Charlie Manuel wants to give each of the contenders an equal opportunity to win the starting right field job. Early on this spring, it's the biggest thing he's kept an eye on. Entering Friday's game against the Pirates, the team leaders in at bats are Ben Francisco (16), Domonic Brown (15) and John Mayberry Jr. (15). That's no coincidence.
While Brown is struggling mightily, Francisco and Mayberry are stepping up to the challenge. Francisco has to be considered the favorite at this point; he's more experienced at the big league level than both players and is playing extremely well this spring. Mayberry has the potential to be a big, right handed power hitter, similar to what Jayson Werth was for the Phillies.
Francisco is hitting .375 with one home run, five RBI, one double, one triple, four runs scored, two walks, two strikeouts, one stolen base, a .444 OBP and a .750 slugging percentage.
Mayberry is hitting .333 with one homer, one RBI, one double, three runs scored, one walk, two strikeouts, two stolen bases, a .375 OBP and a .600 slugging percentage.
Brown is hitless in his 15 at bats with nine strikeouts.
Ross Gload is also in the running to see some time in right, and is batting .300 this spring. Manuel seems to have his eye more on the first three though, giving them the most at bats on the team. Whoever wins the spot is going to have to earn it.
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