Mike Lieberthal

2013

There was no outlook written for Mike Lieberthal.

2008

Lieberthal received just 77 at-bats in relief of ironman Russell Martin in 2007, so perhaps the rust can be blamed for his .234 average that included just one RBI. Lieberthal turns 36 in January and appears to be near the end of the line. He'll probably catch on somewhere as a backup in 2008, but his diminished skills leave him with little upside at this point in his career.

2007

Lieberthal had a good last two months of the year, but that was about all that went well with his 2006 season. He suffered from left knee, hip and back problems and has a chronically sore right knee. After the season he had surgery for an abdominal muscle problem. The Dodgers signed him to back up Russ Martin.

2006

Lieberthal suffered through another slow start, hitting .231 with a .683 OPS in the first half before improving those numbers to .304 and .848 after the break to salvage an otherwise disappointing season. His right knee has bothered him ever since he tore his ACL in 2001, sapping his power and limiting him 100-120 games a year. He'll retain his starting job as long as he's healthy, but it's hard to see him hitting 20 homers again even if he is a tough competitor.

2005

After a .174 April, Lieberthal got it going and finished with decent totals. His 17 HR were third-most for catchers in the NL, and the third-highest mark of his career. He wasn't helped by the reputed bandbox Citizens Bank Park: he hit .242-8-36 at home, .300-9-25 on the road. A .142 average with RISP didn't help. Lieberthal has also declined in throwing out runners, but he's a solid player who will play regularly for another couple of years.

2004

Lieberthal was the most consistent Phillie from the start to the end last season. Lieberthal has the advantage of entering 2004 with a full spring training (Lieberthal was recovering from a pelvic injury in 2003 spring training) and playing on real grass, unlike the Vet's Astro-turf, for a full season.

2003

Coming back from reconstructive knee surgery, Lieberthal overcame a slow start and convinced the club to sign him to a four-year contract extension. They are committed to him and he will start most of the games. Didn't homer after August 23rd last year, but still provides acceptable production at catcher.