Whether it’s opening day, a few weeks later, or closer to mid-season, Scott Kingery will be playing for the Phillies. The second baseman who also spots at third base, shortstop and center field has already been compared to Chase Utley and Dustin Pedroia, two of the three best second basemen over the 15-year period between the peaks of Jeff Kent and Jose Altuve.
Those are serious comparisons, and it’s tempting to get overly excited about anyone who’s drawing that kind of talk. But before we go overboard, and before Kingery takes his first steps toward home plate at Citizens Bank Park, let’s see exactly what he is and what he might become at the majors.