Marlon

Byrd

Manager Larry Bowa likes having Byrd in the leadoff spot, but said, ''it’d be nice if he stole bases.’' Byrd has only two swipes this year, but stole 96 in his minor-league career. Bowa plans to have Byrd look at film to pick up pitchers’ moves.

If the Phillies can acquire a center fielder via trade or free agency, Byrd could be part of that deal, or another deal for starting pitching.

Sounds good to us. We still think Byrd has a brighter future than Podsednik.

That would have been an awful deal. One bad year doesn’t bring Byrd down to Chavez’s level. Chavez is just a fifth outfielder on a good team.

It’s been assumed that Byrd will return to Triple-A or get traded this spring, but he will get a chance to make the Phillies as a bench player. He has been impressive so far. ''I saw more quickness in his hands, a more aggressive swing,’' Manuel said.

Ledee had two hits to raise his average to .250. Neither center fielder is playing very well at the moment.

''He’s hitting it hard and he’s hitting it out,’' Manuel said. ''It’s just a matter of putting it together in a game.’' The Phillies could still seek to trade him, or he might to Triple-A to play every day and be insurance for Kenny Lofton and Jason Michaels.

Manager Larry Bowa prefers to wait until Wednesday so Byrd won’t face Kevin Brown in his first game off the DL. Byrd’s going to have to earn his playing time with Ricky Ledee playing so well at the plate and in the field.

Byrd is eligible to return Tuesday, but with Ricky Ledee hitting .292 with an 891 OPS, he might play sparingly for a while.

The move keeps Placido Polanco where he belongs in the No. 2 spot, but it bumps Marlon Byrd down to seventh. If the Phillies hit like they are capable, Byrd still has plenty of value lower in the order, but if you’re depending on him for runs and stolen bases, he’s going to project lower in those areas.