Phillies 2016 Grades: Outfielders
By Matt Veasey
CODY ASCHE
Asche was injured for much of the season, and when healthy spent most of his time as a non-productive minor leaguer.
Down on the farm again as a 26-year old, the lefty hitter who fields right-handed went for a .248/.319/.469 slash line in 160 plate appearances across three levels against minor league pitching.
Given a promotion back to Philly when rosters expanded in September, Asche is once again failing to produce for a fourth consecutive season.
To this point with the Phillies in 2016, Asche has a .222/.293/.368 slash line with four home runs and 18 RBI over 205 plate appearances.
The Phillies have changed ownership, front office, and managerial regimes over the last year. None owes Asche anything, and he has shown that he has little to offer as an everyday player.
It has always been my contention that the Phillies have misused and/or miscast Asche, and I still believe that, if he is to have any value, he would best be used as a Greg Dobbs-type player.
In addition to left field, Asche should be given time once again at 3rd base, as well as at 1st base. He should also get particularized instruction on developing a pinch-hitting mindset.
It is possible that as a left-handed bat off the bench with a bit of pop, one who could play a handful of positions, that Asche could make himself a valuable commodity. But that value is non-existent if you are only letting him play left field, and view him as starting material.