Placido Polanco NEWS

Polanco heating up in Tigers' stretch run
Up-and-down season hasn't changed slugger's approach

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

09/22/09 7:11 PM ET

CLEVELAND -- Placido Polanco's approach doesn't change, first or last place, April or September, his preparation doesn't change. All that's changing lately are his numbers.

They're certainly turning for the better.

Not only would Polanco's .283 average entering Tuesday's series opener against the Indians be his lowest for a season since he joined the Tigers, it would be his lowest for a full season in 10 years. Yet, just in time for the home stretch for a playoff drive, as the Tigers try to pull out enough wins to hold onto the American League Central, Polanco is looking statistically like he usually does.

Sunday's 2-for-4, three-RBI afternoon at Minnesota capped off a three-game series in which Polanco went 6-for-11. He scored three of Detroit's eight runs in the series, and drove in three others. The only runs over the weekend into which Polanco didn't factor were Carlos Guillen's RBI triple and Ryan Raburn's solo homer, both Sunday.

He's batting .500 (9-for-18) in the past week, .371 (26-for-80) in September and .327 in his last 48 games. In a lineup that has frustrated manager Jim Leyland, he's basically the least of Leyland's worries.

"I feel good," Polanco said. "I'm seeing the ball good. I give myself a chance. When you're seeing the ball good and you work, that's it."

For that matter, his attitude doesn't change when he isn't hitting, either.

"His routine's the same all the time," Leyland said. "His preparation's the same all the time. Nothing's going to change with him. He does what he does. He works the same all the time. He is what he is."

Where Polanco does change is in how he adapts to the situation, which has become all the more important this year. While leadoff man Curtis Granderson has had his ups and downs, so have the guys at the bottom of Detroit's order. While he's used to playing both run producer and table-setter roles as a No. 2 hitter, that has been especially true lately.

"I think the game is going to dictate what you do," Polanco said. "Sometimes you're going to have to drive in runs, and other times you have to get on for the big guys. I just pride myself in [being] an aggressive hitter. I'm ready to swing at every pitch. "

He doesn't let a bad performance drag down his approach another day, and he won't try to rest on a good day at the plate. He's taking the same consistent approach to the playoff race, which given the ups and downs of Detroit's division lead, isn't easy to do.

"We've been pretty good at that," Polanco said. "Whether you win or lose, you have to turn the page. Every day is a different day. You have to try to focus on whoever's pitching and try to win that game you're playing that day. Now we turn the page."

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Last Updated: November 03. 2009 2:37PM
Tigers missed on Chase Utley, scored on Placido Polanco
Tony Paul / The Detroit News

Chase Utley could've been a Tiger.

The Phillies' star second baseman was drafted 15th overall in the 2000 draft, seven spots after a fella named Matt Wheatland, who Baseball-Reference.com tells us is a right-handed pitcher who made just 16 appearances in the Tigers' minor leagues.

Meanwhile, Utley is a four-time All-Star, .295 career hitter and perennial MVP candidate who has topped 100 RBIs four times in the last five years.

To be fair, 13 teams not run by Randy Smith passed on him, too. And as it turns out, Utley's ascent to stardom benefited the Tigers anyway. His first full season in the major leagues was '05, when he hit .291 with 28 homers and 105 RBIs. Certain by midseason he was no fluke, Philly made Placido Polanco available for trade, for the low-low price of a future convicted attempted murderer (Ugueth Urbina).

Polanco, a free agent-to-be whose cost demands are likely to take him elsewhere this offseason, hit .311 in four-plus seasons with the Tigers, including .341 in '07.

Tigers' Polanco nabs Gold Glove honors
Second baseman takes home second award in three years

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

11/10/09 3:30 PM EST

DETROIT -- Placido Polanco will hit the free-agent market with a nice addition to his resume. The Tigers second baseman won his second Gold Glove Award in three years, beating out Boston's Dustin Pedroia for the American League honor in an announcement made Tuesday.

Polanco was the Tigers' lone Gold Glove winner this year following a season in which defense was one of Detroit's strengths and a big reason why the Tigers stayed in contention. The Tigers were shut out of the Gold Glove Awards last year, reflecting a defense that they tried to remedy during the last offseason. Major League managers and coaches vote on the honors each year.

While Detroit's upgrades around the infield last winter made a difference, Polanco made a statistical improvement of his own. Though he couldn't duplicate his errorless 2007 season, his error total fell from eight last year to two this past season. Working alongside shortstops Adam Everett and Ramon Santiago, along with Brandon Inge at third, Polanco helped turn a career-high 112 double plays. His .997 fielding percentage easily led all AL second basemen, while his 731 total chances and his range factor of 5.1 putouts plus assists per nine innings ranked near the top.

The more specialized fielding stats were more favorable on Polanco than one might expect for a middle infielder who turned 34 years old last month. While Polanco ranked lower among AL second basemen on zone rating, a statistic created by STATS Inc. to measure the rate of outs converted in a player's defensive zone, his ultimate zone rating of 11.4 led all Major League second basemen.

Statistically, this should bolster his case on the open market this winter. While the Tigers could conceivably bring him back on a short-term contract, he's expected to draw enough interest from other clubs to have his share of choices. Team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said last month that prospect Scott Sizemore was ready to step in at second if he can't re-sign Polanco.

Still, if Polanco leaves, he'll do so with his mark set in Detroit. He becomes the third Tigers infielder to win multiple Gold Gloves, joining the double-play duo of Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker. The Gold Glove Award dates back to 1957.

Other Tigers fell short in their Gold Glove bids. Gerald Laird's league-leading 42-percent rate of throwing out baserunners couldn't earn him the nod at catcher over Minnesota's Joe Mauer. Brandon Inge's abundance of highlight plays couldn't overshadow his error total at third, where Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria captured his first Gold Glove. Curtis Granderson couldn't crack the AL Gold Glove outfield mix of longtime standards Torii Hunter and Ichiro Suzuki plus newcomer Adam Jones.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Posted: Nov. 29, 2009
Tigers have until Tuesday to show interest in Placido Polanco
Second baseman is a free agent

BY JOHN LOWE
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

By Tuesday night, the Tigers must give free-agent second baseman Placido Polanco a firm indication of how willing they are to re-sign him.

