The Phillies optioned outfield prospect John Mayberry, Jr. to minor league camp today.  This is hardly a shocker considering how deep the Phillies are in the outfield right now.
Mayberry was up for a bit last year and hit .289 (11-for-38) this spring to go with three doubles, a HR and six RBI’s.¬† But with Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez and Jayson Werth as the starters, and Ben Francisco as a nice backup, there isn’t a ton of room for Mayberry right this second.
“All in all, I think it went pretty well,” Mayberry said. “I’m happy with some of the improvements I made over the off-season. I think that I’m starting to see results as far as them transferring into games.”
But while Mayberry is feeling much better about his play, he understands the reality of the roster situation.¬† When you play for an elite team, it’s tough to find playing time.
“I’m feeling good about where I’m at right now,” Mayberry said. “The team is pretty much set. This is a top-tier organization and the outfield is crowded with three All-Stars. You have to be realistic and realize that you just want to put yourself in the best position that you can so when they call on you, you’ll be ready.”
Mayberry does have some power and if he can cut down on those strikeouts, maybe he’ll be a nice starter when Werth eventually signs elsewhere.
