Cleveland Indians: 7 Second Basemen Between Jason Kipnis And Roberto Alomar

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Jul 12, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Cole Gillespie (28) is forced out at second base by Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) during the fourth inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

A kid by the name of Brandon Phillips got a taste of the big leagues in 2002. One of the top ranked prospects in the Expos system, Phillips came to Cleveland along with Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee in the trade that sent Bartolo Colon to Montreal.

At 21, Phillips did OK for a wide-eyed youngster making his first trip to the show. He slashed .258/.343/.419 in 11 games and 36 plate appearances.

He continued to impress in Spring Training the next season, but when the games started to count, Phillips faltered. He played in 112 games during the 2002 campaign and slashed .208/.242/.311. he struck out 77 times while only drawing 14 walks.

Phillips never got on track in Cleveland, and clashed with then manager Eric Wedge. He was traded just after the start of the 2006 season for a player who turned out to be Jeff Stevens.

Phillips went on to be an All-Star Gold Glove second baseman for the Cincinnati Reds.

Next: Ronnie Belliard

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