They will give Polanco that indication when they either do or don't offer him a one-year contract for next season -- with the amount to be settled in salary arbitration. Under baseball rules, each club has until midnight Tuesday to offer such arbitration-determined contracts for next season to free agents who finished this past season with that club.

What it means if the Tigers offer Polanco salary arbitration: Polanco will have six days to decide whether to accept the arbitration offer. If he accepts it, he will become signed to a one-year contract. If he rejects arbitration, he remains eligible to sign with the Tigers.

If Polanco is offered arbitration and accepts it, he could expect a noticeable raise on the $4.6 million he made this season, both because that's how arbitration works and because Polanco had a highly presentable season (including his second Gold Glove). So if the Tigers offer arbitration to Polanco, it would show they're willing to pay him more than $4.6 million next season, and that would mean they're willing to raise their already high payroll (about $130 million last season) or trade one or more high-priced players to make payroll room for Polanco.

What it means if the Tigers don't offer Polanco salary arbitration: If Polanco were then to re-sign with the Tigers, he might have to take a pay cut. If he didn't return, then rookie Scott Sizemore would be in line to replace him at second base. Sizemore, who turns 25 in January, distinguished himself in the minors this season, and he would make the major league minimum of $400,000 next season.

By not offering Polanco arbitration, the Tigers won't receive any draft-pick compensation for him. If the Tigers offer Polanco arbitration and he signs elsewhere, the Tigers would receive as compensation two high picks to use in next June's amateur draft.

If the Tigers offer arbitration to Polanco to ensure they get the draft picks, they'd have to realize Polanco could accept the arbitration offer and its attendant salary increase. That might be a financial risk the Tigers feel they can't take.

The Tigers also have until midnight Tuesday to offer arbitration to their other free agents they haven't ruled out re-signing: right-handed relievers Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon and shortstop Adam Everett. But none of them would bring as much draft-pick compensation as Polanco, and none has an obvious immediate low-cost successor on the Tigers roster as Polanco does.

Contact JOHN LOWE: 313-223-4053 or jlowe@freepress.com.

Tigers offer arbitration to Rodney, Lyon
Polanco not likely to re-sign; promotion set for Sizemore

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

12/01/09 2:42 PM EST

DETROIT -- The Tigers decided to offer arbitration to Type B free agent relievers Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon, but not to Type A free agent Placido Polanco.

The announcement ahead of Tuesday night's midnight ET deadline sets the stage for the Tigers to receive compensation picks in next year's First-Year Player Draft if Rodney and/or Lyon sign elsewhere, but nothing in exchange for Polanco.

Though the Tigers had to be tempted by the potential for two compensation picks, there was at least a logical chance Polanco would have considered arbitration if offered. While a multiyear deal is obviously a huge appeal for the 34-year-old second baseman, arbitration would've almost surely hurt his value on the market. Any other team would've had to give up a first- or second-round Draft pick to sign him, and that would've slowed the market on him. The other pick would've been sandwiched between the first and second rounds.

Moreover, the one-year salary Polanco could've earned in arbitration could have been very tempting. Polanco earned $4.6 million in each of his four full seasons in Detroit as part of an extension he signed in 2005, but contracts signed last offseason for such All-Star second basemen as Boston's Dustin Pedroia and Baltimore's Brian Roberts have come at much larger salaries.

Polanco won his second Gold Glove Award in three years last month after committing just two errors in 731 total chances, good for a .997 fielding percentage. Working alongside Adam Everett, he turned a career-high 112 double plays and posted a .509 Range Factor that compared favorably to his errorless season of 2007.

At the plate, Polanco drove in a career-best 72 runs to go with a .285 average, 31 doubles and 10 home runs. He ended up receiving votes in American League Most Valuable Player balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

The Tigers are prepared to promote Scott Sizemore, their Minor League Player of the Year, to second base. Sizemore underwent surgery in October after breaking his ankle while playing in the Arizona Fall League, but he's projected to be ready for the start of Spring Training. The Tigers are free to negotiate with Polanco's representatives and try to re-sign him, but that doesn't appear likely.

The risk is far less on Lyon and Rodney, since any other team that signs them won't have to give up a Draft pick. The compensation picks on them would come at the end of the second round.

Both Rodney and Lyon are looking for multiyear deals and attracting interest along those lines, even in a relief market that can be unpredictable. Rodney took advantage of his long-awaited chance to close and racked up 37 saves in 38 opportunities along with a 4.40 ERA. Lyon served as his setup man for most of the season and used a dominant second half to finish with a 6-5 record, 2.86 ERA, three saves and 15 holds. Opponents batted just .205 against Lyon, who allowed 56 hits over 78 2/3 innings.

Rodney and Lyon have six days to accept or reject arbitration. Given their situations, they'll likely reject the offers. That won't necessarily close off Detroit's interest, but it sets the challenge of multiyear offers, something that could require the Tigers to do some of their much-rumored maneuvering to free up payroll.

Lyon's agent, Barry Meister, indicated he has stayed in touch with the Tigers, though talks won't likely progress until teams and agents gather in Indianapolis next week for baseball's Winter Meetings.

"We've each expressed mutual interest," Meister said. "We'll have a chance to sit down with them and talk about him at the Winter Meetings."

Detroit's last compensation pick was a first-round sandwich selection for reliever Jamie Walker, who signed quickly with the Orioles following the 2006 season before the Tigers had to decide on arbitration.

