Mikael Franco.

In an organization where power is scarce, Maikel Franco is the only player, not just at third base, on the Phillies with the power to leave the yard 25 times or better on a year-in-and-year-out basis.

Normally, a player coming off a .255 campaign with a paltry .306 OBP would be cause for concern, but it this case, it all seems to be part of the growth process for Franco. For most of the 2016 season, Franco’s protection consisted of a shell of Ryan Howard’s former self and rookie first-baseman, Tommy Joseph.

Franco’s first full season was filled with inconsistencies and a 70-point decline in his slugging percentage. But, it’s very difficult to criticize 25-homers and 88 RBI at the ripe age of 24.

The man who stands behind Franco on the depth chart returns for his fourth season with the club. Andres Blanco has been a great presence on the bench and beyond. He has been a solid fill-in at all four infield spots but has seen his most time at third.

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This is the role he will continue to play, as a support system to Franco, Galvis, Hernandez, and Joseph.

Taylor Featherston, a familiar face to GM Matt Klentak from his days with the Angels, saw only 26 major-league at-bats in 2016. The veteran utility player will play this role in Lehigh Valley, only coming north if multiple injuries occur. A solid bat for the Iron Pigs, Featherston is better suited to play up the middle. But with very little major-league ready depth at third, Featherston could see a few travel cups of coffee this season.

One player who could be a sleeper at the position is Jesmuel Valentin. One of the best offensive prospects at the upper levels, Valentin is scheduled to be the everyday second baseman in Lehigh Valley.

He has the potential to show some of the power his father had, Jose Valentin, had when he belted 249 home runs. It would be best for him to see everyday at-bats at Triple-A this season, and is not expected to be seen in Philadelphia for some time.

Next: Maikel Franco Must Prove Himself Before Manny Machado Hits Free Agency

Third base may be the only position the Phillies have locked down in their organization going forward. Franco will cost the Phillies a mere $517,500 this season and will be arbitration-eligible for the first time in his career next offseason.

Fans can only hope that the additional protection provided by Michael Saunders and a more experienced Tommy Joseph can result in Franco seeing an increase in production.

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