With fans busy paying attention to names like Jonathan Papelbon andJimmy Rollins, Ruben Amaro has been working diligently to fix anotherpart of the Phillies:?the bench.After signing Jim Thome to a one-year deal on Nov. 4, Amaro has nowtraded for Colorado utilityman Ty Wigginton. The Phillies will send cashor a player to be named later to Denver for the services of the34-year-old veteran.Wigginton, who hit .242 with 15 home runs and 47 RBI in 2011, is acareer .265 hitter in 10 seasons with the Mets, Pirates, Orioles, Astrosand Rockies.The Phillies presumably like Wigginton for a number of reasons. Forstarters, he is a right-handed bat with some pop. Wigginton owns acareer .274 average against lefties. He’s also hit 158 career home runs,including 22 with the Orioles in 2010.Wigginton is also versatile. He has the ability to play both cornerinfield spots, and can fill in at second base and in the outfield.Wigginton can be considered as insurance for health-deprived Ryan Howardand Placido Polanco, and will be an asset off the bench.
