Friday April 6th, 2012

Ryan Ritchey:  Since entering the majors in 2002 Brandon Phillips hasn’t left the state of Ohio. He changed teams though, moving from Cleveland to Cincinnati in 2006. Originally drafted by the Expos in 1999, Phillips never did make it to Canada. There were many reports back in Cleveland that as a youngster, Phillips was trouble in the clubhouse and off the field. So Indians management decided to trade him. Rich Aurilia was the Reds starting second basemen in the ’05 season, who decided to find a better home, so the Reds picked up Brandon Phillips. From opening day in ’06 Phillips has given everything he has to be the best. From the moment he joined Cincy, Phillips has been nothing short of spectacular. A complete change from his reputation going into the trade. Now in 2012, this is the year I believe he will have has his breakout season for Cincinnati.

Coming off a season was above average year for him, I see him breaking out of his shell in Cincy and finally hitting the 100 RBI barrier. Depending on whether he leads off this season or not, Phillips could be the third best slugger on the team, behind Votto and Bruce. With his best offensive season coming back in the 2007 season, he needs to have a big year, so he can get a new contract with the Reds (unless reports are accurate that is about to sign an extension). If the new contract does come shortly, then Phillips will be expected instantly to justify it. Either way, Brandon Phillips is no doubt one of the best defensive second basemen in the league. The only thing holding him back from some of the other prolific stars is his hitting ability. The promise has been there for years. Now it is time for Phillips to build on his success and take his game to the next level.

Top hitters in the National League at second base including Chase Utley, Dan Uggla, and Rickie Weeks. Phillips needs to become the player that everyone wants to come see hit the ball around the yard. Not only hitting homers, but hitting for average as well, as he could be a leadoff guy for the Reds. One other thing holding him back is his stolen bases. Being a second basemen, you need to have speed on the base paths to get into scoring position so guys like Votto and Bruce can drive him in. He had shown 20-30 SB potential in the past. The past couple of seasons, Phillips has averaged 15 steals. It is time to raise that part of his game in the process as well.

In my opinion, Brandon Phillips is going to have the best season of his career in 2012. I expect him to have 25-30 homers and surpass the 100 RBI mark to get the Reds the National League Central crown. Sometime between today and the next off-season, Phillips is also expected to receive a new contract extension from the Reds. This should help the second baseman focus on being a player… instead of worrying about his contract.

Ryan Ritchey is a MLB reports Baseball Intern. I am a high school senior, play second base and plan on studying sports journalism in college. I am a huge fan of Barry Larkin and Brandon Phillips. Have been a baseball fan my whole life and have been writing about baseball since freshman year. You can reach me on Twitter (@Ryan13Ritchey)

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