Utility Infielders, Michael Martinez & Wilson Valdez Have Come Through For The Phils

Every Major League team has utility infielders at their disposal. Usually, these players are used sparingly for a spot start here or there in order to give the more talented everyday players a day off. These guys also come off the bench in a limited pinch-hitting role.

That hasn’t been the case so far this season for the injury riddled Philadelphia Phillies yet, the team hasn’t missed a beat.

Phillie fans, it’s time to give Wilson Valdez and Michael Martinez their due credit. They are godsends and without them, baseball’s best record would be nowhere near South Philadelphia.

The injury bug has plagued the Phils all season long, most notably when all-star second baseman Chase Utley missed the first 46 games of the season with a knee issue. Enter Wilson Valdez, who filled in admirably as Utley’s primary replacement for the first month and a half of the season.

Though he is only hitting .236 with 15 RBI as of July 18, Valdez is invaluable to the Fightins’. He is a defensive stud with a cannon for an arm that can play any of the infield positions and some outfield too. I know some fans discredit Valdez because of his unimpressive bat, but that shouldn’t be a black mark against him. Sure, he isn’t the best in the world at the dish, but that isn’t his role. I mean, after all, he is a role player.

The guy does anything that is asked of him, including pitching. He earned a win earlier this season against Cincinnati when he induced both Joey Votto and Jay Bruce into fly balls during an epic top of the 19th inning. Simply put, the guy is one of the best, for his role in the game today. I’m not saying he should be the NL MVP, but give him the credit he deserves.

Martinez, a 28-year old Rule 5 draft pick, which explains why he hasn’t been sent down to the minors this season, has really come on as of late in place of injured all-star third baseman Placido Polanco. He, like Valdez, can play almost all of the infield positions and we have seen Charlie Manuel put him in centerfield at times during the course of the season.

Martinez has received his fair share of grief from the Phillies faithful this season for his lack of production at the plate. That has changed though in recent weeks as he has come through with some clutch at-bats and excellent defensive plays to send his confidence sky high. That confidence, combined with the faith his manager has in him, is extraordinarily important for an inexperienced big leaguer. Trust me when I say the Phils will need a confident, productive Martinez throughout the rest of the season.

Both Valdez and Martinez could play an even larger role before the season is over.

Polanco is currently out of the lineup with a balky back injury that just won’t seem to go away. While Polanco should return, what if that injury flares up again? What if Utley’s knee gives out on him? Jimmy Rollins could pull up lame again while running down the first base line.

Heaven forbid any of these things happen, but if they do, Valdez and Martinez will be called upon to fill in and keep the team rolling as if nothing debilitating had happened. The best part about that is that they have the ability to do so. They have showed that throughout the better part of this season.

Phillie fans, it’s time to give these guys a pat on the back for a job well done so far. They very well may be the best bench infielder combination in the game and that is an invaluable part of a successful team.