35 Reasons to Believe

The Phanatic Magazine kicked off its 35 straight days of Phillies on February 25, one article per day detailing each member battling for position as the season begins. Also, look for Michael Rushton's season outlook, which will cap the offseason look at the Phillies on Opening Day -- April 2nd against Atlanta.

DAY 11: Chris Roberson


By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine

You will be excused if you confuse Chris Roberson and yesterday's highlighted player, Michael Bourn, because frankly, I've done it a million times myself.

Both are fighting for a spot in the outfield, both have speed and both are decent fielders.

However, at 27-years-old, Roberson's chances of solidifying himself on the Phillies' roster grow dimmer and dimmer each season.

Roberson reached the majors last season for the first time in his career, appearing in 57 games. However, most of those appearances were as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement for left fielder Pat Burrell late in the season. The switch-hitting Roberson hit just .195 with one run batted in and three stolen bases. He also scored nine times, but his sporadic playing time made it impossible for him to get into any type of groove.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound outfielder struggled in his first three seasons after being drafted by the Phillies until reaching the high Single-A level at Clearwater in 2004. There, Roberson batted a healthy .307 in 83 games with six triples. However, he stole only 16 bases at Clearwater just one year removed from swiping 59 bags at Lakewood.

The Oakland native found his speed again in 2005 at Reading, as he batted .311 that season with 34 steals. He again showed a glaring weakness in his game though by striking out 112 times in 553 at bats over 139 games.

Roberson was hitting .292 at Triple-A Scranton last year before being called up by the Phillies. He also had 25 stolen bases.

So what do all these numbers mean for Roberson? They mean that, unless he takes a huge step forward in the minors this season, where he should start the season, he may miss his window to the big leagues. Right now he has value as a speed threat off the bench, but unless he works on his all-around game, he may end up being an Endy Chavez-type player with less talent.

Also hampering Roberson is the fact that his main long-term competition, Bourn, is over three years younger.

This spring will determine when and if Roberson hits the Phillies roster again. A strong outing will make him a likely candidate to be the first called to action should an injury arise in the outfield, or if both Bourn and Karim Garcia flame out heading into April.

Otherwise, don't expect to see Roberson again until September.

Tommorrow: Karim Garcia