Detroit's other three free agents this offseason -- Adam Everett, Aubrey Huff and Jarrod Washburn -- were not offered arbitration. They didn't qualify as Type A or B free agents, so they wouldn't have brought any compensation picks in return.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Polanco could've made a cash grab
BECK'S BLOG
Posted on December 1, 2009 at 5:23 PM

Talked with Dave Dombrowski this afternoon about their decisions on arbitration to free agents, and his remarks echoed the sentiments that were out there. While Dombrowski isn't bidding farewell to Polanco and plans to keep in touch with his agents, the Levinson brothers, he indicated there was a real chance -- maybe more than a chance -- that Polanco might have accepted an arbitration offer and gone to a hearing.

Good deal, right? The Tigers would get Polanco on a one-year contract.

Actually, it's not that simple.

The risk, Dombrowski said, was that Polanco would go to a hearing and ask for more money than the Tigers would be comfortable doing. It sounds unlikely in this market until you consider long-term contracts last winter for other All-Star second basemen, such as Brian Roberts ($10 million per year) and Dustin Pedroia (6 years, $40.5 million, including $31 million over the final three seasons). They also could've used other free-agent infielders as a reference point.

No fault in doing so; I just wanted to use the term "cash grab" in a headline.

As it is, Polanco instantly becomes a hotter commodity on the market now that teams don't have to give up a first- or second-round Draft pick for him.

The relievers, Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon, were a different story. Dombrowski essentially confirmed what others such as agent Barry Meister have suggested, that Rodney and Lyon are looking for multi-year deals and stand a decent chance to get them.

"I would be very surprised if either of them accepted [arbitration]," Dombrowski said.

That said, interestingly, Dombrowski didn't write off Detroit's chances of re-signing them, either. He'll keep in touch with their agents -- Rodney is also a Levinson client -- and see where it goes. Even as Meister fully expects to get a multi-year deal for Lyon, he said there's mutual interest from the two parties in re-signing.

Could the Tigers be open to a multi-year contract to keep a reliever? I don't think you can write that off quite yet. But they might have to clear some payroll space to do it.

Phillies eyeing Polanco at hot corner
Club has strong interest in former Tigers second baseman

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

12/02/09 7:54 PM EST

PHILADELPHIA -- Talks have become serious as the Phillies have narrowed their focus to Placido Polanco to replace Pedro Feliz at third base.

Multiple sources told MLB.com on Wednesday that the Phillies have been very aggressive in their pursuit of Polanco, a free agent who played for Philadelphia from 2002-05. The Phillies also had targeted Mark DeRosa and Adrian Beltre, but Polanco clearly has separated himself from the pack. It is unclear how close the sides are to a deal.

The Red Sox, Astros and others have expressed interest in Polanco, but it appears the Phillies are further down the line in their pursuit.

Polanco, a career .303 hitter, has spent the past four-plus seasons with the Detroit Tigers, who acquired him in a trade with the Phillies in 2005 for relief pitcher Ugueth Urbina and infielder Ramon Martinez.

Polanco hit .285 with 10 home runs and 72 RBIs in 618 at-bats last season with Detroit. He hit .341 in 2007 and .307 in '08.

He has played only second base with the Tigers, with whom he won two of the past three American League Gold Glove Awards. Polanco has played 322 games in his career at third base, but only nine since the end of the 2004 season.

If the Phillies sign Polanco, he could hit between Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley. Polanco struck out just once every 14.7 plate appearances in 2009, the second-best mark in the Majors. He has averaged just one strikeout every 17.5 plate appearances the past five seasons, which also is the second-best mark in the Majors.

It appears the Phillies and Polanco's representatives were in serious discussions before the Tigers decided not to offer Polanco salary arbitration before Tuesday's 11:59 p.m. ET deadline. But the fact Philadelphia will not have to forfeit its first-round pick in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft to sign him must make him even more attractive.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Phillies, Polanco complete deal
Gold Glove-winning second baseman will move to third

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

12/03/09 1:15 PM EST

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies signed Placido Polanco to a three-year, $18 million contract on Thursday.

The contract with the two-time Gold Glove second baseman, who will move to third base, includes a fourth-year mutual option.

Polanco, who played for Philadelphia from 2002-05, will replace Pedro Feliz, who is a free agent and is expected to sign elsewhere.

"We're very happy to have Placido back in a Phillies uniform," said Amaro. "He's a professional hitter who will enhance our lineup. As a Gold Glove infielder, we're very confident that he will make a smooth transition back to third base. Polly also gives us some added versatility at second base if and when Chase needs a rest."

Polanco, a career .303 hitter, spent the past four-plus seasons playing second base for the Detroit Tigers, who acquired him in a trade with the Phillies in 2005 for relief pitcher Ugueth Urbina and infielder Ramon Martinez.

Polanco hit .285 with 10 home runs and 72 RBIs in 618 at-bats last season with Detroit. He hit .341 in 2007 and .307 in '08.

He played only second base with the Tigers, with whom he won two of the past three American League Gold Glove Awards. Polanco has played 322 games in his career at third base, but only nine since the end of the 2004 season.

Polanco could bat between leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley at the top of the Phillies' lineup. Polanco struck out just once every 14.7 plate appearances in 2009, the second-best mark in the Majors. He has averaged just one strikeout every 17.5 plate appearances the past five seasons, which also is the second-best mark in the Majors.

It appeared the Phillies and Polanco's representatives were in serious discussions before the Tigers decided not to offer Polanco salary arbitration before Tuesday's 11:59 p.m. ET deadline. The fact that Philadelphia will not have to forfeit its first-round pick in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft to sign him must have made him even more attractive to the team.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Polanco might have accepted arbitration
Second baseman left Tigers in offseason to rejoin Phils

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

03/11/10 5:12 PM EST

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Placido Polanco looks at home in the Phillies' clubhouse, even if he has to make third base his new home position. He spent enough years here before being traded to the Tigers in 2005 that it's a natural fit.

