Brown showing he’s ready for starting job

Domonic Brown leads all major-leaguers with 21 runs scored and is tied for second with six home runs this spring.

The outfield for the Phillies on paper is a complete mess.

It is a puzzle with several pieces to find a fit.

One part of the picture is clear: Ben Revere is starting in center field. But what about the corners?

Is Darin Ruf ready for the major-leagues full-time? Tough to say. The 26-year-old first baseman turned outfielder has struggled at the plate and in the field this spring.

Will Delmon Young be healthy in time for Opening Day? Hard to believe, Harry, especially considering he hasn't seen any playing time this spring.

Can the Phillies get away with a platoon of John Mayberry Jr. and Laynce Nix in one, if not both of the corner outfield spots? It would be a difficult task.

One of the offseason questions getting a strong and positive answer is the one regarding the fifth outfielder in question: Domonic Brown. The 24-year-old hot-shot prospect may be finally making his mark.

He has belted home runs, six of them so far, and all have traveled plenty deep for any major-league park. That is also good enough for second in all of baseball this spring.

He has consistently reached base and scored runs as a result. His 21 runs scored lead all major-leaguers in spring play.

His .397 batting average is also a far cry from recent spring tryouts. 

All this has happened in 22 games.

The player who was supposed to be the next big thing for the Phillies when he was initially called up in 2010 may be finally living up to his potential.

This isn't the regular season but Brown looks like a man on a mission, a player with a goal. He knows at least one, if not two starting jobs are up for grabs this spring. It is apparent based on his torrid start that he wants one of those spots.

It remains to be seen how Brown will play once he faces full major-league talent or gets regular appearances in regular-season action.

But if this is supposed to be a tryout, Brown has passed the audition with flying colors to this point. At the very least, he should be giving a starting job. Time will only tell if he has earned it for good.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.