PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Hunter Pence’s name was on the lineup board well before he arrived at the ballpark.
The Philadelphia Phillies were so eager to have the two-time All-Star join their team that manager Charlie Manuel wrote his name down before Pence even showed up and put on the red pinstripes.
The Phillies, seeking their third NL pennant in four years and second World Series title, acquired Pence from the Houston Astros for three prospects and a player to be named late Friday night.
Just like that, Pence went from the team with the worst record in the majors to the one with the best. He was batting fifth, playing right field and wearing No. 3 against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night.