Still, the former Tigers second baseman would've had no problem staying in Detroit if given the chance. Had the club offered him arbitration, it very well might have.

For all the second-guessing over whether the Tigers should've offered arbitration to Polanco last winter in order to recoup two compensation Draft picks, the possibility that Polanco would've taken arbitration seemed more like a threat than a guarantee. Polanco provided some clarity on the matter Thursday morning as he prepared to face his former squad.

"You know, if they would've offered me arbitration, I probably would've accepted it," Polanco said. "Probably. I didn't know what was out there. Most teams were waiting on that. Most teams wait on that, because the type of free agent I was, they have to give up a Draft pick. So that kind of worked out well for me."

That suggests contract talks with the Phillies really didn't reach a definitive stage until the Tigers decided against arbitration.

Asked if he knew beforehand that the Phils were stepping up, Polanco said, "I had an idea, but nobody really takes a really aggressive step until the decision of arbitration is done."

Philadelphia signed Polanco a couple days later to a three-year, $18 million contract. Had Polanco accepted arbitration, Detroit president/general manager Dave Dombrowski estimated they would've had to settle with him for around a $9 million salary, which he suggested might have prevented some of their later moves.

"He wanted a multi-year deal, from us or from somebody else," Dombrowski said. "I do not know if he'd have gotten a multi-year deal if we had offered him arbitration. I think he would have now that I know what the Phillies gave him, but I did not know that at the time.

"In hindsight, would I offer Polanco [arbitration]? Sure, but I did not know at that time, and I was not prepared to pay him what one year of arbitration would be."

The Tigers were ready to slot prospect Scott Sizemore at second base, where Sizemore says he learned a bit from watching Polanco handle the position in Spring Training the previous couple of years. The two exchanged greetings in the indoor batting cages at Bright House Networks Field before the game.

"The thing that Polly did, from my understanding, he made everything real simple," Sizemore said. "He didn't try to make anything flashy or too complicated. Catch, throw, make the routine play every time. That's my goal."

Polanco, meanwhile, is back at his old club with a new position. Once he realized that a return to Detroit was unlikely, this was where he wanted to be. Realistically, though he might've accepted arbitration, he was glad they didn't offer it. Any feelings about Detroit didn't change the fact that he had a chance at a long-term deal in Philadelphia.

"If they would've wanted, they would've signed me," Polanco said. "They actually did a favor to me. They were very nice. They could've said, 'We don't want him, but we're going to get something for him, like a Draft pick.' But they didn't think like that. I don't know why they didn't. I don't know what was going through their mind, but they did it for me and I appreciate it."

The Tigers didn't do it as a favor, but many of them were glad things worked out for Polanco. And they were glad to see him Thursday.

Manager Jim Leyland remembers hitting Polanco ground balls every day around batting practice.

"He's one of the all-time treats for a manager, because you never worried about him," Leyland said. "You knew he was going to be the same every single day. You knew he was going to be ready every day. He's a real pleasure. I'm really missing him, and that certainly has nothing to do with Scott Sizemore. I'm saying I miss Polanco a lot, him being around.

"I really like him. I don't know if we're supposed to be friends or not with the players, but he's a friend. I really think the world of him."

Justin Verlander considered it strange facing Polanco when he stepped to the plate in the first inning Thursday.

"I wanted to go in on him," Verlander said. "It's one of those things where he's a friend of mine, so you're a little cautious of really riding one in there, because you don't want to hit him and hurt him. But if it was in-season, that's out the window. I went in, but I was a little cautious. It was good seeing him in there."

Polanco thinks plenty of the Tigers, too. He still keeps in touch with former teammates such as Ramon Santiago and Miguel Cabrera. He said he's proud of Cabrera for how he has handled his personal matters since last season ended.

He's glad things worked out on both sides. He admits in hindsight that the contract matter and the lack of talks on an extension weighed on him early last season, until he realized it was out of his control.

"At the end, you know what? You learn from that," Polanco said. "You learn you cannot control the situation and just go with it. Now that I've learned, I can tell other guys."

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Polanco returns to Phils with a bang
Third baseman records career-high six RBIs vs. Nationals

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

04/05/10 8:32 PM ET

WASHINGTON -- Oh, how Placido Polanco does the little things well.

People heard that a lot when the Phillies signed Polanco to a three-year, $18 million contract in December. They heard how he puts the ball in play. How he moves runners. How he hits the ball to the opposite field seemingly at will.

They heard how smart he is.

How he is a gamer.

But on Monday, in the 1,466th game of his big league career, Polanco, the guy manager Charlie Manuel plugged into the No. 2 spot in the lineup because he does the little things so well, hit the second grand slam of his career on his way to a career-high six RBIs in an 11-1 victory over Washington at Nationals Park on Opening Day.

Polanco couldn't have imagined a better day.

"I'm OK. I feel good," Polanco said. "This is a career high for me in RBIs. You can't beat that. I know how hard the game is. You try to stay humble, because the game can turn around at any time."

The Phillies brought back Polanco -- whom they traded to the Tigers in 2005 -- to replace Pedro Feliz, who played an excellent third base the previous two seasons. But Polanco is a better offensive player than Feliz, and the Phillies like to inject new life into their roster every offseason to keep it fresh.

Polanco, a career .303 hitter, showed early that he is capable of doing just that.

"Polanco is a heck of a player, man," Manuel said. "He's a heck of a hitter. That's why we brought him back over here. He was good when he left. He's still good."

And he makes the lineup even better. Polanco's arrival means that Shane Victorino is hitting seventh, and that gives the Phillies seven All-Stars in the first seven spots in their lineup.

"[Carlos] Ruiz is a clutch hitter in the playoffs, and he's hitting eighth for us," said Polanco. "It seems like you can flip the lineup around and it's still good. ... When I left here, those guys were coming up -- Chase [Utley], [Ryan] Howard, all those guys. You could see the talent. You could see it was just a matter of time before they put it together. They've won the division three times in a row and won the World Series."

