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Phillies: Scott Kingery’s major league number released?

By George Stockburger

CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Scott Kingery #80 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait on February 20, 2018 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Scott Kingery #80 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a portrait on February 20, 2018 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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The future is now for one of the Phillies top prospects, Scott Kingery

After signing a six-year contract with the Phillies, infielder Scott Kingery has apparently been assigned a new number as he begins in Major League career.

After wearing number 80 during spring training, Kingery changed his Twitter handle to include the number four. With Andres Blanco’s departure this offseason the number was readily available, and matches with a player who’s already started to build a legacy in Philadelphia.

Number four doesn’t hold any historical value in Phillies history, with Blanco, Pete Orr, John McDonald, Dane Sardinha, Eric Bruntlett, Russell Branyan, Pete LaForest, and the infamous Lenny Dykstra. Certainly, none of those names is held in the highest esteem in Phillies history.

Regardless, Kingery appears ready to take the major leagues head on despite not being an everyday starter. How the Phillies use him will be intriguing with almost every starting job set for the 2018 season.

Kingery’s role could expand if an injury haunts the infield or a trade involving Cesar Hernandez should occur. Until then, he will be deemed as a “super utility” player who can handle five or six positions on the diamond. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Kingery start three times a week at second and third base and enter the game as a pinch-hitter or as part of a double-switch.

Next: Five Phillies players in a make-or-break season

Gabe Kapler is going to be extremely bold with his players this year, and that’s something we should be both excited for and skeptical of. In terms of Kingery, the plan is certainly taking a much more long-term approach than fans have been accustomed to. It’s all part of the process, and it’s time to turn the page and trust it.

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