A Rookie 3rd Baseman Arrives in Philadelphia

Cody Asche began his July as a Lehigh Valley IronPig and ended it as the Phillies starting 3rd baseman. Breaking into the majors is never easy -- but in Philadelphia, a young player at the hot corner knows he's manning the same position and in the same uniform as Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, arguably the greatest overall 3rd baseman ever.
The suburban St. Louis product has impressed the past three years whiile climbing through the Phillies farm system. Now comes the greatest challenge -- proving he belongs in the majors and doing it for a club that's gone backwards after a run of five consecutive playoff appearances (including the 2008 World Series championship).
If you were lucky enough to get his autograph in Syracuse before the doubleheader on July 4th, hold onto that ball. He won't be a secret to the baseball world for much longer.

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