The Phillies hope that Polanco's presence atop the lineup gives them a more potent offense, thus giving them a chance at winning a second title.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its club

Rollins, Victorino, Polanco nab Gold Gloves


By Zach Schonbrun / MLB.com

04/17/10 7:05 PM ET

PHILADELPHIA -- Three Phillies -- shortstop Jimmy Rollins, center fielder Shane Victorino and new third baseman Placido Polanco -- received their 2009 Gold Glove Awards before Saturday's game.

Polanco won his for second base last year with the Tigers, his second career Gold Glove.

Rollins earned his third career Gold Glove Award, while Victorino nabbed his second.

Rollins played a franchise-record 86 consecutive games without an error last season and led all Major League shortstops in fielding percentage (.995). Polanco had a 67-game errorless streak in Detroit, and led all second basemen in fielding percentage (.997). Victorino tied for fifth in the National League with five outfield assists.

Move to third doesn't hurt Polanco's hitting

PHILADELPHIA -- On an evening when he received his second career Gold Glove Award -- at a position (second base) he no longer plays, for a league (American League) he no longer plays in -- Placido Polanco's defense actually took a backseat to his hitting.

Ten games into his return tour with the Phillies, Polanco leads the National League in hits and runs, is third in batting average and fifth in total bases. All this while switching his position to third base (which he played when he first came up with the Cardinals) after signing a three-year deal with Philadelphia in the offseason.

Polanco spent the previous four seasons in Detroit, where he hit .311 and averaged 202 hits per year.

And so far this year, he's been almost impossible to get out. Snug in the No. 2 hole in a lineup laced with sluggers and superstars, Polanco is hitting .444 with 20 hits, 12 RBIs, 14 runs scored and 30 total bases. He's 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position, and he drove in a career-high six runs on Opening Day.

"I'm not surprised he's off to a start like that, because he can hit," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "And he likes to play. Polanco loves to play. He fits right in on our team like that."

Manuel managed Polanco when he was with the Phillies from 2002-05. At the time, the infielder was better known for being part of the deal that sent third baseman Scott Rolen to St. Louis. But he quietly went about his business, even after losing his second-base job to an up-and-coming Chase Utley in 2005, and was a .301 hitter in his four seasons in Philadelphia.

"He kind of flies under the radar," Manuel said last week. "But all he does is hit two or three, or sometimes four or five balls hard a day."

That makes Polanco a near-perfect fit in the Phillies' lineup, and so far he is reaping the benefits of hitting ahead of Utley, Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth.

"He's a very consistent contact hitter, but not only that, he hits the ball hard and moves the ball," Manuel said. "He can definitely play situational ball. He knows how to play the game."

Polanco leaves with bruised left elbow
Phils third baseman hit by pitch, hopes to play Thursday

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

04/21/10 11:11 PM ET

ATLANTA -- Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco bruised his left elbow Wednesday night against the Braves at Turner Field, but said he does not expect to miss much time.

Atlanta right-hander Tim Hudson hit Polanco with a pitch in the first inning. Polanco remained in the game until Wilson Valdez pinch-hit for him in the seventh. Polanco said X-rays revealed no fracture.

"It's stiff now; weak, sore," Polanco said.

Polanco said he will not know if he can play in Thursday night's series finale until he arrives at the ballpark.

"It might be a day," Polanco said.

But one game missed is better than two or three weeks missed, right?

"Of course, without a doubt," Polanco said. "But zero days is better than one."

Polanco sits out, expects to play Friday
Phils third baseman suffered bruised elbow Wednesday

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

04/22/10 7:22 PM ET

ATLANTA -- Third baseman Placido Polanco had his left elbow wrapped Thursday at Turner Field, and he was not in the Phillies' lineup.

But Polanco said he expects to be back in the lineup Friday against the D-backs at Chase Field.

"It's still weak," Polanco said. "But if I improve as much as I did in one day ... I'm not going to be 100 percent, but I should be OK to play."

Braves right-hander Tim Hudson hit Polanco with a pitch in the first inning Wednesday. Polanco remained in the game until the sixth inning. Wilson Valdez pinch-hit for Polanco in the seventh and took his place at third base.

Greg Dobbs started at third and hit second Thursday.

"Polly is doing better," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He got smoked on the elbow. It happens. He's sore."

Sore elbow keeps Phillies' Polanco out

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

05/29/10 12:27 AM ET

MIAMI -- Phillies manager Charlie Manuel kept third baseman Placido Polanco out of the lineup for the start of a three-game series against the Marlins on Friday. But it had nothing to do with any slumps at the plate.

Polanco -- who's 5-for-12 (a .417 batting average) his past three games -- is still feeling the effects of a sore left elbow that dates back to April 21, when he was hit by a fastball from the Braves' Tim Hudson in the first inning.

Polanco said he'll get the elbow looked at before Saturday's game and wasn't sure if he'd play in that contest when asked after Friday's 3-2 victory.

"He's got a little softness in his elbow," Manuel said. "He's had it ever since he got hit with the ball about a month ago. The other night when he jumped and caught the ball, and sometimes when he swings and things like that, it hurts him, and it hurts him bad. Some days it feels pretty good, but at the same time, he still feels it when he's hitting. And he's been trying to play."

Polanco to undergo MRI on Sunday
Ailing third baseman misses second consecutive game

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

05/29/10 5:29 PM ET

MIAMI -- Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco is still feeling the effects of a swollen left elbow that he initially hurt after getting plunked more than a month ago and aggravated while playing against the Mets recently.

Polanco was out of the lineup for the second consecutive game on Saturday, when his team played the second of a three-game series against the Marlins at Sun Life Stadium. Polanco, who was staying away from hitting again, too, will undergo an MRI on Sunday, and it is at that point that the 34-year-old will know whether his status is day-to-day or more serious.

