DatDudeBP Shows Up in Goodyear
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, better known my his Twitter name DatDudeBP,
showed up early to Reds spring training in Goodyear, Arizona on
Wednesday. Phillips, who is a fan favorite in the Queen City, is hoping
to build off a very successful 2011 season, in which he set career highs
in batting average, on-base percentage, and doubles.
Phillips' on field success last season also earned him a trip to his third all-star game, his first Silver Slugger, and a third Gold Glove. Besides unbelievable plays in the field, everything from throwing out a runner from the seat of his pants, to flipping the ball to first between his legs, Brandon also helped spark a struggling offense last season after he was moved to the leadoff spot. Phillips hit .350 after the move on August 17th and the Reds went 20-18 as a team.
Phillips is going to have to have another big season if the Reds are to return to the playoffs. With the departure of sluggers Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder in the NL Central, the Reds made several key moves this offseason to improve their chances of winning the division for the second time in three years.
GM Walt Jocketty traded for Padres pitcher Mat Latos and Cubs lefty reliever Sean Marshall, while signing infielder Wilson Valdez, outfielder Ryan Ludwick, and closer Ryan Madson in free agency. With these added pieces, Pujols and Fielder gone, and guys like Phillips, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto, and Aroldis Chapman all returning, its playoffs or bust for the Reds this season.
Cincinnati will open the season April 5th against the new look Miami Marlins and an in-depth preview soon to come, so stay tuned.
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| Brandon Phillips @DatDudeBP "1st Day on the job in #Goodyear and I'm clownin' #ALLREADY! This time w/ my first base coach Billy Hatcher! #GreatTimes" |
Phillips' on field success last season also earned him a trip to his third all-star game, his first Silver Slugger, and a third Gold Glove. Besides unbelievable plays in the field, everything from throwing out a runner from the seat of his pants, to flipping the ball to first between his legs, Brandon also helped spark a struggling offense last season after he was moved to the leadoff spot. Phillips hit .350 after the move on August 17th and the Reds went 20-18 as a team.
Phillips is going to have to have another big season if the Reds are to return to the playoffs. With the departure of sluggers Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder in the NL Central, the Reds made several key moves this offseason to improve their chances of winning the division for the second time in three years.
GM Walt Jocketty traded for Padres pitcher Mat Latos and Cubs lefty reliever Sean Marshall, while signing infielder Wilson Valdez, outfielder Ryan Ludwick, and closer Ryan Madson in free agency. With these added pieces, Pujols and Fielder gone, and guys like Phillips, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto, and Aroldis Chapman all returning, its playoffs or bust for the Reds this season.
Cincinnati will open the season April 5th against the new look Miami Marlins and an in-depth preview soon to come, so stay tuned.
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