Super sub Blanco proving his worth to Phillies

Andres Blanco turns to run toward first base after hitting a seventh-inning ground ball against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. YONG KIM / Staff PhotographerAndres Blanco practices his swing each afternoon in a lonely batting cage. He lifts weights and stretches without the company of teammates. Blanco - the Phillies super utility player - is the first player to arrive at Citizens Bank Park, pulling into the empty ballpark nearly seven hours before each game.

Blanco left his native Venezuela 16 years ago with a $3,000 signing bonus. He is lauded for his work ethic and character. Blanco gets to the batting cage early so it will be open when the team's everyday players are ready…