Wigginton's role growing by the day

Ty Wigginton was supposed to provide the Phillies with some infield depth. Well, he's moved from depth to near the top of the list of who could be starting on the Phillies 2012 infield.

Ty Wigginton came to the Phillies to improve their bench. He could end up being a regular in the starting lineup.

With Ryan Howard and Chase Utley injured and Placido Polanco banged up, Wigginton's role might be significantly increased. He can fill in at first base for Howard, or at third base for Polanco. It's also possible he'll be in the lineup with Polanco, who can play second base.

"The way I look at it is that it's our job to come to the yard ready to play every day, and when the manager calls upon you, help your team win the game," Wigginton said. "That's been my attitude whether I knew that I was starting and batting in a regular spot or whatever. It's our job to be ready every single day and that's been my mindset.

"I've never worried about playing time throughout my career. If you produce, they're going to find a spot for you and that's how my career has gone. Everywhere I went, they say they don't know where or how they are going to use me -- and I (still) end up getting my at-bats. It boils down to if you help your team win ball games, you'll be in."

Wigginton was an All-Star in 2010 with Baltimore when he had 22 homers and drove in 76 runs. He hit .242 with 15 homers and 47 RBI in 130 games with Colorado last year.

The Phillies were interested in acquiring Wigginton in 2009 before he joined the Orioles. He was thrilled to finally join them this offseason.

"I remember when I first got the call and was told I was traded over here, I don't think I quit smiling for over two weeks," he said. "It's very exciting."

Rookie prospect Freddy Galvis is currently playing second base in place of Utley, who left camp Monday to have his injured knees checked out by a specialist. Utley is due to return to the team on Thursday, and his status is unknown. He had been hoping to play this week and be ready for Opening Day, but general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said that's doubtful at this point.

Howard is likely to miss at least the first two months after a setback last month delayed his recovery from surgery on his left Achilles. John Mayberry Jr., Jim Thome and Laynce Nix also are in the mix to play first base along with Wigginton.

"You have to try to find someone to fill in and hopefully they'll do a job for you," manager Charlie Manuel said. "We've been very fortunate with that ever since I've been here. But at the same time, Utley and Howard, that's a heavy load. You have to keep going. What are we going to do? We have to keep playing, keep playing as good as we possibly can."

Ty Wigginton's career stats

Year	Team	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG
2002	NY Mets	46	116	18	35	8	0	6	18	8	19	.302	.354	.526
2003	NY Mets	156	573	73	146	36	6	11	71	46	124	.255	.318	.396
2004	NY Mets	86	312	46	89	23	2	12	42	23	48	.285	.334	.487
2004	Pittsburgh	58	182	17	40	7	0	5	24	22	34	.220	.306	.341
2004	Season Totals	144	494	63	129	30	2	17	66	45	82	.261	.324	.433
2005	Pittsburgh	57	155	20	40	9	1	7	25	14	30	.258	.324	.465
2006	Tampa Bay	122	444	55	122	25	1	24	79	32	97	.275	.330	.498
2007	Tampa Bay	98	378	47	104	21	0	16	49	28	73	.275	.329	.458
2007	Houston	50	169	24	48	12	0	6	18	13	40	.284	.342	.462
2007	Season Totals	148	547	71	152	33	0	22	67	41	113	.278	.333	.459
2008	Houston	111	386	50	110	22	1	23	58	32	69	.285	.350	.526
2009	Baltimore	122	410	44	112	19	0	11	41	23	57	.273	.314	.400
2010	Baltimore	154	581	63	144	29	1	22	76	50	116	.248	.312	.415
2011	Colorado	130	401	52	97	21	2	15	47	38	84	.242	.315	.416
Career Totals		1190	4107	509	1087	232	14	158	548	329	791	.265	.325	.443

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/22/2012.

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