"It's been bothering me ever since I got hit," said Polanco, who feels the injury was made worse by coming back too soon. "It comes and goes. I've been able to play, but sometimes I swing and miss and it seems like I hyperextend my elbow, and then it feels weak and I can't extend it, field or hit.

"It hurts there a little bit, too, just from the touch."

Starting in Polanco's place at the hot corner was Juan Castro and hitting in his usual No. 2 spot was shortstop Wilson Valdez.

Polanco got hit on April 21 by a first-inning fastball thrown by Tim Hudson. He came out of the game in the seventh, then missed the next day's game and just one more start before Friday. But while playing against the Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, Polanco said he further aggravated the elbow injury while leaping for a ball.

Polanco did say he was feeling better on Saturday. He stayed away from any activities on Friday -- he was scheduled to play catch before Saturday's game -- but there is still some inflammation right above the right-handed hitter's left elbow.

Polanco, who had been icing the injury and taking anti-inflammatories, estimated there may be some scar tissue left over. He added that, when tests were initially run, they found something loose, but Polanco believes it may have stemmed from a preexisting injury.

"The MRI is going to be the answer to everything," Polanco said. "See how bad it is and what it is and if it can get worse, or if it's just inflammation."

Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Polanco gets good news after MRI of elbow
Third baseman expected back soon after Grade 1 contusion

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

05/30/10 7:42 PM ET

MIAMI --- The news ended up being positive for Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco and his left elbow injury.

Phils general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said a Sunday MRI exam revealed only a Grade 1 contusion for Polanco. The 34-year-old is scheduled to fly to Philadelphia to get a cortisone shot on Monday morning, and he will be available to play on Tuesday or Wednesday against the Braves, Amaro added.

Polanco, out of the starting lineup for the third consecutive game on Sunday against the Marlins, originally suffered the injury after being hit by a Tim Hudson fastball on April 21. Polanco aggravated it while stretching out for a line drive on Thursday against the Mets.

But tests revealed no bone chips -- just a bone spur Polanco has had for years -- and just a bit of a bruise above the left elbow.

"He's got just a little bit of a muscle contusion and some bone bruising," Amaro said. "No structural damage. He's going to probably have a cortisone shot to calm it down and should be available Tuesday or Wednesday."

Polanco is batting .306 with five homers and 21 RBIs in 44 games this season. In his absence, Juan Castro has been starting at third base, and shortstop Wilson Valdez has hit in Polanco's usual No. 2 spot.

Polanco rejoins Phils, eyes Friday return

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

06/01/10 8:31 PM ET

ATLANTA -- This has been an insufferably long week for Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco.

He has had inflammation and a bruise in his left elbow since Tim Hudson hit him with a pitch on April 21 at Turner Field. He received a MRI on Sunday in Florida. He received a cortisone injection into the elbow Monday in Philadelphia. He rejoined the team Tuesday in Atlanta, but is not expected to play until Friday.

"Friday for sure," Polanco said. "I need to be playing."

The Phillies could use him. They had scored just 10 runs in nine games entering Tuesday's game against the Braves at Turner Field. They had not hit a home run in 63 consecutive innings, their longest home run drought since a 73-inning streak in 1999.

"I'm pretty sure everybody is thinking and feeling the pressure," Polanco said. "All these guys in here are professionals and proven winners. Everybody wants to step up and do it, but it doesn't happen like that. When you really put the extra pressure on you, it doesn't happen, because you want it so bad. You have to relax and let it happen. I'm pretty sure that's what's going on.

"Right now," Polanco said, pointing to his head with both index fingers, "it's right there."

He compared trying too hard at the plate to a child making mistakes and not understanding the error of his ways until he is older.

"I believe we're going to come out of it and some good things are going to happen," he said. "It's a long season. It's there. The track records are there. Relax. It's going to happen. The question is when? The sooner the better."

Polanco returns to Phillies lineup
Infielder still not feeling 100 percent after sitting out

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

06/04/10 8:35 PM ET

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco returned to the lineup on Friday after missing the past six games because of a bruise and inflammation in his left elbow.

However, he said that he is not 100 percent.

"Probably 85, 90 percent," he said.

But Polanco said the injury "without a doubt" is better than it had been before he received a cortisone injection on Monday. Polanco said he primarily feels it when he swings a bat, which is what the Phillies need most from him at the moment. The team opened its series against San Diego tying a franchise low with just 14 runs in 11 games.

Polanco's catch highlights night of great D
Third baseman's incredible dive invigorates Phils in victory

By Zach Schonbrun / MLB.com

06/17/10 11:55 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Even as the foul pop by Nick Swisher tailed away from him, and the tarp along the stands in left field was fast approaching, Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco figured he should at least make an effort to catch the ball. He may have been the only one in Yankee Stadium who thought he had a chance.

Polanco went for it. He sprinted, sprawled across the tarp, extended his left arm and came up with the catch -- a crucially clutch defensive play with two outs in the sixth inning of Philadelphia's 7-1 win over the Yankees on Thursday.

"[The ball] kept going away from me," Polanco said. "I was going to try. I was going to make an effort. That's a good feeling. They could have scored a run or two easily there."

At the time, the score was 3-1 and the Yanks had runners on first and third with Swisher up. Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick, who had been sensational to that point, was facing his first -- and only -- bout of adversity.

But Polanco bailed him out, and simultaneously reinvigorated the Phillies, who added four runs in the ninth to go on to win handily.

"If I don't make that play, he gets another chance," Polanco said.

Polanco, who switched back to playing third base when he signed with Philadelphia in the offseason after winning two Gold Glove Awards at second base for the Tigers, has made only four errors in 51 games there this season. But no play has stood out more than the one on Thursday.

"I was really surprised," Phillies shortstop Wilson Valdez said. "It was an unbelievable play for him. I think it was one of the best plays of the year."

"He made a great defensive play catching it on the tarp," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "You never know, if Swish gets another swing, maybe things change. But it didn't happen."

