Skills Click Into Place For Speedy Quinn

CLEARWATER, Fla.—Center fielder Roman Quinn has a simple goal for 2016.

“Play a full season,” the speedy 22-year-old said with an eager smile.

A 2011 second-round pick from Port St. Joe (Fla.) High, Quinn had enjoyed his best pro season in 2015 before he was struck down by a torn hip flexor in June. He hit .306/.356/.435 with 29 stolen bases in 58 games at Double-A Reading.

Earlier in Quinn’s career, injuries to his wrist and Achilles tendon had prevented him from playing a full season.

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He is 5-foot-9, 175 pounds of pure speed. Leg injuries can be killer to a player like Quinn, but he showed no slippage during a stint in big league camp this year.

He went 6-for-20 and displayed his speed with three triples and two stolen bases in 12 games before being optioned to Reading.

“I was just trying to go out there and showcase everything I have,” Quinn said before heading to minor league camp. “Hopefully, I did that.

“It was a great experience. Most of these guys had yet to see me play, so it was cool to go out there and actually play for them, play for the manager and learn from the veterans.”

Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel spends time in the summer watching the organization’s minor league clubs. He is high on Quinn.

“He’s got talent like Jimmy Rollins,” Manuel said. “He’s capable of 50 or 60 steals. (The injuries are) a shame. He was really putting his game together last year when he got hurt. He was getting bunt hits and hitting it all over the field. He’s got some power, like Jimmy . . . and he’s an energetic player. He wants to run on the bases and in the outfield.”

A natural righthanded hitter, Quinn began switch-hitting in pro ball and believes that skill is starting to click.

“I feet like a natural switch-hitter for the first time,” he said. “I am recognizing the ball better, seeing it better, making more solid contact.”

The Phillies had not decided whether Quinn would open back at Double-A or be pushed to Triple A Lehigh Valley.

PHIL-UPS

• Outfielder Nick Williams finished a stint in big league camp on a high note. He doubled and homered in his last four at-bats.

• Rule 5 pick Tyler Goeddel could end up in the Opening Day outfield after Aaron Altherr injured his wrist and could miss as many as six months.