What Can (Domonic) Brown Do For You?

As I predicted two days ago, Domonic Brown's stay in Triple-A Lehigh Valley was going to be a very short one. According to CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury, the Phillies have placed Shane Victorino on the 15-Day Disabled List (abdominal strain) and recalled top-prospect Domonic Brown.

Brown, a natural rightfielder, shouldn't have too much of an issue playing centerfield. After watching Shane pussy-out on a deep fly ball at the warning track last night, a ball Aaron Rowand would have caught with his face, I don't think the Phils are losing anything defensively with Brown. He played CF two years ago and should be able to play the position better and with more range than Jayson Werth. Offensively, Brown hit .327/.391/.589 with 20 homeruns and 17 stolen bases in 93 minor league games this year, so I'm not too worried about his ability to match Victorino's .749 OPS.

It will be interesting to see what the Phillies do with Brown when Shane gets off the DL. His performance in the big leagues will no doubt dictate how much he plays, but there is no way the Phillies are demoting the top-prospect in the game. Let's assume Brown plays well. Will Werth, Victorino or Raul Ibanez get traded? If the Phillies can't find the right trade partner, it would be tough for them to sit Ibanez now that he's finally hitting. Again, Brown's performance will dictate any future moves this season, but I'm excited for the "Domonic Brown Era" to begin. Brown should slide right into the #6 spot in the lineup tonight, behind Werth and ahead of Ruiz.

IN OTHER PHILLIES NEWS:
Trevor May struck out 14 batters in seven innings for Lakewood (Class-A) yesterday. Even more impressive, May did not walk a single batter after issuing 61 walks in 70 innings at Class-A Advanced Clearwater this year before his demotion to Lakewood. Since his demotion, the 6-5, 215-pound righthander has seemingly found his way - he's 3-1 with 42 strikeouts and just 10 walks in 29 innings at Lakewood. I'd say he's ready for another shot at Clearwater. May, who boasts a 95mph fastball and devastating curve, profiles as a #1 starter if he can maintain his control and command.