Time running out for prospect Anthony Hewitt

Time is running out for Anthony Hewitt to emerge as the player the Phillies hoped he would become when they made him the 24th overall pick in the 2008 draft. After this season, the 23-year-old Hewitt can become a minor-league free agent and sign elsewhere.

Joe Jordan, the Phillies' director of player development, still believes Hewitt can have a future in Philadelphia.

"He's still a prospect," Jordan said. "I hope we're adding him to the [big-league] roster next fall. That's what we want. I do see a guy who is starting to understand his ability and how he can use his ability. He's an intelligent young man and that has to translate to his game. He has to take different approaches at different times of the game. If he thinks the game a little bit more, he might be surprised at how much success he can have."

Hewitt is off to a solid start at double-A Reading. The rightfielder entered the weekend hitting .308 with three extra-base hits and six stolen bases. His career average is just .227 and his career on-base percentage is .268, but he still believes he will become a big-league player, whether it's with the Phillies or another organization.

"With whomever it doesn't matter," Hewitt said. "As long as I have an opportunity to play ball with a major-league club for as long as my body will let me, that's my goal."

A year ago at single-A Clearwater, he hit .241 with 13 home runs and 50 RBIs. He said he played most of the season injured.

"It was an OK season," he said. "I was hurt and I had an average season. I had some wrist problems - both left and right. It was just a little torn cartilage. I'm fine now. I had injuries everywhere, but I played through it and I did my best and that's all I can do."

Hewitt insisted his desire to make it has never been greater because of how much he has struggled.

"Everything in life that is worth it is hard," he said. "This has honestly made me a better person and a stronger person. All the bumps and bruises make me want it that much more. With anything that gives you so much trouble and you stick with it, you fall in love with it that much more."

Jordan said he told Hewitt before the season to concentrate on all aspects of his game and not just hitting.