It was one of several spectacular defensive grabs by the Phillies on Thursday evening. Right fielder Jayson Werth made a sprawling catch on a sinking line drive by Robinson Cano in the fourth inning to rob a hit. First baseman Ryan Howard leapt to snatch a hard liner by Brett Gardner in the seventh. And reliever Jose Contreras snagged a comeback ground ball by Curtis Granderson behind his back in the eighth.

Polanco's play, though, served as a defining moment and perhaps a game-changer. The count was 1-1 to Swisher, who is batting .379 with runners on base, fourth in the Major Leagues. Upon seeing Polanco emerge off the tarp with the ball in his grasp, Kendrick skipped off the mound, yelling and pumping his fists.

"That was huge," Kendrick said. "I was pretty excited, if you couldn't tell. That was a big play. We were in a jam there, I needed to make a pitch. For me, that was definitely the play of the game."

Polanco had a big smile on his face, too. The play was slightly reminiscent of another famous catch along the left-field line in the old Yankee Stadium by Derek Jeter in 2004, though Polanco laughed when the comparison was brought up.

"Come on, it wasn't that good," Polanco said. "Jeter dove like into the third row. It was a good play, but not that good."

All comparisons aside, it was good enough for the Phillies on Thursday, who seemed to make all the right plays to finish the series strong in New York.

Zach Schonbrun is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Polanco maintains lead, but margin narrows
Race with Mets' Wright closer; Werth, Victorino in striking range

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

06/22/10 12:35 PM ET

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco still leads the All-Star voting among National League third baseman, but his lead is shrinking.

Polanco, hitting .313 with five home runs and 25 RBIs entering Tuesday's game against Cleveland, has 1,157,196 votes, according to the balloting update revealed on Tuesday. He holds a slight edge over New York Mets third baseman David Wright, who has 1,026,658 votes. The 130,538 differential is the tightest in any NL race.

Chase Utley continues to hold a commanding lead among second basemen, despite struggling for most of the past month. He has 2,409,027 votes. Atlanta Braves second baseman Martin Prado is second with 1,170,897.

Jayson Werth (1,345,798) remains in fourth place among outfielders, while Shane Victorino remains in fifth (1,252,792). They trail the Brewers' Ryan Braun (1,816,052), the Braves' Jason Heyward (1,786,786) and the Dodgers' Andre Ethier (1,723,266).

Jimmy Rollins, who could be activated from the disabled list Tuesday after missing most of the season with a strained right calf, is in second place among shortstops with 1,205,832 votes. He trails the Marlins' Hanley Ramirez (1,501,056).

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (2,622,123) has a commanding lead over Ryan Howard (1,137,058).

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz is fourth among catchers (902,790).

Fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times at MLB.com and all 30 club sites using the 2010 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot Sponsored by Sprint until July 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Starting rosters will be announced during the 2010 All-Star Game Selection Show on TBS on July 4. Baseball fans around the world will then be able to select the final player on each team via the 2010 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint.

And the voting doesn't end there. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in the official voting for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet at the Midsummer Classic via the 2010 All-Star Game MVP Vote Sponsored by Sprint.

The All-Star Game, to be played in Anaheim on July 13, will be televised nationally by FOX and around the world by Major League Baseball International. ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio play-by-play, while MLB.com will offer extensive online coverage.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Polanco sits due to elbow discomfort

By Zack Schonbrun / MLB.com

06/26/10 7:58 PM ET

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said third baseman Placido Polanco did not play Saturday because of discomfort in his left elbow.

Polanco missed six games from May 28 to June 3 because of the same problem. He originally was hit with a pitch on the elbow on April 21 against the Atlanta Braves, but tried to play through it. He eventually required a cortisone injection.

Manuel said he is not sure if Polanco, who aggravated the elbow diving for a ball on Friday, will be able to play in the series finale on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Polanco was unavailable to comment.

Polanco likely needs second cortisone shot

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

06/27/10 7:03 PM ET

PHILADELPHIA -- Placido Polanco had his left elbow wrapped in a compression sleeve Sunday at Citizens Bank Park.

He has an injury that won't go away.

Polanco is expected to receive a cortisone injection into the elbow on Sunday, which would be his second shot this season and keep him from playing until Tuesday at the earliest. Polanco originally injured the elbow on April 21, when he was hit by a pitch against Atlanta. It flared up in late May, when he received his first shot. He missed six games from May 28 to June 3, and has missed the past two games after he aggravated the elbow diving for a ball on Friday.

"There's inflammation in the capsule," Polanco said. "You use it every time you swing. You take [batting practice]. You take a million practice swings. Every time you do that, it's irritating it."

Rest is the best option for Polanco.

"Rest is not a choice," he said. "We're going to have to take care of it somehow. Maybe the shot. Keep treating it, you know?"

Polanco said he mostly felt fine after he received the first shot, but occasionally felt it when he swung the bat.

"Nothing major. Nothing bad," he said. "This time? Pretty bad."

Utley, Polanco placed on 15-day DL
Phillies not yet certain how long players will be out of action

By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com

06/29/10 7:55 PM ET

CINCINNATI -- It could be weeks. It could be months.

The Phillies said they do not know how much time Chase Utley and Placido Polanco will miss because of a sprained right thumb and an injured left elbow, respectively. They just know they are on the 15-day disabled list and will be sorely missed, the latest casualties on a team that now has seven players on the DL.

The Phillies called up Greg Dobbs and Brian Bocock to take their places on the 25-man roster, but losing Utley and Polanco clearly leaves a major hole in the lineup. Utley had hit .367 with one home run and 11 RBIs in his past 13 games and is arguably the best second baseman in baseball. Polanco had hit .318 with five homers and 27 RBIs for the season.

"We're a good team," said Phillies right fielder Jayson Werth, asked how the Phillies can survive. "We have faith in each other. We've been here before. We're resilient. We lost Jimmy [Rollins] in '08. We lost Chase in '07. We lost J-Roll this year. We're still where we're at. We play the [National League] East a lot in September."

