Phillies Newcomers: Ty Wigginton
Initially expected to help fill in for Ryan Howard at first base, Ty Wigginton also can play second and third, which could come in handy if Chase Utley or Placido Polanco gets hurt again.
BIO
Age: 34.
Born: Oct. 11, 1977, in San Diego.
Height: 6-0.
Weight: 230.
Bats: Right.
Throws: Right.
Role: Initially expected to help fill in for Ryan Howard at first base. Wigginton also can play second and third, which could come in handy if Chase Utley or Placido Polanco gets hurt again.
Acquired: In a trade with Colorado for cash or a player to be named, Nov. 20.
BIG SHOT
Wigginton has hit 91 home runs over the last four seasons, including 15 in 2011 for Colorado. He has a .251 batting average in that span.
FAST FACTS
* The Phillies are the seventh organization in 11 years for Wigginton, who entered pro ball as a 17th-round pick of the Mets in 1998.
* Attended Chula Vista High School, the alma mater of Slater from the '90s cult classic "Saved by the Bell" (Mario Lopez).
* According to terms of their trade, the Rockies and Phillies will split the $4 million Wigginton is slated to make in 2012.
* Was given the news that he would be the Orioles' 2010 All-Star rep by then-interim manager Juan Samuel, the current Phillies third-base coach. Wigginton played a half-inning at third base before being lifted for a pinch-hitter.
* His first career hit came off Phillies lefty Randy Wolf on May 29, 2002. The other eight starters that night (from catcher to rightfield): Mike Lieberthal, Travis Lee, Marlon Anderson, Scott Rolen, Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, Doug Glanville, Bobby Abreu.
* Wigginton is the best player in the history of UNC-Asheville, but was nearly cut after his freshman year because he was a hothead on the field and a slacker in the classroom. His coach, Bill Hillier, has said he was "bluffing" about actually releasing Wigginton, but he certainly got the player's attention.
* Played in Houston from 2007-08 and was called "one of my favorite teammates ever" by Hunter Pence.
* "We just feel like this gives us a different look on the bench and on our club," general manager Ruben Amaro told the Inquirer in November. "Who knows how much he'll play? But at least he's a guy who can fill in for an extended period of time."
TY'S WIN
After playing for six last-place teams in his career, Ty Wigginton's luck in the standings should change this season. Here is a look at how his teams fared at his various stops, including where they stood the two times (2004, 2007) Wigginton was traded at midseason:
STATS
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ABOUT THIS SERIES
Each day this week, the Daily News will take a look at a newcomer to the Phillies heading into spring training.
Monday: Laynce Nix
Tuesday: Jim Thome
Yesterday: Dontrelle Willis
Today: Ty Wigginton
Friday: Jonathan Papelbon and others to watch