Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott walks up to the batters box at Citizens Bank Park with A-O-K by Tai Verdes blaring and the Phillies crowd singing along. The song says it all, the Phillies have been doing fine with Stott at second base.
After a rookie season that saw the Stott establish himself as an everyday big-leaguer at shortstop, he has made a smooth transition to second base.
Once free agent Trea Turner signed a $300 million mega deal to become the Phillies new star shortstop, Stott arrived in Clearwater this spring listed as a second baseman.
“I said ‘What do you prefer, shortstop or second base?'” manager Rob Thomson recalled in a conversation with Stott at the end of last season. “He said ‘big leagues.’ He said ‘It doesn’t matter to me.’ So he’s prepared to do anything.”
The 25 year-old Stott started 41 games at second base last year, he made no errors. He won’t stay perfect, but his athleticism should serve well at the position defensively.
Last season, Stott played in 127 games and had 466 plate appearances. He hit .234 with 10 home runs, 49 RBIs, 19 doubles and 12 stolen bases.
This season, Stott is off to a great start. Through 7 games, he’s hitting .407 (11-for-27). Stott has given the offense a huge boost.
With the Phillies lineup already missing Rhys Hoskins and Bryce Harper, Stott has picked up the slack.
Bryson Stott has been a bright spot for the Phillies. With he and Turner at second base and shortstop, the Phillies are more than “A-O-K.”
Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott. Photo courtsey of Philadelphia Sports Nation
