2010 Look Back: Placido Polanco

My Fellow Phans, 

Here is the look back at Phillies’ third baseman, Placido Polanco. 

Placido Polanco: 2010 stats: .298 AVG 6 HR 52 RBI (.207 AVG 0 HR 5 RBI)

Recap:

Polanco was one of the few steady points in the Phillies offense this season. In what turned out to be one of the best free agents signings of the offseason, Polanco provided the perfect 2-hole hitter for the Phillies this season. There were even times that he hit 3^rd in the lineup when the Phillies faced a tough lefty or when Chase Utley was out with an injury. 

His average may not be sparkling as he hit a rough patch at the end of the season after being drilled by a Tim Hudson pitch, but Polanco provided terrific offensive and defensive presence and was one of the unsung heroes on the Phillies this season.

One of Polanco’s greatest attributes was his baseball savvy. He is a smart baseball player and knows what to do in each and every situation thrown his way.

Like so many other Phillies, Polanco did spend time on the DL this year which helped to limit his overall production. However, the times when he was on the field, he provided a spark that few other players could and a know-how that only a small amount of players can match.

Looking Ahead:

Polanco signed a multi-year contract so it is safe to say that he will be back with the team next year. I look forward to a fully healthy season Polanco, boy how many times will I say that about a Phillies’ player; 3 for 3 and counting. Polanco gives the Phillies some options next year since he can hit anywhere in the order and do basically whatever he is asked to do.

I expect to see him, next year, just where he has been all this season; sitting in the 2-hole helping to move runners over, battling pitchers to get a good pitch to hit, and providing rock steady defense at third base. Look for him to keep his average just about the same, or higher as he is a career .303 hitter.

Grade: A-

Polanco had a quality season. Injuries, like with some many other Phillies’ players, slowed him down. 

However, his value to the Phillies is extremely high.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!