Brandon Phillips Upset Cincinnati Reds Issued His Number
Brandon Phillips may not play for the Cincinnati Reds any longer, but he still holds a special place with the franchise. As such, he is surprised that his old number has already been reissued.
For the entirety of his time with the Cincinnati Reds, Brandon Phillips wore the number 4. It was a number that had been briefly worn by Hall of Famers Kiki Kuyler and Ernie Lombardi during their careers, but had also gone 36 years without being issued after Al Lakeman was traded during the 1947 season.
Meanwhile, Phillips made the number his own. In those eleven years spent with the Reds, he made three All Star Games, won four Gold Glove awards, and a Silver Slugger award. He is one of three players to make the 30-30 club with the Reds, joining Eric Davis and Barry Larkin. Phillips definitely carved out a place for himself in the illustruous history of the Reds.
Understandably, Phillips expected that his former number would have been taken out of circulation for a bit. Instead, it was given to Scotter Gennett, a move that has upset the current Atlanta Braves second baseman. While he said that he wished he was still a member of the Reds, Phillips characterized Gennett having his jersey as "a slap in the face."
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It is understandable why he would feel that way. There are quite a few players that are remembered by the number they wore, and Phillips certainly became synonymous with the number.
Perhaps what is truly galling to him is the quickness in which the number was reissued. Had it been a few seasons down the line, Phillips may not have cared as much, unless he expected the number four to be retired in his honor. Or, it could be that giving the number to a relatively mediocre piece like Gennett, instead of some top prospect, is what is upsetting Phillips.
A free agent after this season, maybe Phillips can return to Cincinnati. After all, despite 14 steals, the Reds have not gotten much production from Jose Peraza. Phillips, meanwhile, is putting up his usual solid numbers, with a .294/.343/.413 batting line, hitting three homers and stealing seven bases. If he is willing to take a one year deal, that beloved jersey could be his once again.
Unless that happens, Brandon Phillips will have to see someone else wearing his jersey with the Cincinnati Reds. Just don't expect him to be happy about it.
