Nunez wants to stay in the hot corner

Way back in November the Phillies started their off-season by signing third baseman Wes Helms. At the time it was expected that Helms would be the Phillies third baseman on opening day. There’s only one problem. Abraham Nunez isn’t ready to give up his job quite yet.

Nunez played poorly last season and that’s putting it nicely. Nunez hit a pathetic .211 with a .303 on base percentage. After struggling early in the season as a pinch hitter and bench player. He then saw increased playing time after David Bell was traded to the Brewers. Nunez played better with regular at bats hitting .242.

Nunez isn’t going to go without a fight. Nunez pledged, "It's not going down like last year. You're going to see a difference. You'll see. You'll see."

Nunez did play well this off-season in his native Dominican Republic. Playing for the Leones del Escogido he hit .268 with a .391 on base percentage. If he wants to keep his job he will have to play well in spring training. One advantage for Nunez is his far superior defense. Despite that it isn’t likely that Nunez will remain the Phillies everyday third baseman.

One big problem for Nunez is that he has no power. The Phillies need the right handed thump in their lineup that Helms can provide. If Nunez can elevate his game hitting around .290 with an OBP around .400 with solid defense than he could do a lot to help the Phillies cause and stay in the hot corner.

Sources:
Nunez determined to keep starting third-base job
By Marcus Hayes / Philadelphia Inquirer

Picture of Abraham Nunez from MLB.com