Mike Lieberthal

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.