Real estate is all about location. That’s not so just in town or at the shore but in the Phillies’ clubhouse. When the Phillies dealt Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton and Hunter Pence at the trade deadline in late July, there was some prized property available. Vance Worley pounced on the opportunity.
Vanimal moved from the locker closest to the clubhouse exit to a spot very close to the players’ lounge, which is the prime zone. Worley dresses alongside Roy Halladay, Jimmy Rollins and Jonathan Papelbon.
“I feel like I’m in a duplex in an area loaded with mansions,” Worley said. “I’ve been asked how much rent I pay there. I admit that I’m bringing the value down.”
Worley jokes about being the new kid in a fancy neighborhood but the reason he left his old digs is no laughing matter. Apparently, Worley doesn’t just have to worry about runners stealing bases.
“I had some things taken from my old locker,” Worley said. “I guarantee you that nobody will steal anything from where I am now. I had a brand new glove stolen from me this year. I didn’t even touch it. It was on my seat one day and the next day it was gone.”
Worley was really creeped out when a game-used autographed ball by Marlins closer Heath Bell was lifted from his locker last season
“Three weeks after it was taken, I received a package with the ball and a letter apologizing [for the theft], Worley said. “The guy left his name and address. I don’t know what he was expecting from me.”
Worley didn’t correspond with the thief.
“I left it at that,” Worley said. “This guy just said he was a really big Phillies fan and it’s just strange. Somehow he got in here … but now I feel more secure now that I’m in a better spot in the clubhouse.
“I don’t miss my old spot. I arrived a day later than everyone here when I returned from Clearwater and I guess they figured that I wanted to remain where I was but I’m much happier here.”
Phils 4, Reds 2
Much-hyped prospect Tyler Cloyd earned his first MLB win yesterday after tossing seven strong innings. The 25-year-old allowed one run on four hits, while fanning nine.
The Phils (65-70) have won four of their last five and sit eight games back for the final wild card spot.
