Cincinnati's Brandon Phillips has a bright future in majors: Reds second baseman had a remarkable season in 2007 as a productive hitter, base runner and defensive performer

Baseball Digest, June, 2008 by Jim Bianchine

CINCINNATI IS AN OLD RIVER town, known for its famous style of chili, flying pig lore and baseball. The Reds are a storied franchise that has graced the banks of the Ohio River about as long as baseball has been played.

The Queen City will forever be known for the famed Big Red Machine and stars who dominated the game including second baseman Joe Morgan, a main contributor to the 1975-1976 Reds World Series teams.

Morgan, a Hall of Famer, redefined the infield position, showing the rare blend of power and speed. He was a five-tool player who won two N.L. MVP awards and five Gold Gloves.

Although one season does not a star make, Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips has found his name mentioned alongside Morgan's, elevated himself into the class of his hero, another Cincy legend Barry Larkin, and has vaulted himself into the baseball record books following his remarkable 2007 campaign.

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All the swift second baseman did in 2007 was hit .288 with 30 home runs, 32 stolen bases, 107 runs scored, 94 RBI and play a solid defense in which he led all National League second basemen in putouts, assists and fielding percentage. Quite a feat for the blossoming star who lost the Gold Glove award to Arizona's Orlando Hudson.

Phillips seems primed and ready to join the elite second sackers of his time. While the major leagues are filled with talent at the position, none is as complete as Phillips who oozes with pure athleticism.

"His potential is unlimited. He seems to be what a second baseman is these days. He can beat you in a lot of different ways," said former Astros second baseman Craig Biggio.

Biggio was in Cincinnati in late September on his farewell tour last season before retiring and just shook his head at the mention of what Phillips had accomplished in the 20007 campaign.

"That's some offensive production for a middle infielder and great for the organization," said Biggio.

The right-hand hitting Phillips ranked first among National League second basemen in hits (187) and steals while ranking second in runs, RBI, homers, and stolen bases among major leaguers at his position.

The Reds acquired Phillips from the Cleveland Indians in April 2006 and saw him put up solid numbers that season. But many wondered if he was a one-year wonder or if he was going to be a steady second baseman for years to come. Few dreamed he would become a star.

"I choose to believe 2007 is going to be the type of year he's going to put together year to year. I don't think he's a one-time 30-30 guy. I think he's going to do it more in the future," said former Reds manager Pete Mackanin.

Before 1980, only five big league players--Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Bobby Bonds, Ken Williams and Tommy Harper--were members of the 30-30 club.

Entering 2008, the elite 30-30 club has been achieved by only 31 players, with Phillips and Alfonso Soriano the only second basemen ever to accomplish the feat. Besides Phillips, only two other players reached 30-30 totals in '07 --the Mets' David Wright and Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins.

At times during his memorable 2007 season, Phillips found himself constantly compared to Morgan and for good reason. His defense was that of a season-long highlight reel and with bat in hand Phillips exceeded Morgan's 27-homer mark accomplished in 1976.

Comparisons continued and simply wouldn't stop. Media members elevated Phillips into Morgan status, but some sincerely think he can rise above the mark left by the Hall of Famer.

"Brandon Phillips has become the preeminent second baseman in the league from an all-around standpoint. With his all-around ability and the things he can do, he has a chance to be a better player than Joe Morgan if he reaches the level he is capable of and can sustain it over the years like Joe," said Reds Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brenneman who has watched them both.

Pretty high praise for a once slender, promising young shortstop in the Montreal Expos organization who moved through the minors and couldn't seem to find a home in Cleveland.

"Nobody knew about him in our division (prior to 2006) and suddenly there is a second baseman who is hitting third or fourth in the lineup. Now we see him 17 games in a season and have seen him make a lot of plays and you know he does that to everybody else. He goes after it right. He's pretty darn good," said Biggio.

"He can't get complacent. He is 26 and is coming into his prime. He is at an age he is getting into his magical years."

Drafted by the Expos in 1999, he started his journey in baseball despite being offered scholarships in both football and baseball at Georgia. Prior to the 2002 season, having made progress through the ranks as a AA All-Star and a member of the Future's team, primarily used as a leadoff hitter, Phillips was voted the top prospect in the Montreal organization and was rated the 20th best player in minor league baseball before being acquired by the Indians in a deal that sent pitching star Bartolo Colon to Montreal in June of that year.

In 2003, he thought he finally arrived, not with the Expos, but after having been moved to Cleveland. He came out of spring training after winning the Tribe's starting second base job. But being in the Opening Day lineup was one thing. An 0-for-29 stretch was another and Phillips was back to being a Buffalo Bison in June.