Phillies call-up top prospect Domonic Brown

Today, after centerfielder Shane Victorino hit the disabled list with a strained left abdominal muscle, the Philadelphia Phillies called-up top prospect and promising outfielder Domonic Brown.

Brown, who was ranked the 15th best prospect in baseball prior to 2010, became ranked the best prospect in baseball through mid-season (All-Star Break 2010), has a great amount of potential. A left-handed swinging outfielder, Brown, 22, has the ability to put power and average together. Before being called-up, Brown split time at Double-AA and Triple-AAA, hitting a combined .327/.391/.589 with 20 home runs and 68 RBIs, whiling getting 112 hits in 93 games. A 20th round pick in the '06 draft, Brown began to flash power during the 2009 season, when hit 14 home runs (his previous career-high was 9 in 2008) to go along with a .299 average and 64 RBIs. Brown also has speed, stealing 17 bases this season, 23 in '09 and 22 in '08.

The Phillies are expecting great things from Domonic Brown, especially with All-Star rightfielder Jayson Werth expected to depart via free agency. If Werth leaves, Brown would take over everyday duties in right field. When Victorino returns, the Phillies (most likely) would move Jayson Werth to left field, allowing Brown to stay in right field and Victorino to resume duties in center field. Brown has potential to be the next great Phillies' player, joining an amazing team of homegrown talent that includes Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino.

UPDATE: Domonic Brown made his debut tonight in right field, going 2-3 with a double, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBIs, all adding up to a .667 batting average to start his career.

"It feels great," Brown said. "I just want to go out there tomorrow and do it all again."

"I was just overwhelmed and couldn't hear anything out there," Brown said. "But once I stepped in that box, I was so focused on what I had to do."

When asked, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Brown is "an exciting player who has tools. He swung the bat good."

Good luck to you, Mr. Brown.