Dom Brown, Still Prospect or Bust?

                While quite a few members of the Phillies organization need to prove themselves on the field in 2013 to show that 2012 was just a down year, perhaps no one needs a big season more than Dom Brown.  While he is still only 25 years old, 2013 could be a make-or-break year for Brown.
While he was only drafted in the 20th round in 2006, Brown quickly worked his way through the minor leagues and to the top of the Phillies prospect list.  After a 2010 season that saw him hit .327 with 20 home runs in the minor leagues, and get his first taste at the major league level, Brown made his way up to the number 4 ranking for MLB heading into 2011.  Since then, however, the road has not been smooth for Brown as he has been frequently injured and failed to produce in his time with the Phillies.  In his time in the majors spread over the past three seasons, Brown has had only a .236 batting average with 12 home runs.  These numbers have proved to be thoroughly disappointing for a former top prospect who was viewed so highly.  While his batting has  not been up to par, his fielding has also been lackluster at best.  Brown often seems to make mental mistakes in the field either getting a late break on the ball, bobbling it, or air-mailing his throws.  A player with all the tools Brown is gifted with should be able to perform to a much higher standard so one has to wonder if Brown has some mental block or if he simply needs more regular at-bats.
                  This spring, Brown will have every opportunity to finally win a starting role for the long-term.  With Ben Revere figuring to be the only lock for the opening day outfield, as Delmon Young may start the season on DL, Brown will be vying for one of possibly two starting spots against the likes of John Mayberry Jr., Laynce Nix, and up-and-comer Darin Ruf.  Out of the competition Brown is actually the youngest at 25 years old, as Ruf was a late-bloomer who is 26.  So the time has come for Dom Brown to finally step-up to the plate literally and figuratively speaking.  This will be the most important Spring Training in Browns young life and he will be given every opportunity to win a starting role.  Perhaps a 500 at-bat season is what Brown finally needs to get in a groove and prove that he is as good as advertised, but this will be his chance to either quiet his critics or prove them right.  In 2013 we may finally discover if Dom Brown is still an up-and-coming prospect or simply a bust.  For the team, organization, and the fans lets hope its the former.  Go Phils!