5 Reason Why You Should Keep Watching the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012

The Philadelphia Phillies' performance in 2012 have caused many Phillies fans across the nation to turn off their TVs. Finding anything positive about the 2012 Phillies has been almost as difficult as spotting a shooting star across the Philadelphia skyline. Don't tune out those TVs just yet; there are a few Phillies who are battling for their future with the organization.

The laundry list of Phillies injuries in 2012 have allowed some players to get more playing time. Some of these players are playing so well, they may be playing themselves into a job for 2013.

Here are five reasons why you should continue to watch the Phillies here in 2012. 

Domonic Brown Playing for 2013 Starting Spot

The arrival of Domonic Brown in 2012 has finally happened, and Charlie Manuel and Ruben Amaro Jr. are dedicated to having him play everyday to see once and for all what he has to offer for future Phillies teams.

So far, Brown has not disappointed. In 13 games and 43 at-bats, Brown is batting .279 with an OPS of .729. The sample size is still too small to decide whether or not he can be an every day player at the major league level, but his current numbers are encouraging.

His defense is still a work in progress, Domonic will have to put in the time to improve his routes to fly balls.

The up side for Brown is far higher than any of the other current options the Phillies have in the outfield. He should learn all he can from a veteran player like Juan Pierre to help improve his game.

Good luck Domonic, Philadelphia is rooting for you. 

The Resurgence of Chase Utley

Probably the biggest loss of the 2012 season was Chase Utley. His work ethic and leadership is second to none. Since his return to the Phillies, Chase is playing like the Utley of old.

In 129 at-bats, Chase has eight home runs, 21 RBI, 17 BB, 19 R, .348 OBP and .845 OPS. Over a full season that would translate to 36 home runs, 95 RBI, 86 runs and 80 walks. These numbers are all extremely encouraging for Chase and the Phillies' fan base.

Chase's current contract will expire at the end of the 2013 season. It will be very interesting to see what he can bring to the table in 2013 and whether or not he will finish his career in Philadelphia.

If he can stay healthy in 2013, watch out for Chase Utley to return as the best second baseman in all of baseball. 

Erik Kratz's Impressive 2012 Campaign

Erik Kratz is a 32-year-old journeyman catcher who, with the foot injury to Carlos Ruiz, is finally getting a shot at being an everyday major league catcher. Kratz has over 2,500 minor league at-bats, which is an astronomical amount.

Erik is enjoying the success of his 2012 campaign. He is currently batting .313 with five home runs and a OPS of 1.132. Phillies pitchers have also raved about Kratz's ability to call a game from behind the plate.

Overall, he is doing an outstanding job in all aspects of the game. Kratz has taken over the back up catching role from Brian Schneider and most likely will run him out of town in 2013. 

If Kratz continues his success, he will without a doubt be the Phillies' back up catcher in 2013 and may even be a starting catcher at some point if the Phillies decide to move Carlos Ruiz to third base. 

Kevin Frandsen Seizing an Opportunity at Third Base

Kevin Frandsen is another minor league journeyman who is getting ample playing time at the major league level. In almost 600 games in the minor leagues, Frandsen has played the majority of his innings at shortstop, but he has settled into third base for the Phillies after Placido Polanco landed on the disabled list and Ty Wigginton and Mike Fontenot failed miserably to play consistent defense.

Frandsen has given the Phillies a shot of adrenaline over at third base, bringing some consistency at the plate. Kevin is batting .333 with one home run, two RBI and an OPS at .782.

His glove and athleticism have also been a pleasant surprise for the Phillies. Frandsen is a gamer who gives 100 percent for all nine innings every single night. He is also valuable because he can play both middle infield positions as well as third base.

If Kevin continues to produce, he could find himself with a utility infield role for the 2013 Phillies. 

Jeremy Horst Bringing Consistency to the Bullpen

Jeremy Horst was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies this past off season from the Cincinnati Reds for fan favorite, utility infielder, Wilson Valdez. Many fans were very skeptical of this move, but with the recent success of Horst, Phillie fans can see why he was brought to Philadelphia.

Jeremy has been used in multiple roles this season, he has been brought in as a left handed specialist and also has pitched multiple relief innings for the Phillies. He recorded his first major league win this past Sunday.

In 16 innings of work this season, Horst is 1-0, with a 1.13 ERA. He also has 18 strike outs and a 1.13 WHIP. If Jeremy can keep up this kind of production, he will earn a spot in the 2013 bullpen.