Reds 2B Brandon Phillips Eyeing RBIs

By his own admission, Reds 2B Brandon Phillips is NOT a power hitter, but more of "a hitter with power," but that's enough to punch his ticket to a key spot on the middle of this year's batting order.

"I'm the best person for the job," Phillips eagerly told WLW Radio, who queried him regarding the front office's failure to land a big right-handed bat during the offseason. Look for him to bat 4th or 5th at least as long as manager Dusty Baker has so few other options.

Phillips hit 21 homers last year, and 30 in 2007. Sandwiched between 1B Joey Votto and OF Jay Bruce, Phillips can easily be expected to see his share of fastballs and to knock in more than 100 RBI.

Reds Ease Pressure for Brandon Phillips

The Reds have refused to burden second basemen Brandon Phillips with any undue pressure to top last year's spectacular production, with Phillips being quoted by WLW Radio as saying at the signing of his new contract that he'll be satisfied to hit 20 homers and steal 20 bags in 2008.

Having committed to a four-year, $27 million pact, the 5-foot 11, 185-pound Phillips will be under control through his 30th birthday and a bargain even though probably he cannot be expected to reach 30 homers again.