MLB Trade Deadline: Philadelphia Phillies Don't Need a Right-Handed Bat, Part 2

Last night, I wrote an article discussing the lack of need for a right-handed bat come playoff time and that the Phillies really won't be facing many left-handed pitching in the playoffs.

For the second part of the argument, they already have two capable right-handed bats if need be. I believe the Phillies' current two right-handed, outfield bats, John Mayberry Jr. and Ben Francisco, are sufficient enough to not give up top prospects for an outside resource. Sure, 12 home runs between the two might not seem impressive, but you must look deeper.

John Mayberry Jr. has had a nice season as a spot-starter. He's cut his strikeouts down considerably en route to a .257/.323/.461 line in 167 plate appearances. Even though his left-right splits have been pretty much even this year, for his career, he has done better against lefties. In 110 plate appearances against left-handed pitching, he's hit .260/.300/.548 for a .359 wOBA and 122 wRC+. Even though he's always struggled getting on base, he has very good power against lefties.

As for Ben Francisco, he's been lots of fans whipping boy this season. Hitting .223/.328/.355 in 249 plate appearances will tend to do that. Of course, they won't tell you his walk-rate is second on the team (behind Domonic Brown), he's cut his strikeouts down and has a BABIP almost 50 points below his career norm. He has not done as well against lefties this year, but for his career, he's hit .253/.336/.427. His .336 wOBA and 105 wRC+ isn't as good as Mayberry, but is still on par with some right-handed hitters still on the market and extremely better than trotting out Ibanez against a lefty.

The most likely players still available now are Melky Cabrera, Hunter Pence, B.J. Upton, Carlos Quentin, Josh Willingham, Ryan Ludwick and Reed Johnson. I'd normally include Francoeur, but I have not heard rumors or suggestions involving him in quite a while. And apparently, the Twins are not currently shopping Michael Cuddyer. Here how they all stack out, along with the current Phillies right-handers. 

Player	Career line	Career wOBA	Career wRC+	2011 line	2011 wOBA	2011 wRC+
John Mayberry	.260/.300/.548	.359	122	.246/.303/.492	.340	113
Ben Francisco	.253/.336/.427	.336	105	.200/.299/.306	.279	71
Melky Cabrera	.260/.325/.361	.305	83	.305/.338/.418	.332	107
Hunter Pence	.289/.340/.490	.357	120	.272/.327/.424	.329	109
B.J. Upton	.265/.372/.433	.354	119	.224/.343/.412	.327	107
Josh Willingham	.260/.379/.487	.376	130	.216/.317/.432	.325	107
Carlos Quentin	.222/.345/.450	.348	108	.275/.388/.525	.397	149
Reed Johnson	.314/.373/.468	.366	121	.356/.387/.542	.405	154
Ryan Ludwick	.235/.310/.434	.322	97	.261/.317/.402	.314	104

It should also be noted that Quentin and Ludwick are actually better among same-handed pitchers for their career, which defeats the purpose of getting a right-handed batter. As you can see, although Mayberry has had a very short career, he's just as good or better than any other right-handed option. Even Francisco is on par or better than popular names out there such as Quentin, Melky Cabrera and Ryan Ludwick.

Defensively, B.J. Upton is the best among the list, with Hunter Pence right behind. Reed Johnson and Ryan Ludwick follow behind Pence, both being above average defensively. Ben Francisco, Melky Cabrera, Josh Willingham and Carlos Quentin are all below average to poor defensively. Mayberry is about average defensively.

In my opinion, we already have a good enough right-handed at bat in Mayberry. Sacrificing a significant amount of the future on such a minimal improvement, if any at all, would be a mistake. Even Francisco is capable enough to fill in for the handful of games and spots that will be needed in the playoffs.

Making a big splash is not needed. If the Phillies trade for anyone, my preference would be Reed Johnson considering his strong career performances against lefties, capable defense and most likely cheaper price tag. Keep in mind as well that trades can happen past the trade deadline. Useful players can seep through the cracks. Phillies fans should know that very well, as demonstrated by Cody Ross last year.