Phillies' Franchise Legend Mentors Rising Youngster Amidst Battle For Roster Spot
Despite struggling at the plate in the postseason, no one could question Johan Rojas' ability to patrol center field for the Philadelphia Phillies.
From the moment he was called up from Double-A Reading, he was virtually flawless in center field.
He ran down every fly ball. He displayed a strong throwing arm. He looked like a seasoned veteran.
Yet Rojas can still improve.
And he has been receiving advice from guest instructor Shane Victorino at spring training.
During the 2008 World Series title season, Victorino was brilliant in center field. Now he's passing on advice to the next group of rising Phillies, including Rojas.
"The game is so fast, so fast, that you've got to slow the brain down,” Victorino told Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "That's what I'm trying to preach to him. Be you. Be what you can be. Because if you go out there and be the player that you can be, eight other guys' jobs get easier."
Victorino can relate to Rojas.
He didn't immediately transform into a Gold Glove outfielder and quality hitter.
It took time. It took patience.
"I had all the ability, but I had to figure it out raw. Until I figured it out, slowed the game down, realized what it took, and put it all together. I could've been just like another kid that you say, 'He had X and Z, but at the end of the day, he never made it,'" the franchise legend said.
"Being a Rule 5 guy, I got to learn for three months (in the majors) and I then went back to the shuffle. The toughest part for Johan is he's going to have to learn in the big leagues."
This type of advice is priceless.
Rojas will be so much better off for being exposed to Victorino. Already on a solid path, this will make the rising star even better.
