Click here to subscribe today or Login.
Wednesday, June 11, 2003 Page: 8B
John Valentin signed a minor-league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies
on Tuesday and will suit up for their triple-A affiliate in
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Red Barons manager Marc Bombard said Valentin, who has played in 11 major
league seasons, is expected to join the team tomorrow in Indianapolis, when it
opens a four-game road series against the Indians.
However, Bombard doesn’t know how soon Valentin, 36, will be ready to play.
“He hasn’t played this year,” Bombard said. “We’ll see what kind of
condition he’s in. There’s no timetable set for him playing regularly.”
Bombard would like to start Valentin off as a designated hitter, but that
won’t be possible during the Indianapolis series because the Indians are a
National League affiliate (Milwaukee).
When Valentin is ready to play in the field, he may divide his time between
first base and third base, according to Bombard.
Bombard learned of Valentin’s signing Tuesday afternoon. He said he has
never met the veteran major leaguer.
“I’ve seen him on TV. He used to swing a good bat.”
Valentin played in 114 games with the Mets last season and hit .240 with
three home runs and 30 RBI. He spent 10 seasons with the Boston Red Sox and
has 124 career home runs.
By Van Rose