David Murphy: Concerns about Phillies defense

DUNEDIN, Fla. - Here's a number we don't talk about all that much: 34.

As in, last season the Phillies allowed 34 unearned runs, the second-fewest in the National League. While that might not have much scientific meaning - after all, determining earned runs requires the subjective viewpoint of an official scorer - it does give us a simple, intuitive way to gauge the impact of quality fielding. For as much credit as has been heaped upon the Phillies' star-spangled rotation, the sure-handed defense behind them has played an integral role in the team's current era of success.

Which is what makes the current state of the infield so disconcerting. While the continued absences of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard and the sprained finger suffered by Placido Polanco have prompted plenty of hand-wringing over the Phillies' ability to put runs on the scoreboard, Charlie Manuel's greatest trepidation might be his defense's ability to prevent them.

That might seem like an odd statement to make about a team that has ranked near the top of the National League in most defensive categories since 2008. In each of the last four seasons, the Phillies have finished in the top six in the NL in fielding percentage and defensive efficiency (as calculated by Baseball-Reference.com). In each of those seasons, they have allowed the fewest or second-fewest bases taken (on fly balls, passed balls, balks, defensive indifference and wild pitches) while finishing in the top five in runners who reach base on errors.

But when you looked behind Cole Hamels in the Blue Jays' 10-2 victory in Grapefruit League play yesterday afternoon, the only recognizable face was the shortstop. At third was Ty Wigginton, who has always made his living because of his bat. At second was Michael Martinez, who entered the afternoon having been charged with three errors this spring. And at first was John Mayberry Jr., who has spent most of his professional career as an outfielder.

Mayberry provides the Phillies with a solid replacement for Howard, but he is also their top defensive option in leftfield, meaning there will be plenty of days when first base is manned by Wigginton, or 40-year-old Jim Thome, who hasn't played the field since 2007, or Laynce Nix, who has started six games at first in his career.

And it isn't just the infield.

With less than 2 weeks before Opening Day, it is still difficult to get a feel for how the Phillies will handle leftfield. If Howard were healthy, Mayberry would likely start the season getting most of the at-bats with Nix filling in. But Manuel seems to like Mayberry's defense at first base. Nix, meanwhile, hasn't played the field since March 12 due to a rib injury.

The Phillies haven't exactly had Willie Mays in left over the past decade. Still, Pat Burrell and Raul Ibanez both were seasoned veterans whose route-running and decision-making helped compensate for their weaknesses (speed and, in Ibanez's case, throwing). In rightfield, Hunter Pence is a capable defender, but he does not have the range or arm of his predecessors (Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino).

"I would say I'm concerned about our defense," Manuel said. "We've always kind of depended on the defense. I felt like last year that our pitching pitched over our defense. I've said that before. Especially on the corners in the outfield. I would like to see us play much better than we did last year. I think we can if get the right guys who can cover some ground, but when I look up at the outfields we've had in the past, when we had the big outfield, we had speed."

Regardless, the infield remains the top concern. The Phillies were relieved to learn yesterday that Polanco did not fracture his finger when diving back into base on Saturday. X-rays revealed a sprain and his official status is day-to-day. But it isn't a good omen for a player who has spent the second halves of the last two seasons playing through elbow, abdominal and back injuries. The Phillies traded away Wilson Valdez during the offseason, leaving 2010 Rule 5 pick Martinez as the most capable defensive backup at third base. Thus far, they've been disappointed by what they have seen from some of the veterans whom they had hoped would provide them with depth. Utility man Kevin Fransden committed his fourth error of the spring yesterday, while Wigginton has two errors.

The Phillies are believed to be monitoring the trade market for a veteran who might help stabilize things, at least defensively.

"I saw Michael Martinez play pretty good at times last year," Manuel said. "He shows you a good glove, good hands, a good arm - that's his strength. From there, we'll keep playing, and we'll see."

Compounding matters is the uncertain status of Utley, who has yet to play in a Grapefruit League game as he continues to battle chronic tendinitis in his right knee. The Phillies maintain that the second baseman will be ready on Opening Day. But it is fair to wonder how regularly he will be able to play during the season.

And, at this point, it is fair to wonder whether the Phillies have anybody capable of sharing the load.

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