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Phillies Notes: Boras says Phillies' Brown was tired in Dominican league

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Scott Boras has eyes just about everywhere, and one of his scouts was in the Dominican Republic while one of his younger clients struggled in winter ball.

The departure of Jayson Werth has opened the door for Domonic Brown to be an everyday player in rightfield.  (David M Warren/Staff Photographer)
The departure of Jayson Werth has opened the door for Domonic Brown to be an everyday player in rightfield. (David M Warren/Staff Photographer)Read more

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Scott Boras has eyes just about everywhere, and one of his scouts was in the Dominican Republic while one of his younger clients struggled in winter ball.

What he saw was Domonic Brown learning a hard lesson about professional baseball.

"I think he was really tired, to be honest with you," Boras said Wednesday. "He played a full season, and then he was in the big leagues in September. That's the longest baseball season he's ever had. He went over there and was really, I think, physically tired. We wanted to get him in a training regimen so he has a chance to prepare for the season and get his strength back up."

That's the same message Phillies manager Charlie Manuel relayed earlier this week after general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said it's possible Brown could start in triple A. Manuel said he was not ready to say Brown has to go to the minor leagues for more refining. His performance in spring training will dictate that.

Boras suggested Brown has had enough time in the minors.

"Domonic's situation is largely going to depend on Charlie evaluating him in spring training and taking a look at it," Boras said. "Usually, with those types of players, he's had enough performance in triple A to give you a strong indication of whether or not he's ready to advance."

As for a higher-profile Boras client, Jayson Werth, the agent confirmed what was widely thought: The Phillies were fine offering Werth money comparable to what he received from Washington - but not the years.

"It was a big difference between that and the marketplace," Boras said of the contract length offered by the Phillies.

Boras said he was not surprised by the Phillies' offer.

"They're really one of the Goliaths in the industry," Boras said. "They can do what they want to do, what they choose to do, economically because they're that successful. Whether or not, baseball-wise, they felt that was the right decision, you'd have to talk to Ruben about that. But certainly they have the ability to attract any player."

Rule 5 draft

With at least one free spot on the 40-man roster, Amaro said there was a chance the Phillies could be active in Thursday's Rule 5 draft. "We're still kicking around some names right now," Amaro said. "I'd guess we have a 50-50 chance of taking somebody."