Utley sprained the ulnar collateral ligament of his right thumb in Monday's 7-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Utley had a MRI on Tuesday morning in Cincinnati, but returned to Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon and will undergo further testing Wednesday. The Phillies said once they know the severity of the sprain, they will know how to treat it. It could require surgery, although Phillies head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said that would not necessarily mean a longer stint on the DL.

"Look back at Chase's fracture of his hand," said Sheridan, referring to the broken hand that kept Utley out for a month in 2007. "We decided to pin that. If we didn't pin it, it could have been four weeks. When we did pin it, it was four weeks. Again, we've got to get better information. That's the biggest question going forward. How do you treat it?"

Sheridan said there remain some questions on the grading of the sprain -- a Grade 1 is the least severe, a Grade 3 is the most severe -- and until trainers know the grading, they cannot recommend a treatment for it.

Polanco has been bothered with inflammation in his left elbow since a pitch hit him there April 21. He received cortisone injections May 31 and Sunday, but the latest shot did not take like they had hoped. The Phillies and Polanco said they thought he could be back in the lineup Tuesday, but that changed late Monday night.

"We weren't satisfied with the way he responded to the treatment," Sheridan said.

Polanco also returned to Philadelphia on Tuesday and was scheduled to have a MRI in the afternoon. A prior X-ray revealed no fracture but showed a bone spur that had been there for some time. An earlier MRI also showed the spur.

"The question is, why is it so persistent?" Sheridan said. "You would expect if you treat it with anti-inflammatories and the types of things we've done with it that it should respond. And it's not. I think it's time to put him on the DL, rest him and get some better answers."

Polanco said Monday that surgery was a possibility.

Sherdian said the Phillies expect to know more about Utley's and Polanco's timetables Wednesday. At the very earliest, Utley could return July 15 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Polanco, who has not played since Friday, could return July 11 against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park, the final game before the All-Star break.

The time Utley and Polanco miss could impact the Phillies' desire to make a trade. The performance of their substitutes -- Dobbs, Wilson Valdez, Juan Castro, etc. -- also will influence that decision. The Phillies acquired Tadahito Iguchi from the Chicago White Sox in 2007 after Utley broke his right hand and missed a month. It paid dividends, as Iguchi hit .301 with two homers and eight RBIs in 27 games as Utley's full-time replacement, helping the Phillies win their first NL East championship since 1993.

"We're always looking to get better," Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said. "Our focus may be a little different than it was, but we're willing explore whatever options are available. But the main thing is finding out the length of both Polly's and Chase's stays on the DL, and that we don't know just yet.

"Quite frankly, we've got a bunch of good players on this team. We've got four guys who were All-Stars last year. We've got a couple former MVPs. A former Cy Young winner. A couple 20-game winners. A World Series MVP. The cupboard is not bare. We're still a good team."

There are infielders available, if the Phillies choose to pursue one. But do they have enough to get one?

The Orioles are shopping second baseman Ty Wigginton, who entered Wednesday hitting .266 with 13 homers, 40 RBIs and an .823 OPS. Wigginton makes $3.5 million and will become a free agent after the season. The Reds released infielder Chris Burke from Triple-A Indianapolis this weekend. He was hitting .238 with five homers and 26 RBIs.

The D-backs could move second baseman Kelly Johnson, who is hitting .261 with 13 homers and 35 RBIs. The Indians released second baseman Mark Grudzielanek earlier this season, and he remains unsigned. He was hitting .273 with 11 RBIs in 30 games. The Royals have Willie Bloomquist and Chris Getz in reserve. Rangers infielder Joaquin Arias is out of options and could be had in a trade. Second baseman Josh Barfield is hitting .305 with Triple-A Portland. The Padres could move him because they have him only for infield depth.

In the meantime, the Phillies have Dobbs and Bocock filling out the roster.

The Phillies outrighted Dobbs to Triple-A Lehigh Valley last Wednesday after they designated him for assignment June 22. He went 2-for-17 in four games with Lehigh Valley after hitting just .152 with the Phillies.

Bocock was hitting just .179 with one homer and 12 RBIs in 65 games with Lehigh Valley. The Phillies had hoped to call up infielder Cody Ransom, but Proefrock said Ransom has a balky knee.

"We didn't want to call up a player that may have a health issue," Proefrock said. "We didn't feel comfortable bringing him up until it's resolved."

The Phillies have injuries even with their injury replacements. It has been that kind of season. Utley and Polanco join Carlos Ruiz, J.A. Happ, Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin and Antonio Bastardo on the DL. The roster has six players who have spent time this season in Lehigh Valley: Dobbs, Bocock, Valdez, Dane Sardinha, Nelson Figueroa and Mike Zagurski.

"I hope we get [Polanco] back in a couple weeks," Werth said. "Chase seems like he's going to be out for a while. Guys are just going to have to pick it up."

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Last Updated: September 10. 2010 1:00AM
Former Tiger Placido Polanco playing with broken elbow
Associated Press

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic -- Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco is playing with a small break in his left elbow, but is postponing surgery until after the season because Philadelphia is in a pennant race.

Polanco is batting .308 with six homers and 47 RBIs for the surging Phillies, who lead the NL East by a game over the Atlanta Braves.

"I have a broken elbow, but it is rather small and will be operated on at the end of the year," Polanco told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "It is something minor, less than half an hour (the surgery), and rehabilitation will take only a month. I have not been operated on before because I would have lost the season if I did it."

The 34-year-old Polanco spent time on the disabled list earlier this season with elbow inflammation.

"Sometimes I don't have the same power to swing and as I have been compensating for the elbow I have caused a bit of tendinitis in my forearm," he said.


From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100910/SPORTS0104/9100345/1129/Former-Tiger-Placido-Polanco-playing-with-broken-elbow#ixzz0zBg21fn9